All due dates are on the class calendar.
The objective of this homework is to make you think and analyze devices or software which we use in everyday life. For this homework, pick any device (e.g. your cell phone, your remote control, your PDA, etc.) or any commonly used software (e.g. Microsoft Word, Photoshop, etc.) or any regularly accessed site (e.g. VT library page, ebay.com, etc.) and perform a critical analysis of it. You are not expected to use HCI concepts, principles, or guidelines the system uses or breaks. At this point in the course I understand that you are not in a position to do such scientific evaluation or analysis. Just describe in your own words why you think the system you choose is good or bad. However, remember that we are not concerned that much about the functionality of the system. We are mostly concerned with the design, the user interface, ease of use, etc. For example there might be systems that have the capability to do a lot of things but be very hard to use by the users for which the system was intended or designed.
This is an individual assignment and Virginia Tech Honor Code is in effect. Your report can be a maximum of 4 pages long. On the cover page, include the following information in that order:
Provide your detailed analysis in the next two pages. You should provide strong arguments as to why the system is good or bad. You have only two pages to provide these arguments (10-12 point size, Times New Roman font, 1.5 spacing, single-sided, minimum 1 inch borders). Be very clear and avoid verbosity. Use bullets effectively.
You can use the 4th page for annotated pictures. Using images is optional. If you opt to use images, don't try to put too many small images to make a point.
Pick a system that is commonly used in everyday university life that you either strongly like or dislike. Try to analyze why you like or dislike that system focusing on design and user interface. For example you can say that you like the Virginia Tech homepage because it has the most accessed options on a menu that is clearly visible, etc. But on the other hand you cannot say that you dislike the CNN news site because you don't like the content on the page or because you think CNN does biased news reporting.
First introduce the system in a paragraph or two. Describe how many times you use the system daily and for what purpose. Next, provide a brief description of your stand on the system (you like or dislike it). Then proceed to provide evidence to support your stand. You can use pictures to make your point but remember to refer to them in the text. You can also compare the system to similar ones in the market to make a point.
The last part of your two page report should be a high-level summary and thoughts about how to make the system better.
Proofread your report several times to make sure there are no typos or language errors.