HCI 590 (IxD)

Interaction theories

Theories for novice users

• Means-ends analysis (Newell and Simon, ~1960)
  1. Compare current state and goal state
  2. Choose action that reduces the difference between states
  3. Evaluate result
• Soar cognitive architecture (Laird, Rosenbloom, Newell, ~1985):
  1. Goal
  2. Operator proposal
  3. Operator selection
  4. Operator verification
• Seven Stages of Action (adapted from Norman's stages of human action, 1988)
  1. Goal formation
  2. Translate goal into task(s)
  3. Create action sequence
  4. Execute action sequence
  5. Perceive results
  6. Interpret results
  7. Compare results to intended outcomes

  Also see version presented in ch. 21 by Hartson and Pyla (UX Book)

• Cognitive Walkthrough analysis (Lewis and Riemann)
  1. Will users be trying to produce whatever effect the action has?
  2. Will users see the control (button, menu, switch, etc.) for the action?
  3. Once users find the control, will they recognize that it produces the effect they want?
  4. After the action is taken, will users understand the feedback they get, so they can go on to the next action with confidence?
• Saffer's framework for interaction design (reviewed in ch.1)
  1. Triggers
  2. Rules
  3. Feedback
  4. Loops and Modes (conditions, long term effects, caveats)

Theories for practiced use

• Heckhausen and Beckman's theory on slips
• Keystroke analysis for efficiency

Theories for transitioning from novice to practiced use