Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Book Reading 17 – HCI Remixed

Chapter 6 - A Creative Programming Environment
Summary

The writer went over the beginning of the GUI based on interaction with icons.  He longs for HCI innovation to not just be incremental, but to also make massive gains as with Pygmalion.

Discussion
I really enjoyed seeing what is considered to be the first use of icons in a GUI.  Most of us probably take for granted the GUI for an OS.  Based on what the first iterations looked like, I am fortunate to have had so many improvements since then.


Chapter 7 - Fundamentals in HCI: Learning the Value of Consistency and User Models
Summary

The Xerox Red Book was discussed.  Its importance in developing the user interface with various options was explained.

Discussion
It’s cool to see the perspective of people before the age of the GUI.  It must have been really exciting to design the outline for such an invention and be on the verge of its existence.


Chapter 9 - The Disappearing Computer
Summary

The notion of the disappearing computer was discussed.  There were two aspects pointed out.  One was the computer physically disappearing into devices.  The other was the computer remaining but people not realizing its presence since it’s such a large part of life.

Discussion
It’s unbelievable how much computers really have disappeared in both regards.  It’s quite plain to see my tower next to me, but I never think much of it honestly.  It’s kind of an assumed part of life.  When the power goes out or the internet goes down, that’s when I really notice that there’s a computer sitting next to me all the time.


Chapter 10 - It Really Is All About Location!
Summary

The Active Badge system was mentioned.  Its connection to the GPS and path-finding systems of today was discussed.

Discussion
I remember when MapQuest and Google first became options for finding your way.  It seemed so crazy to not have to call someone and write directions for to get somewhere.  Now these methods are so prevalent that they can be used in phones.  No one really has an excuse for not knowing how to get somewhere, unless there is no cell phone reception.  Then we’re sunk.


Chapter 46 - The Essential Role of Mental Models in HCI: Card, Moran, and Newell
Summary

The connections between mental models and technical research is discussed.  There is a clear debate about which type of field is driving HCI research.

Discussion
Obviously all of the contributing fields are important.  But getting inside people’s heads is crucial in designing an interface that is easy to use.  From the other readings, it’s clear that psychology plays a massive role in successful design and implementation.


Chapter 47 - A Most Fitting Law
Summary

Fitt’s Law is the main topic of discussion.  More specifically, its application to modern GUI design is pointed out and the ways in which menus should behave to cater best to humans.

Discussion
I never knew laws like this went into the design of a GUI.  Also, there seems to be quite a bit of thought that goes into menu behavior and theory behind why one design is better than another.  You can notice if a design is poor, but following Fitt’s Law would be able to specifically point out why this is.

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