Examples of poor design - compiled of Steven Mann and me

1. Design Fun
Supplemental Discussion Material for
Human Computer Interaction Courses
Produced by Steven Mann, Drexel University, BSIS ‘93, MSIS ’15
Version 1.1

2. Confusing Dialog
What makes this dialog confusing? Can you tell
what the buttons do versus the checkbox?
What may be changed to make this more user‐
friendly?

3. Symbols and Labels
What minor tweak could be made to improve the
design of this sign?
If the tweak were made, are the labels necessary?
Are there any other things that could be done (based
on the photo)?

4. User Error vs. Bad Design
Were the burnt knobs a result of user error or a bad
design? Discuss.

5. “Norman” Doors
Why do you think these door handles are always loose?

6. Color Choices
What’s wrong with this picture?

7. Feedback
TMI? Discuss in terms of user‐centered design.

8. Labels and Natural Mapping
What do the white lines mean? Is the Push label
necessary?
Discuss the chair control design. Is it naturally mapped?

9. Knowledge in the Head/World
What impact does changing the name of the lottery
games have in regards to usability?
Source: The Pennsylvania Lottery (http://www.palottery.state.pa.us/)