1. Models, Metaphor, Paradigms
Dr. Dania Bilal
IS 588
Spring 2008

2. Understanding and conceptualizing interaction
Good interaction is based on a clear understanding of
What
Why
How
Benefits
Time and money saving

3. Problem space Understanding nature of problem space to be designed
Conceptualize what, why, and how you will create the space
Think about how the design will support users

4. Understanding problem space
Clarify usability and user experience goals to solve problem space
Make assumptions and claims
Class Activity
Scenario: There is a need to develop an open source browser. Think through why such a tool will be useful?
What are your assumptions? (think of what’s wrong with existing browser and how creating an opn source one will solve the problems)
Highlight problematic concerns to identify ideas to be reworked with the new browser

5. Conceptual model Is a description of the proposed design Made
Integrated ideas and concepts about
What should system do?
How should system operate/behave?
How should system look like?
Can system be understood by intended users?

6. Developing conceptual models
Envision proposed system based on user needs identified
Think: what will users be doing?
Decide on modes of interaction
Identify nature of user activities to support
Identify style of interaction to incorporate in proposed system

7. Developing conceptual models
Think of concrete solutions
Flesh-out:
explore possible design solutions
Evaluate good and bad about each solution
Adopt best solution
Always have alternative solution

8. Types of conceptual models
Models based on activities
Models based on objects

9. Models based on activities
Instructing
Conversing
Manipulating and navigating
Exploring and browsing

10. Models based on objects
Focus on way an object is used in a particular context
Often based on an analogy or physical objects in the real-world
Students to give examples????

11. Interface metaphors Based on conceptual models
Intend to explain something unfamiliar/hard to understand by combining familiar knowledge that is easy to understand
Class activity: Use a browser and identify the functions employed that are based on familiar knowledge.

12. Interaction paradigms
We will cover this topic next week along with Understanding Users