Chapter 3: Guidelines, Principles, and Theories
Discussion Topics with Answers
1. Give a brief explanation of the Eight Golden Rules of Interface Design. State an
example you have seen on a device, computer interface or web site that violates
those rules.
The Eight Golden Rules of Interface Design are listed here (also see DTUI6
Section 3.4 of DTUI6):
2. Don Norman suggests organizing screens and menus functionally, designing
commands and menu choices to be distinctive, and making it difficult for users to
take irreversible actions. Norman also says to provide feedback about the state of
the interface (e.g., changing the cursor to show whether a map interface is in zoom–
in or select mode) and designing for consistency of actions (e.g., ensuring that
Yes/No buttons are always displayed in the same order). State one example you
have seen where you know these rules have been violated. Although this is crucial to
a user interfaces success, suggest why there may be challenges to implement some
of Norman’s guidelines.
3. Clarify the difference among guidelines, principles and theories.
4. What are “accessibility guidelines”? Discuss progress from organization(s) that are
taking the lead. State a few example guidelines.
Significant progress has been made by organizations sensitive to those with
special needs. Visit these web sites to show progress to date and examples:
5. What is the difference between micro-HCI theories and macro-HCI theories?