1. CEN3722 Human Computer Interaction Understanding Users Part II
Dr. Ron Eaglin

2. Lesson Objectives
Describe why it is important to understand users of our systems
Individual differences
Abilities
Knowledge
Skills
Experience
Describe why it is important to understand the tasks users will perform.

3. Product Design Identify users who interact directly with the system
Brainstorm a list of users
Create a matrix of user groups vs. major tasks
Identify assumptions of user groups (education, experience, age, gender, etc…)
Job titles and responsibilities
Education or training – schooling, OJT, workshops, seminar
User understanding of workflow process

4. Example – Oven Timer
SET
SET 10 1 2 45 9 2 8 3 7 hr
min 6 4 5

5. Example – Oven Timer Microwave timer – notice common food settings
What assumptions can we make about user preferences for interface?
Age – Gender – Level of experience
What assumptions can we make about the task?
Speed – convenience - accuracy
Microwave timer –
notice common food settings

6. What users know about their tasks
How did users learn to perform the tasks they do on their job?
How long have they been doing the tasks?
Has the task changed over time?
Do users do many different tasks or the same task repeated?
Do users teach/help each other how to do task?
Do the users supervise anyone (or have supervisor)?
Are there any people who have not done the task? (to observe)

7. What users know about tools
Users will find alternatives to products they do not like.
Will wash dishes by hand if they don’t like dishwasher controls
Will balance checkbook by hand if they do not like software

8. Questions for Users (Tools)
What tools or software are you using today?
Have you always used same (one) tool or many different tools?
Where did you learn to use the tool?
How proficient are you using the tool (epxert/beginner)?
What computer systems do you use (Windows/Max/Mainframe/iOS/Android/etc) ?
Are you a mouse or keyboard user?

9. Asking Questions (Survey - formats)
Ordinal Scale
Interval Scale
Meaningful Scale

10. Ordinal Scale Example 1 - Very unimportant 2 - Unimportant
4 - Very important
5 - Don’t know

11. Interval Scale Example
Interval scale is one in which distance between anchors is in meaningful units and the same
How many errors do you make a day?
1-5
6-10
11-15
16-20

12. Interval Scale 1 - Very unimportant 2 - Unimportant
3 - Neither unimportant nor important
4 - Important
5 - Very important

13. Meaningful Scale Endorsement Example Definitely true True Don’t know
False
Definitely false
Example
Use the scale to answer the following question: I felt comfortable using the system

14. Meaningful Scale Frequency Example: Always Very often Fairly often
Sometimes
Almost never
Never
Example:
What frequently do you make the same mistake with the software you currently use on your job?

15. Meaningful Scale Intensity Example: None Very mild Mild Moderate
Severe
Example:
How would you rate the intensity of the shock you received :-)

16. Meaningful Scale Influence Example: Big problem Moderate problem
Small problem
Very small problem
No problem
Example:
Given your description of the error, how would you rate it’s influence on your ability to do your job?

17. Meaningful Scale Comparison Example: Much better than others
Somewhat better than others
About the better as others
Somewhat worse than others
Much worse than others
Example:
How would you compare the learnability of this system with others you have used?

20. Lesson Objectives
Describe why it is important to understand users of our systems
Individual differences
Abilities
Knowledge
Skills
Experience
Describe why it is important to understand the tasks users will perform.