INLS 62 Class Notes

Day 17: Oct. 25

1. One minute papers

What is an embedded menu?

Are binary or single structure menus better in webpages?

2D menus allow more flexible space mapping

social consequences of technology?

2.complete Menus and other inputs (chapter 7)

design considerations

map mechanisms to structure

use selection standards

use breadth rather than depth

group and sequence logically (similarity, exhaustively—all cases, exclusively—no overlaps)

name appropriately (terminology, consistency)

maintain stability (avoid automatic adaptation)

provide shortcuts (type ahead, keystroke, bookmark, macros)

allow undo, go back

dialog boxes must have an easy dismiss function

Form fill ins

Clear, consistent instructions are crucial

Similar guidelines as menus

Give feedback (cursor)

Give clear prompts (start, stop)

Allow easy corrections

Give clear error messages or traps

Distinguish optional and mandatory fields

Use data standards (dates, times, state abbreviations, money, etc.)

Small form factor considerations

Breaking down complex menus into discrete units (more….)

Crucial functions to surface

Choosing good defaults

3. Command and natural languages

command languages (vocabulary, grammar)

programming languages

deferred execution (e.g., Fortran, Java, C)

immediate execution (e,g., Unix, SQL, HTTP requests)

language structure

single command

command plus arguments (and optional modifiers)

hierarchical

Natural language input (voice commands)

familiar interaction style

many limitations (time, ambiguity)

one of many for practiced users

Searching with full text queries (ask jeeves vs google)

Full text vs index language iteration 2

4. One minute paper: post to blog

1. main point you learned today
2. main unanswered question you left class with