UX Interaction Design Principles 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does Hick's Law state about decision-making in UX?
- The time to make a decision increases with the number and complexity of choices (Correct answer)
- Users always choose the first option presented to them
- Longer text takes more time to read than shorter text
- Decision speed improves with repeated practice
Correct answer: The time to make a decision increases with the number and complexity of choices
Hick's Law establishes that more choices lead to longer decision times, guiding designers to simplify menus and reduce unnecessary options.
Question 2: In interaction design, what is a 'mental model'?
- A user's internal understanding of how a system works based on prior experience (Correct answer)
- A designer's sketch of an interface layout
- A cognitive map created during usability testing
- A diagram of the system's backend architecture
Correct answer: A user's internal understanding of how a system works based on prior experience
A mental model is the user's internal representation of how a product works, formed from past experience and expectations that guide their interaction.
Question 3: What is 'direct manipulation' in interaction design?
- Interacting with objects directly on screen rather than through abstract commands (Correct answer)
- A user testing technique where moderators guide participants
- Editing design files without version control
- Bypassing a confirmation dialog in a form
Correct answer: Interacting with objects directly on screen rather than through abstract commands
Direct manipulation lets users interact with on-screen objects—drag, resize, swipe—seeing immediate results, making interfaces feel natural and transparent.
Question 4: What does the acronym 'WIMP' stand for in interaction design?
- Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointer (Correct answer)
- Web Interface Model Protocol
- Workflow Integration and Mapping Process
- Widget Interaction Measurement Practice
Correct answer: Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointer
WIMP describes the dominant desktop GUI paradigm—Windows, Icons, Menus, and Pointer—that became standard with graphical operating systems.
Question 5: Which interaction design concept describes the feeling that using a product is too slow or cumbersome relative to the task?
- Friction (Correct answer)
- Latency
- Cognitive dissonance
- Error recovery
Correct answer: Friction
Friction in UX refers to unnecessary resistance in the user experience—extra steps, confusing controls, or slow responses—that impedes task completion.
Question 6: What does 'reversibility' in interaction design ensure?
- Users can undo actions, reducing fear of making mistakes (Correct answer)
- Animations can be replayed in reverse
- Designs can be exported to multiple formats
- Color schemes can be swapped between light and dark modes
Correct answer: Users can undo actions, reducing fear of making mistakes
Reversibility (or undo) empowers users to explore fearlessly by allowing them to recover from mistakes without permanent consequences.
UX Interaction Design Principles 2
What does Hick's Law state about decision-making in UX?