1. Consider software applications that you regularly use that have menu interfaces, whether they be PC- or mainframe-based applications. Evaluate these applications in terms of the menu design guidelines outlined in Table 11-1 of our textbook.

2. Consider the possible design of a registration system for a hotel aimed at front-desk hotel employees. Following the design specification items in Fig. 11-2, briefly describe the relevant users, tasks, and displays involved in such a system.

3. Imagine the possible design of a system used to register students at a university. Discuss the user, task, system, and environmental characteristics (see Table 10-10 of our textbook) that should be considered when designing the interface for such a system.

4. For the three common methods of system interaction –command language, menus, and objects– recall a software package that you have used recently and list what you liked and disliked about the package with regards to the interface. What were the strengths and weaknesses of each interaction method for this particular program? Which type of interaction do you prefer for which circumstances? Which type do you believe will become most prevalent? Why?

5. Briefly describe three or more different business tasks that are good candidates for form-based interaction within an information system.

6. Propose three or more specific settings where natural language interaction would be particularly useful and explain why.

7. Examine the help systems for three or more software applications that you use. Evaluate each using the general guidelines provided in Table 12-11 of our textbook.

8. List four contributing factors that have acted to impede the design of high-quality interfaces and dialogues on Internet-based applications.