INF1520 Assignment
3 (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) 2024 - DUE
15 July 2024 ; 100%
TRUSTED workings,
explanations and
solutions.
, Question 1 [13] 1.1 Explain why the keys on a computer keyboard
are arranged in the order of QWERTY. (4) 1.2 There are,
potentially, many mistakes that designers can make when designing
interfaces. Specify what are the most problematic mistakes
designers make. (3) 1.3 Name and explain three common design
mistakes users make when designing interfaces? (6)
1.1 Explain why the keys on a computer keyboard are arranged
in the order of QWERTY. (4)
The QWERTY keyboard layout was designed by Christopher
Latham Sholes in the 1870s for mechanical typewriters. The reasons
for its arrangement include:
1. Mechanical Jamming Prevention: Early typewriters had
mechanical arms that could jam if neighboring keys were
pressed in rapid succession. By placing frequently used letter
pairs apart, the likelihood of jamming was reduced.
2. Efficiency for Typists: While not necessarily the most
efficient layout by modern standards, QWERTY became
popular because it allowed typists to type quickly without
frequent jams.
3. Historical Standardization: Over time, QWERTY became
the standard due to its widespread adoption, making it difficult
to switch to other layouts even if they were more efficient.
4. Training and Skill Retention: Typists trained on QWERTY
keyboards would retain their typing skills, making the
transition to new typing systems unnecessary and impractical.
1.2 There are, potentially, many mistakes that designers can
make when designing interfaces. Specify what are the most
problematic mistakes designers make. (3)