CMSC 434 - Spring 2007
Prof Guimbretiere

Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction


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Homework #2: Persona and their Goals (100 points)
(Due 09/24/07)

At each step, explain your answer, as appropriate.

  1. Choose one of the following types of devices.  Write your choice at the top of the page.

    1. PDA

    2. Cell phones

    3. MP3 players

    4. Digital cameras

  2. Choose two different instances aimed at different user populations (e.g. an inexpensive low-end product and an expensive high-end product).

  3. For each instance, answer each of the following:

    1. Who are the intended personas (list one primary and one secondary persona)?  (5 points/instance)

    2. For each persona, which goals are served by the device?  List at least 3 for each persona and describe how well the device design serves each goal. (14 points/instance)

    3. Choose two more possible personas.  Describe how well (or badly) each persona will be served by the instance. (6 points/instance)

  4. Choose one of the instances.  Write which one you're choosing.

  5. For each of the goals given for your chosen instance, describe a way to improve the user experience while performing that goal.  Your suggestions for improvements should stay within likely real-life constraints (budget, production, size, etc.). (10 points)

  6. Sketch the device after your proposed changes.  You can make one sketch, several small sketches, or a storyboard, just so long as your ideas are clear. (15 points)

  7. Create a 1-page magazine advertisement for your improved device.  The ad should be targeted to your chosen persona and should fit in a magazine appropriate for that persona.  A black and white document is fine.  Illustrations are not necessarily required, but will probably help drive your message. (20 points)

  8. Is this device providing features serving impractical goals ? Why? (5 points)

Please submit all of this together to the TA in the form of an email with a single attachment (PDF or DOC).

 

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