Introduction to Interaction Design

What are interactive computer systems? Computers are embedded in most aspects of modern industrial/developed society Many of these have explicit or implicit interactions with humans Think of all of the computers with which you interacted recently

My List Laptop computer PDA Internet Banking Cell phone Car (ignition, fuel, dash, radio, &c) Alarm clock Parking lot gate Shop checkout Parking lot automat

What are some examples of user interaction with these systems? User input to system –Mouse clicks –Graffiti (Palm OS) –Physical buttons, knobs, pedals System output to user –Text messages –Graphics –Sounds

How do these interfaces fall short? EXERCISE: In the same groups, choose one common example and evaluate the interface Some specific examples: –Messages unclear –Button function unknown –Meaning of sounds unknown In general: –Mental model doesn’t match system model –Unclear interface functionality –Lack of training and/or help My rented Audi A4 from Sixt showed me a picture of a tire with a ‘!’ in it when I started the car, and it stays there. -What does this mean?

Why should we care about user interfaces? If the user interface fails, the system has failed Example: –JMU’s Webmail system

Would you like to copy/paste addresses? Sorry. Would you like groups within groups? Sorry.

A more serious example USS Vincennes & Iranian Airbus (July 3, 1988) 290 civilian casualties

Principles of Interaction Design We used to talk about User Interface Design But this focuses on the interface, when what concerns us is the entire interaction So we’ll talk about Interaction Design (ID) And remember: the user is part of the system! Interface Interaction SYSTEM!

The Software Engineering Lifecycle “waterfall” model Requirements Analysis Design Implementation Testing Maintenance

Where does Interaction Design fit into the lifecycle? System Requirements –Task Analysis and Needs Assessment –Most of the rest of the Interaction Design process System Design (or late Requirements phase) –Design of interface details (widgets &c) System Test –Qualitative and quantitative performance testing

Interaction Design and the Software Lifecycle Requirements Analysis Design Implementation Testing Maintenance

Discussion of Experience Have you developed and delivered a software and/or hardware system? Did this system have any human interaction? Was the interaction engineered? How? –Requirements? –Design? –Testing?

Goals Describe what Interaction Design (ID) is Explain difference between good and poor ID Explain what usability is Describe the process of ID Outline forms of ID guidance Learn to evaluate an interactive product

Interaction Design and Pornography “You know it when you see it.” Each of you should find an example of a user interface and bring it to each class –What’s good about it? –What’s bad about it? If you get picked to present yours, then find another.

Project Kickoff