W1 Reading

Modernism and the esthtics of personal computing

Kirkpatrick (2003) argues the question of modernist esthetics is when the computer user is at a computer; the interface offers something the individual can interact with rather than the computer representing the true machine that it is underneath the interface. Graphic interface is natural pluralism everybody can be successful. There is a conjecture of machine entering where it is all great experience with out betraying it's technical underpinnings. IT has been refined enough that using a computer no longer is represented as technology but as an enjoyable experience without betraying it's underlying technology. Computational styles emerged in the 80's that divided between expert knowledge (Hackers) and knowledgeable hobbyists. Both knew the machines inside and out but developed their expertise to different degrees. Up to 1990's it was a subculture that used "command line" interaction. The User friendly interface changing that. The question that modernist esthetics poses is that the computer user as they get more knowledgable should be able to be exposed to the inner working more and should be able to see the true machine

Hidden costs of graphical user interfaces: Failure to make the transition from menus and icon toolbars to keyboard shortcuts

Lane, Napier, Peres, & Sándor (2005) did several studies to determine efficient use of computer interfaces. Mouse, icons, keyboard shortcuts, or variations of the previous. They did two studies using more than 250 people located in various industries. The studies relied heavily on questionnaires and came up with surprising results when comparing experienced and inexperienced users. The studied showed keyboard shortcuts were used the least. The cut, copy, paste were the most used shortcuts but icon use still out numbered the keyboard shortcut. Neither experience or advanced typing skills seemed to be a factor that improved efficient use of keyboard. Possible ways for improvement was training programs with specific mapped out guidelines. Graphic interfaces are easy to learn and the visibility of the graphic interface makes them easy to use so foregoing the need to memorize commands.

Pictorial communication of abstract verbs in relation to human-computer interaction

Rogers & Oborne (1987) looked at how people would draw pictures to represent verbs like say for functions of keys or an action with a computer. There were two levels of verbs: high imagery and low imagery verbs. The recent trends are to use icons to represent actions on computers or with machinery. It has been found that icons can convey meaning quicker and more succinctly than words. The transition of this to computers is incomplete due to the uncertainty of what image conveys what complicated feature. Abstract connections of pictures versus words is unknown for variety of factors. The research has not pointed out if it makes a difference in speed or not due to high imagery words are much easier to draw for and understand.

Complexity of user interfaces: Can it be reduced by a mode key?

Musseler, Meinecke, & Dobler (1996) investigates if mode keys, which changes the function of other control elements, is a benefit to speed and accuracy in operating a device. They experimented with 3 set-ups of keys. 1 mode key and 5 buttons; 5 mode keys and 5 buttons; and 5 mode keys and 20 buttons. There are impacts with friendly or unfriendly interfaces that can positively or negatively impact usage. Mode keys for advance users is a benefit in speed especially when practiced, but there can be slowness and often wrong use with misunderstood mode keys. Design of single mode key is least efficient and in a critical speed dependent situation is not a recommended interface. The single key set-up consistently out-performed the other set-ups, but is not to say it is most efficient. Manufacturing and task affect these.  Categorical grouping is helpful in efficient usage of the buttons. Study looks at how the relationship of variety/number of modes influences accuracy of usage in practiced user and inexperienced users.

REFERENCES

Kirkpatrick, G. (2003). Modernism and the esthetics of personal computing. Journal for Cultural Research, 7(2), 179. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.

Lane, D., Napier, H., Peres, S., & Sándor, A. (2005). Hidden costs of graphical user interfaces: Failure to make the transition from menus and icon Toolbars to Keyboard Shortcuts. International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction, 18(2), 133-144. doi:10.1207/s15327590ijhc1802_1.

Rogers, Y., & Oborne, D. (1987). Pictorial communication of abstract verbs in relation to human--computer interaction. British Journal of Psychology, 78(1), 99. Retrieved from Business Source Premier database.

Musseler, J., Meinecke, C., & Dobler, J. (1996). Complexity of user interfaces: Can it be reduced by a mode key?. Behaviour & Information Technology, 15(5), 291-300. doi:10.1080/014492996120076