Introduction to Interaction
Design
What are interactive computer
systems?
• Computers are embedded in most aspects of
modern industrial/developed society
• Many of these have explicit or implicit
interactions with humans
• Think of all of the computers with which you
interacted recently
My List
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Laptop computer
PDA
Internet Banking
Cell phone
Car (ignition, fuel, dash, radio, &c)
Alarm clock
Parking lot gate
Shop checkout
Parking lot automat
What are some examples of user
interaction with these systems?
• User input to system
– Mouse clicks
– Graffiti (Palm OS)
– Physical buttons, knobs, pedals
• System output to user
– Text messages
– Graphics
– Sounds
How do these interfaces fall short?
• EXERCISE: In the same groups, choose one
common example and evaluate the interface
My rented Audi A4
• Some specific examples:
from Sixt showed
– Messages unclear
– Button function unknown
– Meaning of sounds unknown
• In general:
– Mental model doesn’t match system model
– Unclear interface functionality
– Lack of training and/or help
me a picture of a
tire with a ‘!’ in it
when I started the
car, and it stays
there.
-What does this
mean?
Why should we care about user
interfaces?
• If the user interface fails, the system has failed
• Example:
– JMU’s Webmail system
Would you like to
copy/paste addresses?
Sorry.
Would you like
groups within
groups?
Sorry.
A more serious example
• USS Vincennes & Iranian Airbus (July 3, 1988)
• 290 civilian casualties
Principles of Interaction Design
• We used to talk about User Interface Design
• But this focuses on the interface, when what
concerns us is the entire interaction
Interaction
Interface
SYSTEM!
• So we’ll talk about Interaction Design (ID)
• And remember: the user is part of the system!
The Software Engineering Lifecycle
“waterfall” model
Requirements
Analysis
Design
Implementation
Testing
Maintenance
Where does Interaction Design fit into
the lifecycle?
• System Requirements
– Task Analysis and Needs Assessment
– Most of the rest of the Interaction Design process
• System Design (or late Requirements phase)
– Design of interface details (widgets &c)
• System Test
– Qualitative and quantitative performance testing
Interaction Design and the
Software Lifecycle
Requirements
Analysis
Design
Implementation
Testing
Maintenance
Discussion of Experience
• Have you developed and delivered a software
and/or hardware system?
• Did this system have any human interaction?
• Was the interaction engineered? How?
– Requirements?
– Design?
– Testing?
Goals
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Describe what Interaction Design (ID) is
Explain difference between good and poor ID
Explain what usability is
Describe the process of ID
Outline forms of ID guidance
Learn to evaluate an interactive product
Interaction Design and Pornography
• “You know it when you see it.”
• Each of you should find an example of a user
interface and bring it to each class
– What’s good about it?
– What’s bad about it?
• If you get picked to present yours, then find
another.
Project Kickoff