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Chapter 3 Interaction _cff723abc9e17ce4a5f363cf9984bff3 (1)

Chapter 3 discusses interaction in terms of communication between users and systems, focusing on models of interaction, ergonomics, and various interaction styles. It introduces Donald Norman's seven-stage execution/evaluation loop and the Abowd and Beale framework, emphasizing the importance of translation between user and system languages. The chapter also outlines common interaction styles, including command line interfaces, menus, and three-dimensional interfaces, highlighting their characteristics and suitability for different user types.

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13 views

Chapter 3 Interaction _cff723abc9e17ce4a5f363cf9984bff3 (1)

Chapter 3 discusses interaction in terms of communication between users and systems, focusing on models of interaction, ergonomics, and various interaction styles. It introduces Donald Norman's seven-stage execution/evaluation loop and the Abowd and Beale framework, emphasizing the importance of translation between user and system languages. The chapter also outlines common interaction styles, including command line interfaces, menus, and three-dimensional interfaces, highlighting their characteristics and suitability for different user types.

Uploaded by

mohamad.moosa77
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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chapter 3

the interaction
What is interaction?
communication

user ! system

• interaction models
– translations between user and system
• ergonomics
– physical characteristics of interaction
models of interaction

terms of interaction
Norman model
interaction framework
Some terms of interaction
domain – the area of work under study
e.g. graphic design
goal – what you want to achieve
e.g. create a solid red triangle
task – how you go about doing it
– ultimately in terms of operations or actions
e.g. … select fill tool, click over triangle

System language: core language


Describes computational attribute of the domain related to
system state.

User language: task language describes psychological


attributes of the domain related to user.
Donald Norman’s model – 7 stages
execution/evaluation loop
goal
execution evaluation
system
1. user establishes the goal
2. formulates intention
3. specifies actions at interface
4. executes action
5. perceives system state
6. interprets system state
7. evaluates system state with respect to goal
execution/evaluation loop
goal
execution evaluation
system
• user establishes the goal
• formulates intention
• specifies actions at interface
• executes action
• perceives system state
• interprets system state
• evaluates system state with respect to goal
execution/evaluation loop
goal
execution evaluation
system
• user establishes the goal
• formulates intention
• specifies actions at interface
• executes action
• perceives system state
• interprets system state
• evaluates system state with respect to goal
execution/evaluation loop
goal
execution evaluation
system
• user establishes the goal
• formulates intention
• specifies actions at interface
• executes action
• perceives system state
• interprets system state
• evaluates system state with respect to goal
Abowd and Beale framework
presentation O observation
extension of Norman… output
their interaction framework has 4 parts
– user
S U
core task
– input
performance I
– system input articulation
– output
• Communication is based on translation between components.
• Articulation and performance : Execution
• Presentation and observation: Evaluation
each has its own unique language
interaction Þ translation between languages

problems in interaction = problems in translation


ergonomics

physical aspects of interfaces


industrial interfaces
Ergonomics -& examples
• Study of the physical characteristics of interaction.
• Ergonomics good at defining standards and guidelines
for constraining the way we design certain aspects of
systems
• Examples:
– arrangement of controls and displays
e.g. controls grouped according to function or frequency of
use, or sequentially
– surrounding environment
e.g. seating arrangements adaptable to cope with all sizes of
user
– health issues
e.g. physical position, environmental conditions (temperature,
humidity), lighting, noise,
– use of colour
e.g. use of red for warning, green for okay,
awareness of colour-blindness etc.
interaction styles

dialogue … computer and user

distinct styles of interaction


Common interaction styles

• command line interface


• menus
• natural language
• question/answer and query dialogue
• form-fills and spreadsheets
• WIMP
• point and click
• three–dimensional interfaces
Command line interface

• Way of expressing instructions to the


computer directly
– function keys, single characters, short abbreviations,
whole words, or a combination

• suitable for repetitive tasks


• better for expert users than novices
• offers direct access to system functionality
• command names/abbreviations should be
meaningful!
Typical example: the Unix system
Menus
• Set of options displayed on the screen
• Options visible
– less recall - easier to use
– rely on recognition so names should be meaningful
• Selection by:
– numbers, letters, arrow keys, mouse
– combination (e.g. mouse plus accelerators)
• Often options hierarchically grouped
– sensible grouping is needed
• Restricted form of full WIMP system
Natural language

• Familiar to user
• speech recognition or typed natural language
• Problems
– vague
– ambiguous
– hard to do well!
• Solutions
– try to understand a subset
– pick on key words
Query interfaces
• Question/answer interfaces
– user led through interaction via series of questions
– suitable for novice users but restricted functionality
– often used in information systems

• Query languages (e.g. SQL)


– used to retrieve information from database
– requires understanding of database structure and
language syntax, hence requires some expertise
Form-fills

• Primarily for data entry or data retrieval


• Screen like paper form.
• Data put in relevant place
• Requires
– good design
– obvious correction
facilities
WIMP
Interface
Windows
Icons
Menus
Pointers
… or windows, icons, mice, and pull-down menus!

• default style for majority of interactive


computer systems, especially PCs and desktop
machines
Point and click interfaces
• used in ..
– multimedia
– web browsers
– hypertext

• just click
something!
– icons, text links
or location on
map

• minimal typing
Three dimensional interfaces

• virtual reality
• ‘ordinary’ window systems
flat buttons …

click me!

• 3D workspaces … or sculptured
– use for extra virtual space
– light and occlusion give depth
– distance effects

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