For this exercise choose a user interface to analyze.  An interface is what the user sees and manipulates to get access to the information.  Certain interfaces are so common nowadays that we don't think twice about them. But that is what I'm asking you to do--think twice.

Here are some examples of interfaces that you might analyze: a technical manual, a TV Guide, a television news show, a talk show, a musical CD cover, a sports magazine.

EXERCISE: Answer the following questions. 

1.  What do we take for granted when we read a book, watch a television show,  tune into a radio station?  What elements do we expect will be there?  

2.  How is the user encouraged to explore the information? What choices are available?

3.   How is the information grouped? How is importance signaled? How is association or contrast signaled? 

4.  What is made easily accessible and what is made less easily accessible?

E-mail your exercise to me.

This exercise is worth 10 points.

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