Human-computer interaction: users, tasks & designs Making interactive systems feel natural for users Use with Human Computer Interaction by Serengul Smith-Atakan ISBN 1-84480-454-4 © 2006 Middlesex University Press

At the end of this lecture you should be able to … Define what natural computing is Explain the main principles of natural computing Explain the key concepts of user-centred system design (UCSD) Explain what interactive design is Use with Human Computer Interaction by Serengul Smith-Atakan ISBN 1-84480-454-4 © 2006 Middlesex University Press

Use with Human Computer Interaction Natural computing The study of how people process and store information, manipulate symbols, ascribe personal values to events, attribute cultural and emotive judgments. Use with Human Computer Interaction by Serengul Smith-Atakan ISBN 1-84480-454-4 © 2006 Middlesex University Press

Use with Human Computer Interaction Natural computing Information processing is just one of the capabilities of the human brain. The main idea of natural computing is that information processing is a natural process for us. The user perspective The designer's perspective The sustainability perspective Use with Human Computer Interaction by Serengul Smith-Atakan ISBN 1-84480-454-4 © 2006 Middlesex University Press

Key features of user-centred system design A central focus on the people who will use the systems, on their preferences and requirements Building simple models of the users, the tasks and the technological systems An iterative process Prototyping and the evaluation of alternatives by users. Use with Human Computer Interaction by Serengul Smith-Atakan ISBN 1-84480-454-4 © 2006 Middlesex University Press

Use with Human Computer Interaction The user or users What do you think of when you read the phrase 'the user'? Do you think of: Someone like yourself? A stereotype 'user'? A group of 'typical users'? You picture individuals, each with different skills and preferences, different priorities and objectives? Use with Human Computer Interaction by Serengul Smith-Atakan ISBN 1-84480-454-4 © 2006 Middlesex University Press

UCSD Process Task Analysis Requirements Gathering Design & Storyboard Observation of existing systems Problem Statement HTA Requirements Gathering Usability guidelines & heuristics Requirement stmt: functional & non-functional Design & Storyboard Storyboard Technical & legal constraints Prototype implementation Prototype Evaluation Transcript & evaluation report Installation Final implementation

Use with Human Computer Interaction Is UCSD sufficient? UCSD may not be enough People may need the facility to: Customise a system Add assistive technology for extreme circumstances or disability Have adaptable systems that respond to the ways in which they are used or to a user's known profile Use with Human Computer Interaction by Serengul Smith-Atakan ISBN 1-84480-454-4 © 2006 Middlesex University Press

Six principles of natural computing What can users do? Modelling users Understanding the domain Understanding human learning Meaning as a basis for practical action Use with Human Computer Interaction by Serengul Smith-Atakan ISBN 1-84480-454-4 © 2006 Middlesex University Press

Use with Human Computer Interaction Understanding users We need to understand better the people who use the systems we design and build. Use with Human Computer Interaction by Serengul Smith-Atakan ISBN 1-84480-454-4 © 2006 Middlesex University Press

Use with Human Computer Interaction Core concepts These are common to both natural computing and user-centred system design User model Universal access Design for all Inclusive design Task models Technological platform Use with Human Computer Interaction by Serengul Smith-Atakan ISBN 1-84480-454-4 © 2006 Middlesex University Press

Use with Human Computer Interaction Universal access Universal access is the objective of making systems that are accessible anytime, anywhere and to anyone of the intended user population. Use with Human Computer Interaction by Serengul Smith-Atakan ISBN 1-84480-454-4 © 2006 Middlesex University Press

Use with Human Computer Interaction Design for all It is similar to 'universal access', but also promotes the notion of careful design and design standards, so that users with special needs are not excluded from the use of a system. Use with Human Computer Interaction by Serengul Smith-Atakan ISBN 1-84480-454-4 © 2006 Middlesex University Press

Use with Human Computer Interaction Inclusive design The aim of inclusive design is to create mechanisms by which designers can calculate the numbers of users who are excluded by specific design features. Use with Human Computer Interaction by Serengul Smith-Atakan ISBN 1-84480-454-4 © 2006 Middlesex University Press

Use with Human Computer Interaction Task models You must identify the key features of the task to be achieved – and recognise those aspects that must or can be changed. Use with Human Computer Interaction by Serengul Smith-Atakan ISBN 1-84480-454-4 © 2006 Middlesex University Press

Technological platform In the earlier days of system design technology placed severe restrictions on the functionality of proposed systems These days technological options are less restrictive and, we can expect our expectations to be fulfilled by the technology Use with Human Computer Interaction by Serengul Smith-Atakan ISBN 1-84480-454-4 © 2006 Middlesex University Press

Strengths and weaknesses of interactive systems Modern interactive systems can be powerful because they draw on powerful technology Interactive systems may provide useful functions Interactive systems differ in the extent that they are usable Accessibility varies between good and poorly designed systems Use with Human Computer Interaction by Serengul Smith-Atakan ISBN 1-84480-454-4 © 2006 Middlesex University Press

Use with Human Computer Interaction Summary… Natural computing provides a basis to begin to understand people and systems, and how people might use technology to good effect Use with Human Computer Interaction by Serengul Smith-Atakan ISBN 1-84480-454-4 © 2006 Middlesex University Press