Final Exam

Instructions: This is a take-home exam, enabling you to reference all of the readings from this class. However, you must answer each question in your own words. Do not quote any of the readings. You are not repeating what is in the readings, you are applying the concepts from the readings. These questions require you to use your creativity and dig deeper by drawing from discussions we have had in class. Each question requires at minimum a one paragraph answer, but there is no space limit.

1. Describe the card sorting method. Choosing a website as an example, explain what kind of information you would learn about its usability by using the card sorting method, and how you would then use that information to improve the website.

2. Explain what went wrong with one product we have discussed as being controversial or a failure. If you were the designer of this product from day one, describe how you would have used methods you have learned in this class to prevent the unfortunate outcome.

3. Create a persona for the Lindy Center stakeholder (e.g., student, faculty, community partner) that you focused on in your group project. Include all of the important information that should be in a persona for it to be useful during design work (except for the image, which you can exclude given the limitations of this format).

4. Explain the purpose of having evaluation methods that involve users, as well as those that do not involve users. Providing examples, discuss some pros and cons of user evaluation and expert evaluation.

5. Drexel comes to you saying that they will replace Blackboard Learn with a system you get to design yourself. Using Norman's double- diamond model of design, explain the process you would use so that the resulting system would provide Drexel students with the best possible experience.

6. Describe Mark Weiser's concept of ubiquitous computing and why it was so innovative when it was introduced. In what ways do you think we have achieved his vision today? In what ways do you think we have not?

7. Discuss what you have learned about using paper prototypes for user testing. What advice would you give to someone about the best ways to prepare, what to say (or not say) to the user during the test, how to interpret the results of the test, and how to ensure you get the most useful information out of the test overall?

8. What did you learn about preparing user tests, by doing your project work? What advice would you give to someone about usertesting.com, and how to get the most useful data from it for their client?