Human Computer Interaction Theories and Applications

Assignment 1

Please answer all essay questions considering the literature available. Your answer should be
based on good reading done about the topic. Each answer should have a minimum of 500 words
with references.

1. Explain the proximity-compatibility principle and give an example of its application in

interface design. State your reference for this answer.
2. What are the three components of working memory?
3. When does interference occur in the working memory?
4. What factors affect our working memory?
5. What was Miller’s research on the capacity of our short-term memory?
6. In a typical day of driving at EDSA, the following situations are expected:
Driving situation and typical action Probability
A vehicle suddenly stops in front and you have to hit the brake 0.20
There is a pothole on the road and you need to turn your wheel to the right 0.125
There is a pothole on the road and you need to turn your wheel to the left 0.125
A person suddenly crosses the road and you need to hit the brake 0.10
A vehicle on the other lane is blocking your way and you need to blow your horn 0.10
A vehicle in front of you is traveling very slow and you need to turn your wheel to the
left 0.05
You are approaching an intersection and you need to hit the brake to slow down 0.05
There are no visible problems on the road and you just need to step on the accelerator 0.25

What is the average amount of information conveyed to the driver? Assume that the actions
indicated in each driving situation are mutually exclusive.

2. The following information was obtained in a reaction time experiment. Reaction time is
measured in millisecond. Each subject is required to make the correct choice given several
options. Each option is equally probable. What is the predictive equation of reaction time
according to Hick-Hyman Law?

Reaction Time Number of

(ms) options
200 2
800 3
1200 4
1500 5
1900 6