In the design of any user interface, the best approach is to perform iterative review and refinement based on feedback from your
target audience during many stages of development. For this assignment, you will review the alpha version of the CIMEL multimedia framework,
and proposed revisions for a beta version. You will also look at two other user interfaces: an early version of The Universal Machine,
and ProgramLive, a multimedia introduction to Java programming. Here's where you can find everything:

• http://cimel.cse.lehigh.edu/ch5.htm is the alpha version of CIMEL. (Note: CIMEL requires Microsoft IE 5 or higher. Also, it will only work well on high bandwidth connections, so it is strongly recommended that you look at it on campus.) Before logging in, click on the Introduction button to learn more about the user interface. You may log in as "guest", with password "guest".
• http://www.cse.lehigh.edu/~glennb/mm/CIMELbetaUI.ppt is a PowerPoint presentation of proposals for a beta version, in response to feedback from focus groups at the end of last semester.
• http://www.datadesk.com/ProgramLive/features.shtml shows the features of ProgramLive.
• http://www.cse.lehigh.edu/~glennb/mm/pics/UMprotoStartingConsole.jpg shows the opening screen of a prototype user interface for The Universal Machine (designed before the current user interface, which you have seen). http://www.cse.lehigh.edu/~glennb/mm/pics/UMprotoFeatures.jpg shows some of the features, notably an animated Probe button which brings up "probe" exercises, the Knobby "assistant" who provides help, a menu of system functions, and the program console which provides access to a Knobby's World and a C++ programming environment. http://www.cse.lehigh.edu/~glennb/mm/pics/UMFullView.jpg shows a menu and sample content in "full screen" mode.

Write a 2-4 page critique of these different user interface designs. ique (2-3 pages).

Some things to keep in mind when evaluating the different user interfaces:

• Experience. How well does each interface immerse the user in an environment, increasing interest, exploration, and retention? How well does each interface communicate its goals to its intended audience? How effective is the "look and feel" of each interface? E.g., What experience does the UM prototype try to give and how well does it target its intended audience? Similarly, ProgramLive? What experience did the E.g., what are the relative advantages of using simple square buttons or pictoral icons in the beta version of the CIMEL interface -- which is more desirable? Is the "Just the Facts" mode a good idea?
• Usability. Are all of the necessary functions available and adequately accessible? Are there functions which are missing or which are unnecessary? E.g., are the tracks and bookmarks functions useful enough to warrant incorporation in the beta version of the CIMEL interface?
• Simplicity (less is more, transparency). Simplicity is often a tradeoff with usability (as far as providing all of the necessary functionality). Which design(s) achieve a good balance of simplicity and usability?
• Context. Does well does each user interface provide for asense of progress through the multimedia? E.g., are the check marks on the track list of the CIMEL beta version an adequate way to show progress?

These questions do not necessarily have definitive answers, so it's important that you justify your reasoning clearly. E.g., don't just state your opinions, explain why.

Some grading criteria:

• Interesting title ("Comparison of User Interfaces" is pretty boring).
• Organization, correctness of spelling and grammar, and writing style.
• Discussion of criteria and questions raised above.
• Critical, insightful discussion of strengths and weaknesses of different user interface designs.
  

Due: Monday, February 25. Submit it via the CourseInfo site.