QUESTION FOUR (15 Marks)a) Differentiate between:i. Low-fidelity and High-fidelity prototypes [2 Marks]ii. Standards and guidelines as used in design rules [2 Marks]iii. “Affordance” and “visibility” as used in usability principle [2 Marks]b) List and briefly describe any four techniques which can be used to guide the user’s attention(focussing attention). [4 Marks]c) Compare and contrast the concepts of Formative Evaluation and Summative Evaluation(5 Marks)

a) i. Low-fidelity and High-fidelity prototypes: Low-fidelity prototypes are simple and often non-digital representations of a product, such as sketches or paper models, used to visualize and test early design concepts. High-fidelity prototypes, on the other hand, are more detailed and interactive, closely resembling the final product in terms of functionality and design. They are often used in later stages of design for more accurate user testing.

ii. Standards and guidelines as used in design rules: Standards in design are mandatory rules that must be followed, often set by regulatory bodies. They ensure consistency, safety, and compatibility. Guidelines, on the other hand, are recommendations or best practices that designers are encouraged to follow but are not mandatory. They serve to improve the quality of the design but allow for more flexibility and creativity.

iii. “Affordance” and “visibility” as used in usability principle: Affordance refers to the potential actions that are possible with an object or system. For example, a button on a website affords clicking. Visibility, on the other hand, refers to how easily users can see and understand the possible interactions with a system. For example, a visible button on a website makes it clear that it can be clicked.

b) Four techniques to guide the user’s attention:

1. Contrast: Using contrasting colors or sizes can make certain elements stand out and attract attention.
2. Movement: Animations or moving elements can draw the eye.
3. Position: Placing important elements in the center or at the top of a page can make them more noticeable.
4. Size: Larger elements are more likely to be noticed than smaller ones.

c) Formative Evaluation vs Summative Evaluation: Formative evaluation is conducted during the development process with the aim of improving the design or product. It is iterative and involves testing and refining the product based on user feedback. Summative evaluation, on the other hand, is conducted after the product is fully developed, with the aim of assessing its effectiveness and usability. It is typically more formal and structured, and the results are often used for decision-making purposes, such as whether to launch the product.