The use of analytical models in human-computer interface design

Some of the many analytical models in human-computer interface design that are currently being developed are described. The usefulness of analytical models for human-computer interface design is evaluated. Can the use of analytical models be recommended to interface designers? The answer, based on the empirical research summarized here, is: not at this time. There are too many unanswered questions concerning the validity of models and their ability to meet the practical needs of design organizations

The use of analytical models in human-computer interface design

Recently, a large number of human-computer interface (HCI) researchers have investigated building analytical models of the user, which are often implemented as computer models. These models simulate the cognitive processes and task knowledge of the user in ways that allow a researcher or designer to estimate various aspects of an interface's usability, such as when user errors are likely to occur. This information can lead to design improvements. Analytical models can supplement design guidelines by providing designers rigorous ways of analyzing the information-processing requirements of specific tasks (i.e., task analysis). These models offer the potential of improving early designs and replacing some of the early phases of usability testing, thus reducing the cost of interface design. This paper describes some of the many analytical models that are currently being developed and evaluates the usefulness of analytical models for human-computer interface design. This paper will focus on computational, analytical models, such as the GOMS model, rather than less formal, verbal models, because the more exact predictions and task descriptions of computational models may be useful to designers. The paper also discusses some of the practical requirements for using analytical models in complex design organizations such as NASA

Aerospace medicine and biology: A continuing bibliography with indexes (supplement 388)

This bibliography lists 132 reports, articles and other documents introduced into the NASA Scientific and Technical Information Database. Subject coverage includes: aerospace medicine and physiology, life support systems and man/system technology, protective clothing, exobiology and extraterrestrial life, planetary biology, and flight crew behavior and performance

Fourth Annual Workshop on Space Operations Applications and Research (SOAR 90)

The papers from the symposium are presented. Emphasis is placed on human factors engineering and space environment interactions. The technical areas covered in the human factors section include: satellite monitoring and control, man-computer interfaces, expert systems, AI/robotics interfaces, crew system dynamics, and display devices. The space environment interactions section presents the following topics: space plasma interaction, spacecraft contamination, space debris, and atomic oxygen interaction with materials. Some of the above topics are discussed in relation to the space station and space shuttle

Understanding how persons with mild acquired cognitive impairment use and experience information and communication technology : an exploratory study

Mild acquired cognitive impairment (MACI) is a term used to characterise persons who acquire a minor, non-progressive decrease in cognitive functions due to some physical trauma, or medical conditions, such as benign tumour, cardiovascular diseases (stroke), or side effects of medical treatment. Persons with MACI might suffer from multiple cognitive and/or slight physical disabilities and need rehabilitation to recover and regain their skills. Information and communication technology (ICT) is one approach that can be considered for assisting persons with MACI to improve their skills, support their self-management, and cope with their condition. However, understanding how persons with MACI use and experience ICT tools is a challenging task. This thesis belongs to the field of consumer health informatics (CHI). The overall aim of this research was to understand how regular ICT tools are used by persons with MACI in their daily lives. In addition, the aim was to explore how to capture their experience while using these tools. With respect to the field of user experience (UX) several different methods were used in this thesis: a systematic review to find relevant literature about ICT tools for persons with MACI and analysis of the tools’ functionality against clinical needs (study I); surveys to explore how persons with MACI actually use and experience ICT and e-services (study II); social network analysis to address the communication and social interaction aspects (study III); and a diary- keeping method to explore the feasibility of a UX field study method and to capture the frequency of using regular ICT tools on a daily basis (study IV). The findings of this thesis showed a lack of ICT tools developed and evaluated for supporting self-management of persons with MACI. Moreover, a subset of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) identified in this thesis showed it to be a valuable analytical framework for exploring the functionality of ICT tools to match the needs of persons with MACI. Considering the lack of data about the persons who did not participate in the studies of this thesis, the findings provided rough information regarding the use of e-services for this population in addition to their cognitive failure levels and the most important aspects of ICT tools and web 2.0 services. Moreover, the participants in this research showed they were as capable of using the existing ICT tools as a healthy population. The findings also showed that social media, in this case Facebook, might be a valuable means of social support over and above its informational benefits for persons with MACI. Last but not least, as a result of a pilot study, the findings provided information about daily activities, feelings and use of computer/Internet as well as the strengths and weaknesses of using the UX field study method for capturing daily experiences of persons with MACI. To the best of our knowledge, the studies of this thesis were the first to explore the ICT and users’ experience for health information consumers with MACI. In conclusion, the main contribution of this thesis relates to the knowledge about the ICT tools and Web 2.0 services that are currently being used by persons with MACI and promoting them among the health informatics research community as individuals with special needs and necessities. The thesis also preliminary addresses some challenges in exploring the user experience of health information consumers with MACI

Fourth Annual Workshop on Space Operations Applications and Research (SOAR 90)

The proceedings of the SOAR workshop are presented. The technical areas included are as follows: Automation and Robotics; Environmental Interactions; Human Factors; Intelligent Systems; and Life Sciences. NASA and Air Force programmatic overviews and panel sessions were also held in each technical area

Development of a construction methodology of goal directed, optimal complexity, flexible and task oriented (GOFT) training materials for novice computer users: application and evaluation in adults with mental health problems

A number of information technology schemes have been developed in order to provide people with mental health problems the opportunity to acquire skills in micro-computer technology. Even though positive results have been reported a high incidence of dropouts during the beginning of the training have been found. The research is based on the assumption that in order for a computer training method to be effective in fostering computer skills and confidence to adult novice users with mental health problems has to: (a) bridge the gap between the user's capacities, needs, and preferences and the demands of the computer interfaces and their real task applications; (b) consider the ways adult novice users prefer to learn and the skill acquisition theories; (c) facilitate a goal directed interaction with the computer system; (d) maintain an optimal complexity level across training; and (e) allow flexibility of use. Based on the relevant literature, a methodology model and a set of design propositions and construction guidelines have been derived and have been implemented for the development of Goaldirected, optimal complexity, Flexible & Task oriented (GOFT) training materials for adult, novice users with mental health problems. The GOFT training materials were based on three different models, the one for the creation of a goal directed instruction format and the other two for the organisation of the training, and the estimation of the difficulty level of each new computer operation or real task application. Evaluation of use of the GOFT Training Materials by 34 adult, novice users (aged 18-51) with mental health problems revealed positive results. More specifically, the use of the GOFT training materials as compared to traditional methods resulted in a significant increase in the number of participants at the different training stages (85.3% versus 47.2%; and 44.5% versus 22.2% at three and twelve months respectively), in perfect & regular attendance rate ( 44,12% versus 11.11% & 32.35% versus 16.67%) and in the performance level (means of 3.75 versus 2.67) of the users. The subjective evaluation by the users also revealed significant differences between the GOFT and traditional training materials. In their evaluation the GOFT materials were rated significantly higher in terms of systematic arrangement, personal affect, understandability, task relevance, fitness, sense of control, confidence in using the mastered functions and in supporting goal directed learning approach

A general methodology for designing and developing Intelligent Database Decision Aids, with application to medicine.

After more than twenty years of development effort in expert and knowledge-based applications, there are indications of a growing uncertainty in the practical potential of such systems, especially within medical domains. Many difficulties have arisen from attempting to model human experts. These are particularly evident when considering unformalised or nonstandardised domains which are common characteristics of many specialist medical fields. Moreover, little attention has been paid to the prospective users of these systems, the tasks which are routinely undertaken or the environment in which the users must operate. These factors have all contributed to the continued lack of success of such systems. This research reviews the difficulties encountered during the development of know ledgebased systems and conventional systems. From these studies, the importance of fully considering end-users and their needs became evident. It also became apparent that currently, there is a lack of techniques available to medical investigators which would allow them to quickly, easily and thoroughly analyse the information they collect during their research studies. However, the ability to undertake such reviews is crucial if consultants are not only to extend their knowledge of their domain through exploration but if they are also to evolve agreed operational practices. This standardisation of approach would lead to a rationalisation of the tests and procedures routinely undertaken, which in turn would result in the saving of time, money and patient discomfort. Consequently, this research also examines the intended user group, the typical procedures followed and the common tasks undertaken during clinical trials, as well as the environment in which the user group operates. These studies uncovered the typical facilities and assistance required by such investigators. From this information, a general methodology, characterising the processes involved in the construction of a generic Intelligent Database Decision Aid (IDDA), was developed. A suite of computer-based tools then evolved to facilitate the tailoring of such a system by a domain expert, who may be a naive computer user, for a specific investigation. These tools would thus give total control of a study to the domain expert and permit an IDDA system to be quickly and easily constructed for each new investigation. The approach was evaluated by utilising test cases drawn primarily from the medical domain. However, as the methodology was based upon commonly accepted investigative procedures, it was also reviewed in other domains to test its wider applicability. All of the IDDA systems were successfully constructed and the feedback obtained from the trials was very positive, both for the approach adopted and the various IDDA end-systems produced. Therefore, the general methodology proposed by this research has been shown to be effective and its benefits can now begin to be realized