Homework #2 -- Instructions

Due per date indicated on class calendar

This homework is to be done as an individual assignment only!

You are strongly advised to use Internet Explorer as the browser of choice for using the UAF Explorer (at http://hemlock.cs.vt.edu/uaftools) in this assignment.

Netscape is known to have problems with this site.

We have selected 20 critical incidents (or usability problems) from the master list of critical incidents for the NY Ticket Kiosk (which is also posted on the class web site). The selected list for this homework is posted separately.

1. Using the User Action Framework Explorer tool (URL given in class: http://hemlock.CS.vt.edu/uaftools), classify each of the 20 critical-incidents/usability-problems from the list in this way:

· Follow the method we demonstrated in class, using the UAF Explorer tool.

· Treat each problem as a separate problem (not combining related problems this time).

· State your classification result for each problem in terms of the pathname within the UAF, as we did in class. The best notation for a path name is to go from highest to lowest level, separating nodes names with a slash. When a node name contains a slash, use the word "or" instead to clarify. E.g., Translation / meaning or effectiveness / determinability. Following the path name put a colon and all Causative Factors that apply. E.g., Translation / presentation / perceptual issues: bandwidth issues, perceptual disabilities and limitations.

· There is not always one "correct" answer. With this kind of classification, "correctness" is more a question of reliability, how similar are your results to the "norm" as seen over large numbers of other qualified classifiers.

· You should give a very brief rationale for why you chose the way you classified each problem.

· If you think it is a toss-up between two classification categories, give both as your answer – each with its own rationale. (Don't give more than two possibilities, please.)

· Grading will be based first on how well your classification matches the expected norm.

· If your classification doesn't match, then we look at your rationale and any second choices. If one of your choices is a good match, you will get at least partial credit. If your choice is not a match to the "norm" but your rationale is good, you can get up to full credit.

2. Give any comments you have in the way of feedback on the UAF Explorer tool itself. Try to be specific and reference design guidelines where you can.