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Assignment 2

The document discusses the evolution of computers from the 1970s to the present, highlighting five generations of development, including the introduction of integrated circuits and microcomputers. It also covers various computing concepts such as distributed systems, ubiquitous computing, and usability, as well as the importance of designing technology for diverse user needs, including seniors and the visually impaired. Additionally, it emphasizes the significance of interaction design and the necessity for efficient internet interaction and multilingual support.

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1 views3 pages

Assignment 2

The document discusses the evolution of computers from the 1970s to the present, highlighting five generations of development, including the introduction of integrated circuits and microcomputers. It also covers various computing concepts such as distributed systems, ubiquitous computing, and usability, as well as the importance of designing technology for diverse user needs, including seniors and the visually impaired. Additionally, it emphasizes the significance of interaction design and the necessity for efficient internet interaction and multilingual support.

Uploaded by

td.mosehla
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Assignment 2

Question 1
Computers have a history dating back before 1970s. Plenty of changes and
evolutions have taken place since the 1970s to the modern era. There thus far
been 5 generations of evolution for computers.

Computers used to be big and fit in a single room, as evolution took place, they
kept getting smaller. From the 1970s is where we have the 3rd generation of
computers that introduced integrated circuits. This is when minicomputers were
made available for mostly corporations and businesses as they were able to buy
softwares for editing and accounting.

The 4th generation then introduced the microcomputers that that characterize
what we have today. The general population was able to attain the
microcomputers for home use because the circuit board could be able to hold the
whole computer system.

The 5th generation to now is all the computer systems we have, laptops, tables,
large storage systems as well as the use of multimedia systems.

Question 2
1.1 Distributed Systems – Multiple Computers that are interconnected through a
network and they can work together to accomplish tasks, share resources,
files and communication.
1.2 Ubiquitous computing (UbiComp) – The use of computing systems into
everyday objects. It enables the Internet of Things such as smart TVs, smart
fridges etc. It can use of artificial intelligence to help users with their intended
use or tasks for that object.
1.3 Gaming – The use of electronic devices (mobile, computers) to play interactive
games. The games range from video games, online games, mobile games.
1.4 Usability – The ease of use of computing devices. This mainly focuses on how
easily a user can use a particular device on a task they what perform.
Question 3
a) The changing notion of the interface
b) Increasing dependency on technology
c) Hyper connectivity
d) Changes in the means of and reasons for recording information
e) Increased creativity through technology

Question 4
a) Colour hue – is the attributes of colour names. It enables us to distinguish
between different colour such red, blue green.
b) Colour lightness – its how much light is reflected from the surface. It
enables contrast between colours.

Question 5
Short term memory – being able to store or retain events and information that
just occurred. Could be something that happened to in the last few minutes.
Long term memory – being able to store information that happened a while ago,
could be days, months and years ago.

When designing systems, the system should make efficient use of user’s short
term memory. It’s hard for user to store many things in their long term memory
as they attain a lot of events and information. We mainly keep things in our short
term memory and forget them after a while, so systems must be able to make
efficient use of the short term memory.

Question 6
Using the mouse requires constant hand-eye coordination and reaction to visual
feedback. This complicates matters for the visually impaired.
Reading and navigating text or objects on a computer screen is a very different
experience for a user that cannot see properly.
Users with partial sight should be allowed to change the size, shape and colour of
the onscreen mouse cursor, and auditory or tactile feedback of actions will be
helpful.
Question 7
The benefits of designing technology for senior citizen is for more improved
chances of productive employment and opportunities to use writing, e-mail and
other computer tools. The benefits also include senior citizens sharing valuable
experience and offer emotional support to others through technology. Senior
citizens can also communicate with their kids and grandkids through email and
social media.

Question 8
The activities involved in interaction design are to permit easy reversal actions.
Reduce short term memory load. Usability, users must be able to easily use the
device efficiently. Strive for consistency. As well as feedback, users must be able
to give feed on the designed product for further improvement and error
reporting.

Question 9
Produce effective and satisfying internet interaction on high speed. The internet
has to be increasingly fast as more and more people communicate and share
resources over the internet.
Supporting easy maintenance of or automatic conversation to multiple languages.
User from all over the world have to able to use the hardware and software in
their own languages to be able to interact properly with the hardware and
software of the computing systems.

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