Human Computer Interaction Research in the MIS Discipline Diane M. Strong Worcester Polytechnic Institute HCI Panel, AMCIS 2002

Q1: An MIS Perspective on HCI (vs. CS or Psychology) A Task-Technology Fit Perspective Fitness for use of a technology –the ability of software to support a task –the matching of the capabilities of the technology to the demands of the task in the context of differing individual abilities

HCI Model

TTF Model

Q2: HCI in my TTF Research Task –important for understanding fit Dimensions of Fit – different from HCI –organizational fit dimensions

Dimensions of FIT Both: Production Fit – work tasks performed by individuals Coordination Fit – communication and coordination (relationship) tasks Tradeoffs among: Individual Fit – supporting individuals Organizational Fit – supporting the organization, e.g., enterprise systems

Q3: Journal Acceptability Problems with Task focus Generic tasks, e.g., decision making or problem-solving, are too general Specific organizational tasks are difficult to characterize with generalizable parameters, e.g., complexity Need a task model

Journal Acceptability Problems Organizational Fit focus Difficult to Measure Difficult to obtain significant results for organizational performance due to other factors affecting organizational performance

Q4: HCI Research as an MIS Discipline Develop a Task Focus Fit of computer systems to organizational tasks, subject to individual abilities Develop models of organizational tasks Example: Software Maintenance –Production tasks: Diagnosis, Planning, Knowledge building, Modification –Coordination tasks: Cooperation, Control

HCI Research as an MIS Discipline Develop an Organizational Focus for FIT Develop organizational fit dimensions Examples: –Coordination fit –Interdependence fit (enterprise systems)