Interaction Design Overview

Interaction Overview

• Interaction between a user and a computer system involves exchanging information and commands.
• The interaction can range from simple command-line inputs to complex, immersive experiences like virtual reality.
• Good interaction design enhances usability, making it easier for users to achieve their goals.
• Effective interaction contributes to a positive user experience, increasing satisfaction and productivity.
• Interaction design considers accessibility, enabling systems to be used by people with diverse abilities and preferences.

Models of Interaction

• Interaction models help understand the complexities of user-system communication.
• Norman's Execution-Evaluation Cycle is a foundational model. It describes how users form goals, plan actions, execute them, and evaluate outcomes.
• Extended models build upon Norman's cycle by introducing more nuanced aspects of interaction, such as context and feedback.

Interaction Terms

• Domain: The area of work being studied (e.g., graphic design).
• Goal: What a user wants to achieve (e.g., creating a solid red triangle).
• Task: How users go about achieving their goal (e.g., choosing a fill tool and clicking over a triangle).

Donald Norman's Model

• Norman's model is a key model in human-computer interaction (HCI).
• It describes the interaction as a cycle with seven stages: goal setting, intention forming, action specification ,action execution, perceiving system state, interpreting system state, and evaluating the outcome with respect to the goal.
• The model highlights the importance of aligning system responses with user expectations.

Execution/Evaluation Loop

• The model breaks down the user-system interaction into two phases: execution and evaluation.
• Within each phase, steps exist defining how the interaction between user and system progresses and how feedback is given and processed.

The Interaction Framework

• The framework outlines four key components of a system-user interaction: System, User, Input, Output.
• The input and output together form the interface for communication between users and system.
• Problems in interaction are often translation problems.

Ergonomics

• Ergonomics focuses on the physical aspects of human-system interactions.
• It aims to optimize control designs, physical environments, and display layouts to enhance user experience and performance.
• Key issues include the arrangement of controls and displays, physical environments, and factors such as lighting and noise levels.

Interaction Styles

• Interface style can significantly impact user experience.
• Common interaction styles include:
  • Command-line interface (e.g., Unix)
  • Menus
  • Natural language
  • Question/answer
  • Form-fills
  • Spreadsheets
  • WIMP
  • Three-dimensional interfaces

WIMP interface

• Windows, icons, menus, and pointers
• Key elements: windows, icons, menus, pointers, buttons, and toolbars
• Windows: independent areas of the screen.
• Icons: small images representing elements.
• Menus: lists of options for interaction.
• Pointers: used for selecting or manipulating elements on the screen.

Interactivity

• Interactivity in computing involves the dynamic exchange of information and actions between users and computer systems.
• Key components include engagement (active participation), feedback (immediate responses), user-centered design (tailored to user needs), and multimodal interaction (using various input methods like touch, voice, etc.). Personalization is also important.

Context of the Interaction

• Context refers to the specific circumstances and environment surrounding user-system interactions.
• Examples include physical and digital environments (desktops, mobile devices); user goals (objectives to be achieved); system capabilities (available features and limitations); and user characteristics (experience and preferences).
• Contextual variables like time, location, and emotional state can also impact interactions.
• Feedback mechanisms are essential for effective user-system interaction.

This quiz explores the fundamentals of interaction design, covering key concepts such as user-system communication and usability principles. Learn about various interaction models, including Norman's Execution-Evaluation Cycle, and how effective design enhances user experience and accessibility. Test your knowledge on important terms and concepts in this essential field.