Questions for lesson 1

1
Questions for lesson 1

• Brain Vs Computer

2
General

• Describe five ways in which the operation of the
  brain differs from that of a computer and give an
  example in each case.

3
Control

• Does the brain have a central processing area
  similar to a computers CPU? How is activity in
  the brain controlled?
• Name one disadvantage of centralized control
• Name one advantage of shared control
• What does the term autonomy mean when applied
  to neural sub-systems?

4
Parallel input

• How can the brain respond so quickly to complex
  tasks when its components (neurons) are so slow?

5
Multi-level

• How does the brain balance speed of and
  complexity in responding?
• What is the advantage of this?
• What is blindsight?
• How does multi-level processing affect MM design?

Simple primitive systems, which are fast, are
overlaid rather than replaced by more complex
systems. Primitive systems can still operate if
necessary. Advantage is adaptability (both fast
and complex responses) and reliability (lower
systems can take over if necessary)- Must design
for both fast and slow responses
6
Memory

• Describe two important ways in which human memory
  differs from computer memory.
• Show how a common web technique matches the way
  human memory works
• What is access by content? What is its main an
  advantage? (flexible access)

(more flexible, less certain, hypertext)
7
Interactive

• Why are passive web sites (sites that dont
  change according to what the user does) less
  interesting to people?
• Give an example of how a web site can be
  interactive

(people are process driven - require feedback)
8
Question

• Why is it important to consider more than one
  aspect of a web sites effect on people?
• Give examples

(people process via many channels and at many
levels)
9
Human approach

• Why is it important to design information systems
  with human nature in mind? (give three reasons)
• Explain how multi-media systems fit human nature

(effective, acceptable, easy to learn)