HCI_guidelines

Lecture notes: HCI Guidelines

(based on Shneiderman chapter 2)

[ lecture notes | CSC 397 | Pete Sanderson | Computer Science | SMSU ]

Guidelines should be developed consistent with principles.

8 September 1998: Mark McGwire hits number 62 (video clip)

Guidelines for Data Display

Organize the display
(consistent, relevance of data to task, minimize mental load, user control of display method, design in b/w then add color, approp analog or digital)

Get user attention
(judicious use of blinking, color, audio, fonts, size)

More details in chapter 11 (Presentation Styles)

Guidelines for Data Entry

Similar to guidelines for organizing display.
(user control, consistency, minimize mental load, minimize input actions)

Balance of Automation and Human Control

Routine tasks should be automated, human control is necessary to handle unanticipated situations. Where human control is necessary, system should provide information needed to make control decisions.
This is an important issue in safety-critical systems (home and office automation too).
Agents and bots are discussed. These are metaphors. May be anthropomorphic, which is portrayed as negative.
Adaptive systems and user models are discussed, mostly in a negative light. Major problem sited is surprise and loss of user control.
"The philosophical alternative to agents is user-control, responsibility, and accomplishment." p 87. Emphasis by Shneiderman. Control panel is UI metaphor. Emphasis on preferences.

[ lecture notes | CSC 397 | Pete Sanderson | Computer Science | SMSU ]

Last reviewed: 25 September 1998

Peter Sanderson ( pete@csc.smsu.edu )