Abstract
A program was developed to expose undergraduate Computer Technology students to methods for designing and evaluating user dialogue in interactive software. The class was given an assignment to develop an Interactive program for use by the general public. This was given prior to any experience using concepts in Human Factors, a Standard Development Process, or general guidelines for evaluating the user interface. Task analysis was performed extracting data from video tapes. Formal lecture material on designing user interfaces incorporating good Human Factors was then introduced. Students then were given the opportunity to modify their programs and assess the value of these changes through retesting. Substantial improvements in both transaction performance times and accuracy occurred during the evaluation of the revised applications. This program was an effective method for demonstrating the complexities involved in designing and implementing interactive software.
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