You don’t need to go far to find a frustrated computer user. Often it will be because they find the interface difficult to use. Designing good interfaces has become an important industry, and successful products often depend on having excellent interfaces.
This activity explores just how hard it is to get things right.
Activity description (PDF)
Translations and other versions
- PPT slides for a fun exercise in frustrating interfaces based on the Stroop effect (in 5 languages)
- Chinese Language Version
- Polish language version
- Italian version of the Stroop Effect slides, courtesy of Gabriele Zorzi
Videos
Photos
Sam demonstrating the Stroop effect
Related Resources
- More activities and lessons:
- Try Engineering has an activity called EEEEK- A Mouse! which explores the concept of how engineering solved the problem of human/computer interface. Students disassemble a mouse and explore the movement on the X/Y axis that determines mouse positioning. Students explore design enhancements to the mouse over time, and as a team of “engineers” add further enhancements to current mouse design. Download Full Lesson Plan and Student Worsksheets.
- PPT slides for a fun exercise in frustrating interfaces based on the Stroop effect (in 5 languages).
- Italian version of the Stroop Effect slides, courtesy of Gabriele Zorzi.
- CS4FN has the following online activities/articles that demonstrates concepts in HCI:
- If you want to find out more:
Curriculum Links
Great Principles of Computer Science [info]
- Communication, Design, Evaluation
New Zealand Curriculum [info]
Mathematics Level 1: Number strategies
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- Understand that technological outcomes are products or systems developed by people and have a physical nature and a functional nature.
- Understand that technology is purposeful intervention through design.
