This research program covers three topics relating to the humancomputer
interface namely, voice recognition, tools and techniques
for evaluation, and user and interface modelling.
An investigation into the implementation of voice recognition
technologies examines how voice recognisers may be evaluated in
commercial software. A prototype system was developed with the
collaboration of FEMVIEW Ltd. (marketing a CAD package). Proposals
for future research using the prototype system suggests the need for
field trials to assess its usefulness in a working environment and to
gain insights to end-user attitudes. A new generation of voice system
is proposed based around a phoneme-based pattern matching paradigm,
natural language understanding facilities and intelligent knowledgebased
systems capable of building on knowledge by inference and
deduction.
In order to assess the 'usability' of the FEMVIEW CAD software a
subject-base' formal evaluation w-s cond""ct-d which involved: -
(1) the analysis of responses to a multi-user survey of end-user
attitudes;
(2) collecting behavioural performance measures from students learning
to use the software.
(3) cognitive and affective data obtained from laboratory
experimentation using experienced users of the CAD package.
A theoretical approach to evaluation leads to the hypothesis that
human-computer interaction is affected by personality, influencing
types of dialogue, preferred methods for providing help, etc. A user
model based on personality traits, or habitual behaviour patterns
(HBP) is presented. Proposals are given to use the HBP model in future
self-adaptive interfaces. Results from experimentation to justify the
model are inconclusive.
Finally, a practical framework is provided for the evaluation of
human-computer interfaces. It suggests that evaluation is an integral
part of design and that the iterative use of evaluation techniques
throughout the conceptualisation, design, implementation and postimplementation
stages will ensure systems that satisfy the needs of
the users and fulfil the goal of 'usability'.
The major contributions made to the knowledge of this subject can be
summarised as follows:
(1) the practical problems of implementing voice recognition
technologies in commercial software;
(2) the development of a new personalised user model which accounts
for individual's idiosyncrasies;
(3) methods for applying simple evaluation techniques in order to
assess software 'usability';
(4) a practical framework for developing usable software