| How We RAMmed Userfriendliness into Obsolescence | | BIBAK | 403-408 | |
| Jack F. Gerrissen | |||
| It is described why and how we involved office workers (from the application
domain) in product development as an interface with reality. In a way, this
enabled us to actually interact with the application domain on the basis of
feature concepts and partial prototypes. Presence of the office workers in the
product development activity also supported consensus management in
multidisciplinary teams. Keywords: System design, Product development, Concept formation, Project management,
Software engineering | |||
| Promoting the Optimization of Preventive Maintenance Strategies in Complex Production Systems by Behavior-Outcome-Feedback | | BIBAK | 409-413 | |
| D. Gude; K.-H. Schmidt; A. Seeber | |||
| This contribution is concerned with the optimization of preventive
maintenance strategies in complex production systems. In a simulated
maintenance task the quality of the strategies depended especially on two
cognitive requirements: knowledge about the maintenance strategy and knowledge
about the problem space. Based on these results, a method is suggested that is
expected to promote the optimization of preventive maintenance strategies by
improving the knowledge in these domains. This method is called
Behavior-Outcome-Feedback (BOF) and is characterized by a periodical feedback
of the maintenance strategy and the resulting efficiency of the production
system. Keywords: Preventive maintenance, Efficiency, Knowledge, Qualification, Feedback | |||
| User Interaction -- A Framework to Relate Tasks, Users and Designs | | BIBAK | 414-418 | |
| Peter Johnson | |||
| A framework for mapping between user task models and user interface
architectures is presented. A particular form of task modelling (Task
Knowledge Structures) is outlined and a method of task analysis (Knowledge
Analysis of Tasks). Task Knowledge Structure models can be used to represent
existing user tasks and in terms of the changes designs bring to user tasks.
The paper considers how task models and user interface architectures can be
related. Keywords: User interaction design, Task knowledge structures, Task analysis, User
interface architectures | |||
| Browsing Cognitive Task Spaces Instead of Working on the Desktop: An Alternative Metaphor | | BIBAK | 419-423 | |
| Edmund Eberleh | |||
| Some of the limits and problems of the desktop metaphor are highlighted.
Based on theory of goal-directed behaviour and on experimental results about
mental representation of computer supported tasks, an alternative metaphor for
the user interface is proposed. It maps an abstract globe on the screen and
the whole functionality of the system is arranged on the surface of the globe
and within the globe according to some principles. A first empirical
evaluation by means of judgements of utility and usability showed acceptance of
this kind of interface. Keywords: Graphical user interface, Desktop metaphor, Goal-directed behaviour,
Cognitive task space, Interaction style | |||
| Cognitive Task Allocation: A Design Methodology | | BIBAK | 424-428 | |
| Sotiris A. Papantonopoulos; Gavriel Salvendy | |||
| Cognitive task allocation employs task analysis and demand/resource matching
to identify and match task requirements and human and computer performance
resources. The paper introduces a formal, quantitative, and domain-independent
decision model of cognitive task allocation.
Demand/resource matching is modeled as an Analytic Hierarchy Process. By means of the Analytic Hierarchy Process task functions (Level 1) are analyzed into their constituent cognitive processes (Level 2); performance criteria are set for each cognitive process (Level 3), by means of which the capacities of the human, computer, or interactive human/computer controller (Level 4) are evaluated and compared. The Analytic Hierarchy Process then integrates partial judgements of relative human and computer capacity into a global weighted average indicating the relative capacity of human and computer to perform the overall function. The Analytic Hierarchy Process was applied and evaluated in the design of cognitive task allocation in production scheduling of a flexible manufacturing system. Keywords: Task analysis, Task allocation, Methodology | |||
| Direct Manipulation and Command Language Interfaces: A Comparison of Users' Mental Models | | BIBAK | 429-434 | |
| Kishore Sengupta; Dov Te'eni | |||
| User interfaces that employ direct manipulation techniques have been found
to be superior to command language interfaces with respect to measures of user
performance. However, there is little evidence on how users' mental models are
shaped by the interface they use. This study compared mental models of users
who worked with direct manipulation interfaces with those using command
language interfaces. Information on users' mental models was inferred through
verbal protocols and computer logs. Results indicate that users given direct
manipulation interfaces form better models of the task and device, i.e., use
fewer production rules, attain better task-to-device mapping and carry out
fewer unnecessary steps in executing their tasks. The implications of the
results are discussed in terms of learning, transfer of knowledge between
tasks, and efficiency of performance. Keywords: Command language, Direct manipulation, Mental models, User interfaces | |||
| An Adaptive Interface Design Using Neural Networks | | BIBAK | 435-439 | |
| Nong Ye; Gavriel Salvendy | |||
| The neural networks' ability to learn by examples is combined into the
design of an adaptive interface. This adaptive menu based interface between
the user and the UNIX system can accommodate differences in user's experience
about the system and individual differences among users. Keywords: Adaptive interface, Neural networks, Menu design, Learning, UNIX | |||
| A User Modelling System | | BIBAK | 440-447 | |
| F. Arcieri; P. Dell'Olmo; E. Nardelli; P. Vocca | |||
| A good cooperation between users and interactive systems often requires an
adjustment of the man-machine interface to the specific user needs and
requirements. Adaptive systems able to change their behaviour according to the
characteristics of different classes of users have been proposed. They are
typically based on user models and are targeted at specific application
realities. In this paper we propose and discuss a general architecture for a
User Interface Management System integrating application-independent user
modeling capabilities. An object oriented prototype implemented to show the
feasibility of the proposed approach is also presented. Keywords: Adaptive systems, User models, User profiles, Stereotypes, Interactive
systems | |||
| A Query Facility for Schema Integration | | BIBAK | 448-454 | |
| Ulla Merz; Roger King | |||
| The user interface design and evaluation of an interactive schema
integration tool is presented. The tool consists of a browser of the database
schemas and a query facility to specify the required data and their
definitions. Results from evaluating the user interface suggest that a query
facility should provide functions that match the user's preferred query writing
strategy and a browser of the data definitions has to provide different visual
representations and search strategies to assist the user in interpreting the
meaning of the data. Keywords: User interface design, Query facility | |||
| User Centred Requirements Modelling for a Multi-User Spreadsheet | | BIBAK | 455-459 | |
| Charanjit K. Sidhu; Jill Hewitt; Neil Watkinson; Stephen Furner | |||
| Since their introduction, electronic spreadsheets have become a very popular
tool in the office environment. This paper describes the application of the
Generic Office Reference Model to carry out requirements capture for the
introduction of spreadsheets in a teleconferencing environment. Keywords: Generic office reference model, Requirements capture, Spreadsheets,
Multipoint teleconferencing, CSCW | |||
| Voice as Interface: A Critique | | BIBA | 463-467 | |
| Dylan M. Jones; Philip Tucker | |||
| The revolution in information technology has made relatively little use of
the auditory channel of communication. This is perhaps not surprising given
that the tasks for which the computer has been used hitherto are typically ones
for which there was already a corresponding manual visual version. However the
prevalence of the manual visual interface may soon be diminished. As computers
become more powerful and more functionally diverse, devices are being developed
that can generate and perceive speech. Thus research into the effects of
modality on communication behaviour is becoming increasingly salient to the
human factors of interface design.
Using voice in the human computer interface has several potential advantages but the realisation of these advantages will depend upon the sophistication of the technology and the appropriateness of its implementation. Speech liberates the user by allowing movement away from terminal while input and output continue. Moreover it allows interaction when the hands and/or eyes are busy. The auditory channel is well suited to bringing urgent information to the attention of an operator, regardless of the direction of the current visual focus and is not reduced even if the user is relatively remote from a terminal. Many physically handicapped users, hitherto disenfranchised by need for sight, finger dexterity and the paucity of specially adapted interfaces, come within the catchment area of speech-based computer users. In its most highly developed form the speech based computer could take the form of a telephone hand-set, perhaps coupled with all ordinary domestic television set. Some of the computer's intelligence may be local, but the greater burden of processing could be centrally located at a remote site. Yet despite the availability of speech I/O devices for some years, their introduction into day-to-day use has been relatively slow. While technological sophistication has clearly played a role in determining the development of the visual and auditory channels in the interface, a human factors perspective is also required to further explain the emphasis on the visual/manual medium. | |||
| Cognitive Evaluation for Multimedia Presentation Method -- Optimal Presentation Timings of Text and Speech | | BIBAK | 468-472 | |
| Ken'ichi Kamijo; Toshimasa Yamazaki | |||
| The authors propose two cognitive evaluation methods for multimedia
presentations. One is to examine the cognitive process on the bases of the
human memory. The other is to test subjective responses using instructions
involving from the perceptual level to the cognitive level. The authors
attempted to obtain optimal discrepancy between presentation timings (time
lags) of text and speech, as a case study on cognitive evaluation, in the
following two experiments with Japanese word presentation.
Experiment 1 examined memory effects induced by the time lags using an incidental learning paradigm. The words, presented synchronously in the orienting task (subjective evaluation), resulted in high recognition rate. In Experiment 2, two subjective evaluation tasks, which were concerned with the impairment for word understanding due to presentation timings (cognitive level) and the existence of the time lags (perceptual level), were carried out. The subject's word understanding was disturbed by more than 0.2 second time lags, and more than 0.35 second time lags were perceptible. Moreover, we found out a non-symmetric interaction between visual and auditory functions at the cognitive level. That is, the impairment for the word understanding due to time lags in speech-presented-faster-than-text conditions was larger than the reverse conditions. The other hand, there was no such interaction at the perceptual level. Keywords: Multimedia, Recognition, Speech, Subjective evaluation, Text | |||
| Dialogue Design for Speech Interfaces in the Office Context | | BIBAK | 473-477 | |
| James Monaghan; Christine Cheepen; Jill Hewitt | |||
| The two main objectives of this paper are, firstly, to demonstrate how the
use of multi-perspective modelling techniques in the office environment can
maximise the functionality and usability of systems designed for that context,
and, secondly, to illustrate just how such techniques work in the case of the
human factors aspects of an automatic dictation system. The production of the
four-perspective model of a particular office situation based on the various
views is linked to the generation of more abstract office representations as
the basis for scenario-building, followed by the reanalysis of the results of
targeted data-collection projects. Keywords: Dialogue, Speech interfaces, Office, Scenario | |||
| Outline of a Comprehensive Assessment Methodology for Speech-Oriented Applications | | BIBAK | 478-484 | |
| Paulus H. Vossen | |||
| Information and communication systems with speech input or output interfaces
will soon become available in various domains of professional and public life
[1]. The basic technology for speech input, i.e. speech recognition algorithms
and devices, has matured and is ready for implementation. The same holds for
speech output technology, i.e. algorithms and devices for speech reproduction
or synthesis. Furthermore, research on large-vocabulary, speaker-independent,
continuous-speech recognition makes steady progress, and techniques for
adequate handling of prosodic features of natural speech are under development.
Although it will take some years before the results of these theoretical and technical advances will be applicable and visible, one should not wait any longer with the development and testing of comprehensive assessment methodologies for systems incorporating speech technology. As the temporal-acoustic interaction mode is quite different from the spatial-visual one, it is neither possible nor advisable to rely on existing design guide-lines for graphical user interfaces. This paper describes the main components of a framework and strategy for design-oriented system evaluation, and shows how this methodology has been introduced and will be worked out in a large-scale project aimed at the development of speech applications. Keywords: Speech assessment, Assessment methodology, Speech interface, Interface
design, Design methodology, Human factors | |||
| Consequences of Discrete Speech Using Speech-to-Text Technology | | BIBK | 485-490 | |
| Peter Day; Andreas Grunupp; Klaus-Peter Muthig | |||
Keywords: Speech recognition, Speech-to-text technology, Task demands, Discrete
speech, Human factors | |||
| Facial Expression Graphics Feedback for Improving the Smoothness of Human Speech Input to Computers | | BIBAK | 491-497 | |
| Tomio Watanabe; Akira Higuchi | |||
| Voice-reactive visual feedback with both cartoon-face-like graphics and
model-based analysis-synthesis facial graphics, can be used to make the
human-to-computer speech input environment seem warmer, more interpersonal, and
more natural for the speaker. First the facial expressions used by human
listeners in face-to-face human interactions were identified. Then computer
graphics were used to simulate these expressions, and human subjects evaluated
the effectiveness of these graphics. A model system using voice-activated
input and providing feedback to the user using these graphics was tested with
the object of developing more user-friendly computer systems. Keywords: Human interface, Facial expression, Visual feedback, Speech input, Computer
graphics | |||
| The Recognition Coefficient: Methodological and Statistical Issues Concerning Measurement of Speech Recognition Accuracy | | BIBAK | 498-505 | |
| Paulus H. Vossen | |||
| The quality of a speech recognition device depends on a large number of
factors, e.g. hardware and software, vocabulary choice and word templates,
pattern matching algorithms and decision rules. The ultimate test however is,
whether the device accurately recognizes the words spoken by a user of the
system. This paper is concerned with the methodological and statistical issues
of speech accuracy measurement from a theoretical and a practical point of
view.
First we will examine some traditional approaches to measuring the accuracy of automatic speech recognition and discuss their weaknesses. Next we will present an improved approach and measure which lack the aforementioned deficiencies. Finally we will discuss the implications of our investigations for the practice of design and evaluation of speech recognition interfaces. Keywords: Speech recognition, Recognition accuracy, Accuracy measurement, Confusion
matrix, Recognition coefficient | |||
| Software for Multi-Modal HCI Including Speech for Skilled Industrial Workers | | BIBA | 506-511 | |
| B. Scherff | |||
| A novel programming method for the work shop was described. A major element in the development of the programming method for welding robots involved testing whether speech input could satisfy technical and industrial science requirements. Therefore an experimental programme has been developed and the results are discussed. | |||
| SESAM: A Prototype Multimedia System Combining Computer Animation with Speech Dialogue | | BIBAK | 512-516 | |
| M. Niemoller; A. Aktas; U. Harke; U. Leiner; K. Zunkler | |||
| This paper gives an introduction to the objectives of our multimedia
project. The longterm goal of the project is to develop a computer animation
environment with a speech dialog interface. The combination of computer
animation and a speech dialog interface in a multimedia system will enhance the
work effectivity of a user in future. We sketch the state-of-the-art in
computer animation and speech understanding and describe the current state of
our prototype. Keywords: Multimedia, Computer animation, Speech recognition | |||
| Speech and Other Modalities in the Office Environment: Some Research Results | | BIBAK | 517-524 | |
| F. L. van Nes | |||
| Research was carried out on the application of speech in three areas of
man-computer communication: instruction, voice commands for system control and
annotation of documents. As to instruction, learning was found to proceed
equally fast with speech and written text; a number of subjects preferred
speech. Secondly, in speech-to-text conversion, subjects preferred voice
commands to manual commands for layout and typographic control, although text
input was slower with voice commands. Thirdly, voice annotations are more
readily made than text annotations, but processing times may be longer for
voice than for text annotations. In conclusion, speech is a valuable medium
for human-computer interaction, provided the applications are carefully chosen
and a proper user interface is made. Keywords: Multimodal interfaces, Office environment, Speech recognition, Voice
annotation, Voice manual | |||
| An Evaluation of Speech Operated Word Processing -- A Task Based Approach | | BIBAK | 525-529 | |
| Mary Zajicek; Jill Hewitt | |||
| This paper evaluates and compares the usability of different word processors
with speech or keyboard driven interfaces and explores the possibility of
building a generic task-based vocabulary for word-processing by speech. The
Speech and Language Technology Group based at Hatfield Polytechnic have
developed their own speech driven word processor, VWP, which incorporates
features specially designed to increase the usability of a speech input system.
This is compared with the commercial word processors Wordstar and WordPerfect
where a speech interface has been provided through the RABBIT system which is a
transparent speech driven user interface developed by the group. Keywords: Speech, Word processing, Generic, Task, Usability | |||
| Standards Relevant to European Directives for Display Terminals | | BIBAK | 533-537 | |
| Nigel Bevan | |||
| The European Directive on the "minimum health and safety requirements for
work with display screen equipment" contains minimum ergonomic requirements for
the equipment, environment and operator/computer interface. National
legislation which implements the Directive is required by the end of 1992, and
may make reference to relevant standards. ISO 9241 is being developed as a
multi-part standard which has a similar scope to the Directive, and provides a
potential means for interpreting some of the more general requirements of the
Directive which include: "software must be easy to use" and "the principles of
software ergonomics must be applied". Keywords: Usability, Evaluation, Guidelines | |||
| Standards as a Means of Influencing Interface Design | | BIBAK | 538-542 | |
| Tom Stewart | |||
| This paper reports a short case study on the introduction of internal user
interface standards in the information technology department of the
headquarters of a large UK organisation. It discusses the relationship between
such in-house standards and current developments in European and International
standards. Keywords: Standards, User interface, Case study, Organisation | |||
| Developing Recommendations for CAD User Interfaces | | BIBAK | 543-547 | |
| Andreas M. Heinecke | |||
| The reference model for CAD systems developed by the Gesellschaft fur
Informatik (GI -- the German membership organization of IFIP) is a frame for
classifying the functionality of CAD systems. Whereas the reference model
regards the user interface as one of several modules of the CAD system, the
user interface appears to the user as being the whole system. This is the
reason why an additional task working group on CAD user interfaces has been
established by the GI in order to develop recommendations for the design of CAD
user interfaces. Proceeding and preliminary results of the working group are
described. Keywords: CAD, Design of user interfaces, Guidelines, Standardization | |||
| Software Engineering = Human Factors Engineering? | | BIBA | 551-555 | |
| Peter Gorny | |||
| In this introduction to the conference stream "Software Engineering -- Methods, Techniques and Tools" some fundamental issues of the software developing process and the underlying attitudes of software developers are investigated. The author stresses the necessity of a change of the technology-centered production process approach towards the human-oriented attitude of architects. | |||
| Dialogical Software Design | | BIBAK | 556-560 | |
| Jurgen Pasch | |||
| Software development is not merely a mathematical or technological
challenge, but a complex social process, in which the kind of communication and
cooperative, creative interaction of the participants determine the quality of
the collaboratively developed product. Qualified design is not primarily tied
to given guidelines, but is guided by insights emerging in the design process
and by the quest for quality shared by all participants. In this paper I
discuss the role of models in the design process. The results of a field study
show that a consensual definition of the situation is a prerequisite for
dialogical design. During the design process the participants developed
techniques of mutual contradictions. Keywords: Design, Quality, Method | |||
| Control vs. Creativity: Software Engineering at a Crossroads | | BIBA | 561-565 | |
| G. Bradley | |||
| This paper looks at the issues raised by integrated project management support in software development environments. In particular, the difference between prescriptive and constraint-based process models is analyzed, and the suggestion is made that an object-oriented approach is one of the most promising paths to the practical application of software engineering principles in software projects. | |||
| Design and Experimental Evaluation of a New Graphical Multi-Process Debugger | | BIBA | 566-571 | |
| Sia Maleknasri; James D. Foley | |||
| Most program development tools do not provide for testing of multi-process
programs. We have developed the Concurrent Process Environment Monitor (CPEM),
which facilitates debugging of UNIX/C concurrent programs. CPEM monitors
programs comprised of many concurrent processes, and informs the user of the
status and interactions of the processes.
CPEM presents information either graphically or in a more traditional textual form. A controlled experiment was conducted to assess the relative effectiveness of the two CPEM presentations. The graphical CPEM was found to be superior to the textual CPEM in helping programmers debug two different concurrent programs. Furthermore, programmers overwhelmingly preferred the graphical presentation to the equivalent textual interface. | |||
| The Development of Human-Computer Interface Descriptions from Organisational Models | | BIBAK | 572-576 | |
| J. S. Medes | |||
| This paper presents an organisational model of a typical software
development team. This is used to illustrate the interaction of tasks and
actors in that team that need to be supported by any proposed integrated
project support environment (IPSE). The conclusion is drawn that an advanced
interface management system is the key to providing integrated project support
for interworking in any advanced software development group. Further, an
explicit and comprehensive organisational model is essential for defining the
human-computer interface requirements in such environments. The conclusions
are generalised to cover any groups of users accessing multi-user application
software in closely integrated working environments. Keywords: Organisational models, Integrated project support environment (IPSE),
Cooperative working | |||
| Structured Design of User-Interfaces and Knowledge-Based Design | | BIBA | 577-581 | |
| Axel Viereck; Egbert Schlungbaum; Peter Gorny | |||
| The authors propose a principled design of human-computer interaction following a software ergonomics phase model, which separates the conceptual design decisions affecting the work organisation on the background of the tasks, user characteristics and qualifications from the structuring of the dialog for functional requirements and from concretizing the general cognitive considerations regarding the screen layout and dialog sequencing, while the realization will transfer all design decisions into a software product or prototype. The paper describes briefly a knowledge based system for user interface development support presently under development which will counsel software developers in regard all human factors design decisions. | |||
| The Use of Co-Operation Models for Specification and Design of User Interfaces | | BIBAK | 582-586 | |
| R. Krickhahn; M.-J. Schachter-Radig; K. Streng | |||
| The quality of user interfaces (Ui/f) becomes more and more the crucial
point for the acceptance and usability of software systems. Despite user
interface toolkits and UIMS's, the necessary effort to develop state-of-the-art
Ui/f's increases constantly.
This paper discusses two major issues in developing good user interfaces in the context of several research projects as well as customer projects NTE is involved in. * what should the Ui/f look like and how should it behave? * how can these specification be transformed into an effective user interface design? It is shown how the analysis of co-operation behaviour in a certain environment (such as a company or an organization) is used for the specification as well for the design of Ui/f's. A representation schema for co-operation modelling is described in detail, and the transformation process towards the design based on this schema is explained. Keywords: Knowledge based systems, Co-operation analysis, Ui/f design, Structured
development, Interaction techniques | |||
| Visual Programming with Reusable Specifications Described by a Conceptual Data Model- and Constraint-Based Language | | BIBAK | 587-591 | |
| Katsumi Okamoto; Masaaki Hashimoto | |||
| This article proposes a visual programming system with resuable
specifications described by a conceptual data model- and dependency
constraint-based language. The visual HCI (Human-Computer Interaction) with
the language improves the comprehensibility and extensibility of specifications
to be reused. Moreover, the HCI assists in macroscopic comprehension using the
conceptual schemata, and supports the extraction of a program specification to
be converted into a C program. Keywords: Visual programming, Software reusability, Conceptual data model,
Entity-relationship model, Program specification description language | |||
| Selective Information Hiding: A Debugging Technique to Address Some of the Problems of Novice Programmers | | BIBAK | 592-596 | |
| Ray Waddington; Roger Henry | |||
| We discuss a finding from our observations of novice computer programmers.
This finding reveals one of the major barriers to effective debugging
performance: novices are unable to distinguish between that information
provided by the programming environment which is relevant to diagnosing their
bugs, and that which is irrelevant to the task. We hypothesise that if
irrelevant information is hidden from the novice programmer automatically, it
is likely that debugging performance will improve.
We propose a debugging technique designed to do this. We label this debugging technique selective information hiding. It can be implemented using existing compiler technology. A debugging aid that uses this technique hides from the view of the user those program's expressions (and their value) which were not defined or referenced in the most recently executed statement(s) of a program. We present the design of a prototype user interface to a debugging aid which performs selective information hiding. We discuss future research directions and relate this work to the wider context of user-centred design of software development tools. Keywords: Debugging, Novice programming skills, Selective information hiding | |||
| Assessing Usability Evaluation Methods in a Software Development Process | | BIBAK | 597-601 | |
| Nobuko Kishi; Yosuke Kinoe | |||
| Several usability evaluation methods are examined to assess their
effectiveness in a practical software development process. Four criteria were
used: the times at which an evaluation can be conducted, the type and the
number of usability problems it can detect, the workload it involves, and the
variations in measurement caused by evaluators. These criteria were applied to
four evaluation methods that were used in an actual development process: a
simplified check-list, mock-up prototyping, a formal analysis of memory load,
and a verbal protocol analysis. As a result of the examination, several
methods of categorizing usability evaluation methods were proposed --
formal/heuristic, specification/system, and hypothetical users/real users.
With the above criteria and categorizations, it was concluded that a single
evaluation method could not have discovered all the usability problems, and
that several evaluation methods skillfully combined can detect a larger number
of usability problems in an actual development process. Keywords: Usability evaluation, Usability testing, Software development process,
Verbal protocol analysis, Formal analysis | |||
| Automatic Testing for the Applications with Direct Manipulation Interfaces | | BIBAK | 602-606 | |
| Gang Lu | |||
| This paper describes a tool in which we test automatically our applications
built on top of OSF/Motif graphical toolkits. The tool itself is also based on
X Window, so a good portability is guaranteed. The testing tool allows to
generate test cases in a WYSIWYG style. The testing tool provides also
classical facilities like editing test cases and setting stop points. Keywords: Interface testing, Interface building, Tool, X window, Direct manipulation | |||
| Applying Formal Verbal Protocol Analysis to Practical Usability Evaluation | | BIBAK | 609-613 | |
| Yosuke Kinoe | |||
| Verbal protocol analysis can be an effective means for evaluating a
product's usability. We carried out the practical usability evaluation of an
integrated CAD system by applying a formalized verbal protocol analysis method,
the VPA Method. This method is expected to provide a stable and reliable
analysis procedure for maintaining consistency in the data analysis of bulk
verbal reports from users.
This study showed that the "thinking-aloud + the VPA Method" was an effective technique for relatively large-scale practical usability evaluation. A wide range of usability issues, including users' general requirements for a product, were identified on the basis of the rich verbal protocol data, according to the standard analysis procedure of the VPA Method. For the development team, the persuasiveness of the evaluation results was enhanced by the overall effects of open testing using the thinking-aloud method, data analysis using a formalized verbal protocol analysis procedure, and management of the testing by inter-disciplinary teamwork. Keywords: Usability evaluation, Usability testing, Verbal protocol analysis,
Thinking-aloud, Practical study | |||
| Procedures to Evaluate the Usability of Software Products | | BIBAK | 614-620 | |
| G. Zulch; J. Englisch | |||
| Usability evaluation requires appropriate procedures according to request
and scope at different occasions. For this purpose an evaluation system has
been developed. The scheme of the evaluation system can be used for designing
and carrying out adapted usability evaluations. An evaluation with ISO WD
9241-14 of three CAD user interfaces shows one application of the evaluation
system. Keywords: Usability evaluation, Evaluation system, Procedures, Conformity testing, CAD | |||
| User Interfaces for Public Information Systems | | BIBAK | 621-624 | |
| D. Felix; W. Graf; H. Krueger | |||
| User-interfaces for public systems require special care because the
user-group is very mixed. Everybody is a potential user and basically no
training is possible. For this reason, a research-project was initiated to
investigate the possibilities of introducing new technologies and using the
technical possibilities available today to aid the users with their task. As
an example of a complex system a ticket vending machine was chosen. The
machine uses a 19" colour monitor with a touchscreen as input and output-media.
The aim of the research was to investigate with what kind of structuring of the
task the users feel best. Two different ways of structuring were prototyped:
The first offered all selectable parameters on a screen with defaults for most
of the values, the second presented each parameter on a separate screen,
leading the user through the system step-by-step. A field experiment with a
complete prototype of the ticket vending machine looked at user performance and
reactions in a realistic environment (train station). The results show an
over-all preference for the step-by-step path through the process of composing
a ticket, but further analysis is still in progress. Keywords: Public, Information, Rapid prototyping, Touchscreen, Strategy | |||
| A Human Factors Model for Evaluating Advanced Telescience System Throughput | | BIBAK | 625-629 | |
| Richard F. Haines | |||
| The ability to carry out high quality scientific procedures remotely from
one's laboratory or office is referred to as telescience. This paper presents
a human factors oriented throughput (Tp) model useful for evaluating advanced
manned telescience systems. The model's first two input parameters involve
nominal and off-nominal predicted events. The first of these calls for a
detailed task analysis while the second a contingency event assessment. The
last two parameters involve measured human performance and continuous system
performance events. Using digital simulations and identical, representative,
random data an expression combining these four parameters was found which
yielded the smallest output variance. Manned simulations are underway at Ames
to further evaluate this throughput model. Keywords: System throughput, Validation, Telescience, Modelling, Human factors | |||
| An Integrated Design and Evaluation Tool for Dialogue Systems in Vehicles | | BIBAK | 630-634 | |
| G. Nirschl | |||
| A program tool is presented that integrates design and evaluation of
dialogue systems in motor-cars. The design component is realized with a
prototyping tool for user interfaces. The evaluation component is based on an
approach modelling the driver's task-related knowledge by means of production
systems. Cognitive complexity measures of driver-vehicle interactions, such as
visual distraction, learning and execution time are derived. The integration
of design and evaluation is achieved by generating the production system models
of the driver's tasks automatically when the tasks are executed with the
prototyped dialogue system. Keywords: Driver-vehicle interaction, Cognitive complexity, Driver modelling, Dialogue
evaluation, Rapid prototyping | |||
| User Interface Design and Evaluation -- Application of the Rapid Prototyping Tool EMSIG | | BIBAK | 635-639 | |
| Annette Kaster | |||
| Rapid Prototyping involves the creation of software prototypes of user
interfaces for demonstrating and evaluating design concepts. The rapid
prototyping tool EMSIG supports a system developer in the following steps: to
simulate a physical system, to design an interface for this system, to test the
quality of the design and to evaluate alternative designs. The paper describes
briefly the tool and an experimental investigation, where EMSIG had been used
to simulate a trim system of a submarine as well as to construct alternative
interface layouts for comparison and evaluation. Keywords: User interface design, Rapid prototyping, Rapid prototyping tool,
Simulation, Evaluation | |||
| Comparison of Interaction Techniques | | BIBAK | 640-645 | |
| H. Widdel; J. Kaster | |||
| An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different
interaction techniques on dialogue performance. Results show a time advantage
of using pull-down menus in comparison with form-filling interaction
techniques, when a textprocessing task had to be performed, which required a
high amount of knowledge. A micro-analysis of the data demonstrated very short
action sequences on keystroke-level but a high error rate in this context.
Time differences were insignificant, when tasks required less knowledge. Keywords: Interaction technique, Menu, Form-filling | |||
| Analysis and Evaluation of Cognitive Tasks Using an Information Transition Model | | BIBA | 646-650 | |
| Kenji Itoh; Takao Enkawa | |||
| In the present study, we propose a two-stage method for analyzing and evaluating cognitive tasks based on human information processing, and apply it to the operation of a high-speed train. In the analysis stage of the proposed method, human activities in performing a task are modeled using a proposed modeling scheme called Information Transition Model. Next, in the evaluation stage, potential problems in the existing system are identified through calculation of the reliability and work load based on the constructed task model. | |||
| What is Usability? | | BIBAK | 651-655 | |
| Nigel Bevan; Jurek Kirakowski; Jonathan Maissel | |||
| The paper relates different approaches to usability based on the product,
the user, ease-of-use, actual usage and the context of use, and proposes that
usability should be defined as the ease of use and acceptability of a product
for a particular class of users carrying out specific tasks in a specific
environment. Criterion levels for measurements of attitude and user
performance determine whether the design of the product is successful in
achieving usability. Diagnostic evaluation of usability problems may be based
on analysis of user interaction or comparison of product attributes with
guidelines. Keywords: Usability, Evaluation, Guidelines | |||
| Indicators of Usability Based on Performance | | BIBAK | 656-660 | |
| Ralph Rengger | |||
| As part of the ESPRIT MUSiC Project, literature recently published on
measuring the performance of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) was I surveyed.
'Indicators of usability based on performance' were identified and assigned to
generic groups. Using the experience of NPL and the HUSAT Research Institute
in Loughborough, coupled with evidence from the literature survey, a set of
indicators of usability based on performance were proposed for validation. The
NPL work was jointly supported by the CEC and by the UK Department of Trade and
Industry. Keywords: Usability, Performance, Metrics, Measures, Evaluation | |||
| The Value of Psychophysiological Measures in Human-Computer Interaction | | BIBAK | 661-665 | |
| Marion Wiethoff; Albert G. Arnold; Edo M. Houwing | |||
| In testing interface usability several aspects are relevant: effectiveness,
efficiency and satisfaction. In this paper, emphasis is on user efficiency,
and this is operationalised by the ratio of mental effort and performance.
Valid and reliable indices for mental effort investment in a human computer
setting may be physiological measures. An inventarisation of
psychophysiological measures has been completed in the context of an ESPRIT
project [1]. Heartrate variability, temporal indices of respiration and
cortisol excretion are discussed in this respect. It is concluded that
heartrate variability may be an appropriate indice for mental effort in human
computer interaction settings, and that saliva cortisol may be an appropriate
to measure of feelings of lost control. Keywords: Usability, User efficiency, Interface evaluation, Physiological measures,
Mental effort | |||
| Predictive Metrics for Usability | | BIBAK | 666-670 | |
| Dirk Gunsthovel; Tom Bosser | |||
| Predictive metrics of usability are developed to permit the prediction of
aspects of usability from formal specifications of user tasks and device
functionality. We use the SANE model of cognitive skills as a basis for
calculating various indicators of usability, mainly relating to the complexity
of user procedures. The validation process is analogous to the validation of
psychometric tests, but limited by the impossibility to draw representative
samples from the space of design alternatives. Keywords: Usability, Metrics, Evaluation, Predictive | |||
| A Usability Engineering Approach to the Development of Graphical User Interfaces | | BIBAK | 673-677 | |
| R. Gimnich; K. Kunkel; L. Reichert | |||
| We outline a methodological framework for the development of (direct
manipulation) user interfaces, which enables to integrate usability issues into
the software development process from the very beginning. The focal point of
this approach is a psychologically based task analysis documented by means of a
formal task description, which serves as the central reference for designing
and testing the usability of the user interface under development. A
syntax-driven graphical editor delivers support for the method. Keywords: Usability engineering, User interface development, Methodological framework,
Formal task description, Graphical task description editor | |||
| XIT -- A Multi-Layered Tool for User Interface Design | | BIBAK | 678-683 | |
| Jurgen Herczeg; Hubertus Hohl; Thomas Schwab | |||
| XIT is a tool for building user interfaces for the X Window System.
Different system layers are provided corresponding to different abstraction
levels on which user interfaces may be constructed by user interface
programmers, application programmers, or end users. The system includes
toolkits with object-oriented programming interfaces based on Common Lisp and
CLOS as well as graphics-oriented, interactive tools. This paper describes the
different components of XIT and how they are employed to design user
interfaces. Keywords: User interface toolkits, Graphical user interfaces, Construction kits,
Visual programming, Rapid prototyping | |||
| U-Face: A User Interface Design System Based on Multiview Model | | BIBAK | 684-688 | |
| Tomonari Kanba; Osamu Hashimoto | |||
| A novel user interface design methodology called the Multiview Model (MVM)
is proposed, and a user interface design system, U-face, developed with this
methodology is shown to contribute to improved user interface quality. The MVM
focuses on the full variety of user interface aspects and consists of three
operational components: design, operational simulation, and verification.
U-face is a design system mainly for use with menu-driven application software
on generic terminal screens. It provides design views, a simulation view, and
verification views. The design views consist of a screen layout view and an
operation rule view. The simulation view is used to check each operation, such
as runtime, step by step. The verification views include displays of a screen
transition network, a mode sequence diagram, and a key-binding graph.
Simulation views and verification views are automatically produced from a
designed interface. U-face represents an important new step in interface
design because it allows designers to verify various aspects of their creations
from points of view different than those used in the design process itself. It
may be expected to contribute significantly to the development of improved
interface quality. Keywords: Design tool, Iterative design, Multiview model, Rapid prototyping | |||
| Action Facilitation -- A Non-Formal Approach to the Design of Usable Systems | | BIBAK | 689-693 | |
| Albert G. Arnold; Bert Zwep | |||
| In this contribution a number of approaches to the design of usable systems
are considered. A distinction is made between formal and non-formal
approaches. The formal approaches are characterized by the use of models
containing formal notations. The action facilitation approach is presented as
an instance of a non-formal approach. The implications of this approach for
user oriented interface design and evaluation are discussed. Further, the
question is raised whether a fruitful integration is possible between formal
approaches and the action facilitation approach. Keywords: Human-computer interaction, Usability, Formality, Evaluation | |||
| A Reasoning-Level User Interface for Spatial Layout Planning Problems | | BIBAK | 694-698 | |
| P. Banerjee; C. L. Moodie; R. L. Kashyap | |||
| An user interface is developed for spatial layout planning problems with
embedded reasoning ability to refine the decision making process in
multiobjective optimization from a human problem solving orientation. A
combination of a "communication-oriented" approach as well as a "problem
solving-oriented" approach is used. The embedded reasoning capabilities leads
to a reasoning-level user communication. The problem solving involves a
technique known as "causal ordering" to reduce the entire multiobjective
problem, with many nonlinear objectives, into sets of single objective linear
optimization problems. The nonlinear objectives are not explicitly stated but
are derived from the structure of the problem. Keywords: User interface, Object-oriented programming, Qualitative reasoning,
Facilities planning | |||
| Computing Access in Public Spaces: Design Lessons Learned | | BIBAK | 699-703 | |
| Rachelle S. Heller | |||
| "Every designer wants to build a high quality system that is admired by
colleagues, celebrated by users, circulated widely and frequently imitated"
(Shneiderman, 1987, p 8). Interactive multimedia in public spaces represents
the biggest challenges for the designer and the implementor. This paper
identifies the characteristics for computing access in public spaces,
highlights design issues, and describes the implementation of one system. Keywords: Public access, Interactive multimedia, Design | |||
| Criteria for Designing User Interface of CIMple, A Toolbox for CIM Consultants, Planners and Vendors | | BIBAK | 704-708 | |
| N. Banerjee | |||
| This paper gives an overview of a user interface design guideline defined
for the ESPRIT Project CIMple aiming to construct user-driven and configurable
tool set supporting planning and implementation of CIM in SMEs. Keywords: User interface design guideline, CIM planning desktop, CIM, SME, User-driven
and configurable tool set | |||
| Ethnographic Workflow Analysis: Specification for Design | | BIBAK | 709-715 | |
| Danielle Fafchamps | |||
| Ethnographic workflow analysis is a design methodology developed to study
information-related behavior in the work place. Designers in the Physician
Workstation Project used this methodology to study the work practice of
physicians. This paper describes a minimal conceptual framework and techniques
for data collection and analysis, presents ethnographic data collected in the
teaching and private clinics of two health care institutions, and illustrates
the translation of ethnographic data into functional specifications for the
design of the physician workstation interface. Keywords: Clinical applications, Design methodologies, Ethnography, Observational
studies, Physician workstations | |||
| Gestures in Multimodal Human-Computer Interaction | | BIBAK | 716-721 | |
| Karl-Heinz Hanne | |||
| The basis of the work described in this paper is the attempt to build on
well established interaction possibilities between humans, which are natural to
users without the computer, and to bring some of advantages of natural
interaction into human-computer interaction. This cannot be done in one step,
but some of the paradigms and the human factors related findings or
restrictions can serve as models for advanced and multimodal interfaces. One
aim is to improve Human-Computer Interaction by gesture interaction in order to
achieve multimodal interaction. Developed systems for gesture interaction
(character recognition of handwritten text, and correction signs) are
presented. Keywords: Multi-modal, Gestures, Recognition, Combined interaction, System | |||
| Conceptual Models in the Design Process of Direct Manipulation User Interfaces | | BIBAK | 722-727 | |
| Th. Kuhme; G. Hornung; P. Witschital | |||
| Conceptual models of interactive software systems are suited to explain the
static appearance and the dynamic behaviour of user interfaces, but they
usually do not incorporate the interactive design process of user interfaces.
This paper illustrates which models are relevant for interactive design and how
they relate to each other. An approach called "Direct Composition" of user
interfaces is presented. With this approach the user interface objects
comprise aspects of manipulation visualization, and construction, and can take
different roles according to the models involved. Keywords: Conceptual model, User interface design, Direct manipulation, Direct
composition, Dialogue model, Processing model, Interactive system, Design
environment | |||
| An Experimental Study of the Granularity and Range of the Undo Function in User Interfaces | | BIBAK | 728-732 | |
| S. Lenman; J.-M. Robert | |||
| An experimental study was carried out on the granularity and range of the
undo function in user interfaces. Eight subjects were asked to report on how
they would undo word processing tasks they had just carried out. The main
results show that several actions are integrated into UNDOs, that there are
large between-subject differences in undo strategies and that layout and
content modification actions were more often included in the reported UNDOs
than other actions. Keywords: UNDO, Backtracking, Granularity, Range, Error recovery | |||
| Integrating Usability Evaluation with Systems Design | | BIBAK | 733-737 | |
| Judy Hammond; Brendan McManus | |||
| To improve the quality and usability of a finished system or product and
eradicate or minimise the impact of usability problems identified during
evaluation, requires a total integrated team approach to systems development.
How is this to be achieved? This paper examines processes used in a real
working environment and provides some solutions to this question. It describes
evaluation techniques used by a large corporation in its quest to improve the
usability and total quality of its products. Benefits are noted, particularly
in terms of the integration of usability evaluation with systems design and its
effects on the total product team. Keywords: Systems development, Usability evaluation, Usability testing, Human-computer
interaction, Industry application | |||
| Task and User Adequate Design of Human-Computer Interfaces in Production -- The CNC Programming Example | | BIBAK | 741-747 | |
| K.-P. Fahnrich; M. Thines; C. Raether | |||
| For CNC machine tools a graphical-interactive programming environment has
been designed and implemented by means of a user interface management system.
The system has been evaluated in the laboratory by experts. In a last step it
has been evaluated in a field test carried out in a user organisation. Keywords: Graphical-interactive programming environment, CNC machine tools, System
design, System evaluation | |||
| Design of an Adaptable/Adaptive User Interface Management System in Production | | BIBAK | 748-752 | |
| Sinisa Zimek | |||
| Motivated by the lack of ergonomic design and the deficiency of todays human
interfaces in matching the needs of non-computer professionals in the area of
production, an adaptable/adaptive user interface management system (uims) was
designed. The paper describes the architecture model of an adaptable/adaptive
uims containing an user modelling, a task modelling and a strategy component.
Further, some useful representation notation for the components are discussed,
well-suited in a software engineering tool for adaptable/adaptive uims. Keywords: Adaptable/adaptive user interface, Software ergonomy in production, User
interface management, User modelling, Task modelling | |||
| Iconic Interface for Interactive Fiction Retrieval in Libraries Based on a Cognitive Task Analysis | | BIBA | 753-762 | |
| Annelise Mark Pejtersen; Finn Nielsen | |||
| The BOOK HOUSE is a system designed for fiction retrieval in public libraries based on a cognitive task analysis and intended to support casual, novice end users' retrieval and decision making. The structure of the work domain is represented by a metaphor familiar to users, which provides the proper associations for the information retrieval task. An iconic interface display of a complex, rich information context within which they can navigate freely without being constrained by the system provides the capability of information retrieval by means of visual exploration of icons representing book contents. Search procedures are performed through direct perception and manipulation of the iconic objects of the BOOK HOUSE. | |||
| The Design of Computerized Work According to Human Needs -- R&D-Promotion of Software Design in the Work and Technology Programme | | BIBA | 763-768 | |
| Constantin Skarpelis; Heinz Thunecke | |||
| Although the future of work looks much brighter than scenarios of the 70ies would make us believe much R&D activity is needed for the design of computerized work according to human needs. Principles of the "Work and Technology Programme" by the Federal Minister for Research and Technology are outlined focussing on the promotion of software design projects. Finally some future subjects for R&D-promotion in this field are discussed. | |||
| Competence, Learning and Roles in the Workshop | | BIB | 769-775 | |
| Bengt Edgren | |||
| Error Management or Error Prevention: Two Strategies to Deal with Errors in Software Design | | BIB | 776-782 | |
| Michael Frese | |||
| New Approaches in Software Engineering for Interactive Systems | | BIBAK | 783-787 | |
| A. Beck; J. Ziegler | |||
| Improvements of working conditions both for the software engineer and the
user require more suitable methods and tools. Currently, most software
engineers and programmers still use methods and tools developed in the 70's and
earlier. What they need are practical methods and tools which reduce life
cycle costs and gain productivity at the same time. Moreover, there is an
increasing demand for systems, which consider the user's needs and are better
suited for their tasks. The most important approaches of today are: user
participation and prototyping, automated support of style guides, task analysis
and modeling, CASE tools, UIMS and collaborative work, and object-oriented
design. TASK, a method currently under development will be introduced. Keywords: Participation, Prototyping, Style guides, Task analysis, CASE | |||