HCI

Theoretical frameworks summary (weeks 3 and 4)

Theory/framework Core idea/s

Activity Theory

Human activity does not occur within the confines of the individual, rather it is mediated by tools,
social, historical and cultural elements.
! In HCI design consider not only human factors but also ask: What is motivating the person to
interact? What is the social and cultural context in which the interaction is embedded? What is the
purpose of the interaction? What technologies are being used and how do their attributes influence
what is possible for the interaction?

Distributed
cognition

Cognition and knowledge are not confined to an individual; rather, it is distributed across objects,
individuals, artefacts, and tools in the environment (distributed cognition links with activity theory)
! In HCI design consider cognitive load (how much is the user required to remember or process in
order to achieve their objectives). What other sources of knowledge can the user access (e.g.
internet, social networks or other tools to support externalisation of cognition)

Embodied
interaction

Interaction as inextricable part of a person. Interaction taking place within the boundaries of the
capabilities of the human expression; no longer confined to keyboard and mouse. Important trend
with rise of social and physical computing.
! In HCI, re-evaluate design principles and research into new ways of interaction. What is natural
interaction becomes important question. Consider how activity theory which talks about mediation
role of culture and social elements comes into play here.

Interaction design

About the user experience (UX). Includes usability and emphasis on how to facilitate interaction
between user and products through understandable language, visual language, and aligned with
human behavior.
! In HCI consider usability (effectiveness, efficiency, error handling) and visual/physical design
principles to create a good user experience.

Theory/framework Core idea/s

Mental models

Individual and deeply personal conceptualizations and beliefs about how things work. This
understanding influences how people choose to interact with a system. Mental models change over
time with experiences and changes in knowledge and learning that may come from direct
instruction or even from interacting with others.
! In HCI design seek to understand the target users mental models. An effective interactive system
will match the mental models of the user. Questions to ask: What prior experiences does the user
have with this type of system or content? What are their beliefs about how this should work
(expectations)? How do they conceptualize the processes/tasks in terms of what is required and the
task sequences? Etc.

Human action cycle

Humans tend to follow a sequence of cognitive events when determining their actions (interactions).
The process is: establish a goal, form intention, specify the action sequence, execute action, perceive
results, interpret results, evaluate results.
! In HCI design ask: is it obvious what can be done with the system so that user can form a goal and
intention? How obvious is it what has to be done to do the task? Will the user be able to do the
actions? Does the action sequence match mental model? Can users make sense of feedback? How do
they know the status of the system?

GOMS

Goals, Operators, Methods and Selection; Cognitive structure of tasks.

! In HCI GOMS analysis can define the important tasks and also the efficiency of tasks.

Diffusion of
innovation

What is the process by which people adopt innovations? What motivates adoption? (Opportunity for
low risk trial, relative advantage, relevance, seeing others using the innovation)
! In HCI consider your system design as an innovation. What can you do to enhance uptake?