Office of Digital Humanities

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DigHT 310
Interface Design Assignment

Objective: Start to notice and think about graphical interface design. Learn to tell good design decisions from poor ones.

You will look at computer applications (Mac or Windows) and web pages to find an example of a well-designed graphical user interface (GUI) and an example of a poorly designed interface. At least one of your examples must come from a regular desktop application (think Word, LiveCode, or an Instant Messaging application, for example.) The other example can come from a web site if your wish. Find examples of...

1. A graphical user interface or one element of a GUI you consider to be well designed.
• Be prepared to show an example of this interface element.
• Tell why it is well designed.
2. A graphical user interface or one element of a GUI you consider to be poorly designed.
• Be prepared to show an example of this interface element.
• Tell why it is poorly designed. (How does it make the program harder to use or understand.)
• Tell how it could be improved.

  Bonus points if you build working examples in LiveCode!

You may wish to explore the links and references in the reading for ideas.

You will present your examples in class, as well as turning them in the the Assignment Drop folder. Due next class period.