Interaction Design Overview

Interaction between a user and a computer system involves exchanging information and commands.
This exchange can range from simple command lines to complex virtual reality experiences.
Effective interaction design enhances system usability, making it easier and more efficient for users to achieve their goals.
Positive user experiences increase user satisfaction and productivity.
Accessibility is crucial: different methods can make systems usable by users with varying abilities and preferences.

Interaction models help understand the complexities of user-system communication.
Norman's Execution-Evaluation Cycle is a foundational model.
This model describes the user process: forming goals, planning actions, executing them, and evaluating outcomes.
Extended models build on Norman's model by adding layers to the basic framework, considering factors like context and feedback.

Domain: The area of work (e.g. graphic design).
Goal: What the user intends to achieve (e.g., create a solid red triangle).
Task: The actions or operations needed to achieve the goal (e.g., select fill tool, click over triangle).

Norman's model is influential in human-computer interaction.
The user formulates a plan of action, executes it, and then evaluates the result.
The interactive cycle has seven stages: establishing the goal, forming intention, specifying action sequence, executing action, perceiving system state, interpreting system state, and evaluating against the goal

Execution phase involves forming a goal, forming intention, specifying action, and executing the action.
Evaluation phase involves perceiving the system, interpreting the result, and evaluating the outcome.
The cycle repeats from evaluation back into execution.

The framework outlines four key components in system-user interactions: System, User, Input, and Output.
The system represents core functionalities and operations.
The user interacts with the system and uses a specific language.
Input encompasses information and commands, and output corresponds to system responses.
Together, input and output form the interface.

Ergonomics focuses on the physical aspects of human-system interaction, encompassing control design, physical environments, and display layouts.
The goal is to create user experiences that are efficient, comfortable, and safe.
Key factors include control and display arrangement, environment design, user health and safety, and the role of color in interactions.

Interaction styles represent distinct ways users and computers communicate.
Common styles include command-line interfaces, menus, natural language, question/answer dialogs, form-fills, spreadsheets, WIMP, and three-dimensional interfaces.

Instructions are provided directly to the computer using function keys, characters, abbreviations, or combinations.
Best for repetitive tasks and expert users.

A set of options visible on-screen.
Easy to use due to less reliance on memory recall.
Selection often involved numbers, letters, arrow keys, or mouse clicks (or combinations).

A user-led interaction sequence based on questions and answers.
Best used by novice users, or to retrieve information from database structures utilizing languages like SQL.

Used for data entry or retrieval acting like paper forms.
Good design and obvious correction facilities are essential for a user-friendly experience.

Spreadsheet data is organized into rows and columns and often used for financial analysis and calculations.
Spreadsheets offer data organization, analysis, and manipulation functionalities.

WIMP stands for windows, icons, menus, and pointers, commonly used in interactive computing.
Uses windows, icons, menus, and pointers for user input and output.

Windows: independent regions, moveable, resizable, and can overlap.
Icons: small images representing functions, programs, or elements within a specific context.
Menus: organized lists of commands and options.
Pointers: using a cursor or pointer for input.
Buttons, toolbars, palettes, and dialog boxes are also part of WIMP systems

Interactivity involves dynamic exchange of information between users and computer systems.
Key features include engagement, feedback mechanisms, user-centered design, multi-modal interaction, and personalization.

The context includes environment, user goals, system capabilities, and user characteristics.
Factors like time and location impact how users interact.
Effective design considers factors like system capabilities, user characteristics, and environmental factors.

Buttons: Individual selectable regions for actions.
Toolbars: Icon-based functions located on the screen
Palettes: Visual tools with colour options or patterns.
Dialog Boxes: Essential for warnings and important system notifications that help to guide users.