HCI Week 1-2: Perception and Gestalt Laws

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of an input device?

To store data permanently

To process data and create visualizations

To provide data and control signals to a computer (correct)

To display output from a computer

Which type of virtual reality uses large screens and basic motion controls?

Augmented Reality

Fully Immersive VR

Non-Immersive VR

Semi-Immersive VR (correct)

Which of the following is NOT considered an input device?

Monitor (correct)

Microphone

Camera

Keyboard

What is the role of information visualization?

To make data easier to understand through sensory experiences Signup and view all the answers

Which technology was first developed by Morton Heilig in the 1950s?

Sensorama Signup and view all the answers

What principle explains why elements that are close to each other are perceived as a group?

Law of Proximity Signup and view all the answers

Which Gestalt Law describes our ability to perceive a complete image even when parts are missing?

Law of Closure Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of warm colors in color psychology?

They stimulate the viewer. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of typography is NOT included in the definition of typeface?

Weight (boldness) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the psychological primary colors?

Purple Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cone is primarily responsible for detecting colors in the middle of the visible spectrum?

Medium frequency cones Signup and view all the answers

What role does typography serve in graphic design?

It is one of the most important tools for a graphic designer. Signup and view all the answers

Which graphic design tool is specifically recognized for image editing?

Adobe Photoshop Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the vertical space between lines of text in typography?

Line spacing Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT affect our ability to distinguish between colors?

Brightness levels Signup and view all the answers

What does 'resolution' refer to in the context of display technology?

The number of pixels on the screen. Signup and view all the answers

How is typography used to establish visual hierarchy?

By varying font sizes and styles Signup and view all the answers

Which display technology uses a grid of pixels to create images?

Display bitmap screens Signup and view all the answers

What does the Law of Common Region refer to in perception?

Grouping through borders or backgrounds Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of anti-aliasing in display technology?

To soften edges using shades of line color. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following building blocks of graphic design refers to the spacing between design elements?

Space Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Perception

Users interpret visual and informational elements in systems through perception.
Recognition of patterns, colors, shapes, and sounds is crucial for interaction.

Gestalt Laws of Perception

Principles rooted in psychology that explain how we organize visual elements.
Highlights include:
- Law of Proximity: Elements close together are viewed as a group.
- Law of Similarity: Similar shapes, colors, or sizes are perceived as belonging together.
- Law of Closure: Incomplete images are completed by the brain.
- Law of Continuity: Visual paths influence our perception of connected elements.
- Law of Figure/Ground: Differentiating an object from its background.
- Law of Common Region: Enclosing elements visually groups them together.

Typography

Typography is the art of text arrangement for readability and aesthetics.
Distinction between font (style/size) and typeface (design, e.g., Arial).
Key aspects include:
- Font Size: Affects readability.
- Line and Letter Spacing: Vertical space between lines and spacing between characters enhance clarity.
- Text Alignment: Options include left, right, center, and justified.
- Hierarchy & Emphasis: Establishes importance through variations in font size, weight, and style.
- Contrast: Differentiates headings and subheadings visually.

Colors

Colors play a vital role in interpretation and emotional response.
Vision relies on rods (light detection) and cones (color detection).
Three types of cones detect different color frequencies: low, medium, and high frequency.
Factors influencing color distinction:
- Paleness: Harder to distinguish paler colors.
- Patch Size: Smaller patches make colors harder to tell apart.
- Separation: Distinction declines with increased distance between colors.

Color Psychology

Colors evoke specific emotional responses: warm colors stimulate, cool colors relax.
Psychological primary colors include red, blue, yellow, and green.

Graphic Design

Graphic design combines symbols, images, and text for visual communication.
Tools include Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Canva, and Adobe Express.

Graphic Design Building Blocks

Essential components consist of points, lines, shapes, patterns, textures, space, size, typography, color, and images.

Displays

Displays interface users with technology, utilizing various technologies:
- Bitmap Screens (CRT & LCD): Composed of pixel grids; CRT uses cathode ray tubes while LCD uses liquid crystals.
- Resolution: Number of pixels affects display quality.
- Aspect ratio: Width-to-height ratio.
- Color depth: Variety of colors per pixel; jaggies result from low resolution.
- Anti-aliasing: Technique for smoothing edges.

Types of Displays

Large & Situated Displays: Used for presentations and collaborative work, such as plasma screens and projected images.
Digital Paper: Mimics traditional paper.

Prints

Process of reproducing digital content into physical forms.

Information Visualization

Simplifies data comprehension through sensory engagement.

Input Devices

Hardware that sends data and control signals to computers, including keyboards, mice, touchscreens, trackpads, and microphones.

Virtual Reality (VR)

Concept initiated by Morton Heilig in the 1950s with the Sensorama console.
Types of VR include:
- Non-Immersive: Interaction via screens.
- Semi-Immersive: Utilizes large screens with motion tracking.
- Fully Immersive: Involves VR headsets and haptic feedback.
- Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR): Integrate virtual elements with the real world.

Applications of VR

Employed in various sectors such as military, healthcare, education, scientific visualization, and entertainment.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts in Human-Computer Interaction related to perception, including how users interpret visual and informational elements in interfaces. It explores the Gestalt Laws of Perception, focusing on principles like Law of Proximity and Law of Similarity to understand pattern recognition.