AHIC Human-Computer Interaction, Usability and Human Factors

Question 1

A usability specialist asks clinicians to say aloud what they are thinking while they complete tasks in a new EHR order-entry screen. Which usability method is this?

Accepted Answer

Think-aloud protocol

Answer

In a think-aloud protocol, representative users verbalize their thoughts while performing tasks. This exposes confusion and mental-model mismatches in real time. Heuristic evaluation is done by experts against design principles, not by users narrating.

Question 2

Which of the following is one of Nielsen's usability heuristics?

Accepted Answer

Visibility of system status

Answer

Visibility of system status means the system keeps users informed about what is happening through timely feedback. It is one of Nielsen's ten heuristics, which also include error prevention, consistency and recognition rather than recall.

Question 3

A hospital sees many wrong-patient orders because two patients with similar names appear next to each other on a list. Which design-focused response best fits human factors engineering?

Accepted Answer

Add distinguishing identifiers and patient-name alerts to the interface

Answer

Human factors engineering fixes error-prone system design rather than blaming users. Adding clear identifiers or look-alike name alerts reduces the chance of slips. Training alone is a weaker intervention.

Question 4

In usability testing, which metric best reflects 'efficiency'?

Accepted Answer

Time or number of steps needed to complete a task

Answer

Efficiency is the resources used to accomplish a task, usually measured by time on task or number of clicks or steps. Effectiveness is whether users succeed, and satisfaction is how they feel about the system.

Question 5

Which approach involves end users throughout design, with repeated prototyping and testing?

Accepted Answer

User-centered design

Answer

User-centered design places users' needs and tasks at the center. It iterates through requirements gathering, prototyping and evaluation with real users.

(AHIC) AMIA Health Informatics Certification Practice Test

(AHIC) AMIA Health Informatics Certification Practice Test

AHIC Human-Computer Interaction, Usability and Human Factors