Contextaware design and interaction in computer systems

1
Context-aware design and interaction in computer
systems

• By T.Selker, W.Burleson
• IBM SYSTEMS JOURNAL, Vol 39, NOS 34, 2000
• ??? ? ?? (EECS, 20005846)

2
Contents

• Introduction
• Framework
• Task model
• User model
• System model
• Design prototypes of context-aware systems
• Noncomputational models
• Context-aware computer systems
• Sensor-based systems
• Multifunction systems
• Proactive model-based systems
• Conclusion

3
Introduction (1/2)

• The fields of design and computer science are
  beginning to merge
• Macintosh vs. iMac
• Aesthetics, ergonomics and cognitive science are
  important factor in user interface design
• Traditional design paradigm is broadening the
  structured design process for human computer
  interfaces
• Engineering design paradigm
• Break the problems down into parts and apply the
  standard solutions
• Traditional design paradigm
• Promote aesthetics, ergonomics, and their
  relationships to functions

4
Introduction (2/2)

• Issues of contextual interaction and knowledge
  about peoples desired activities and actions
  affect the design process
• Contextual information can be used to reduce the
  amount of explicit input a person is required to
  give a computer
• What and where the user task is
• What the user knows
• What the system capabilities are
• New technologies open possibilities for
  context-aware systems
• Development of new and sophisticated sensors
• Recognition technology

5
Framework

• Task model
• The acts that a person performs to accomplish a
  task with a system
• Ex) task at the threshold open a door, See if
  someone is inside
• User model
• Task-relevant background information about the
  user
• User comfort and user congruency depends on his
  habit, self-image, and even issues of motivation
• System model
• Refer to the capabilities of the computer system
  its structure and ability to accomplish an
  existing task

6
Design prototypes of context-aware systems (1/6)

• Noncomputational models

• Out-Of-Box Experience

• Task model
• - The person is setting up a notebook computer
• User model
• - A novice opening a computer for the first time
• System model
• - The paper instructions are near the components
  they describe and are revealed as the person
  opens the computer

7
Design prototypes of context-aware systems (2/6)

• Sensor-based systems (1)

• Flexor

• Task model
• - Recognized contextual communication through
  arm motion
• User model
• - Arm movement
• System model
• - Arm-bending sensor to evaluate motions made by
  arm
• 1) dancing flashes a varying sequence of
  lights sounds
• 2) exercising counts how many
  repetitions have been completed

8
Design prototypes of context-aware systems (3/6)

• Sensor-based systems (2)

• Task model
• - Two-way interaction with the office task model
  and office occupant model
• 1) bringing someone in
• 2) rescheduling a meeting
• 3) leaving a message
• User model
• - Walks by in order to find out if a colleague
  is in his office
• System model
• - Relies on two switches(inside outside)
• - Coupling to voice recognition Microsoft
  Office

• Digital Threshold

9
Design prototypes of context-aware systems (4/6)

• Multifunction systems (1)

• Task model
• - Work differently for two diverse situations
• 1) for a standard notebook computer
• 2) used as a LCD panel for an overhead
  projector
• System model
• - A person could remove the plastic back cover
  from the LCD panel
• - Place the laptop computer screen on an
  overhead projector
• - The user could place a finger on the LCD panel
  like a transparency

• IBM ThinkPad 755CV

10
Design prototypes of context-aware systems (5/6)

• Multifunction systems (2)

• Task model
• - Reduces the physical materials in a persons
  pocket (paper, money, credit card, etc)
• - Improve the ability to identify carrier,
  record the financial transactions, etc
• System model
• - Deliver and record important documents
• - Communicate wirelessly
• - Display information
• - Leather wallet design

• Electronic Wallet

11
Design prototypes of context-aware systems (6/6)

• Proactive model-based systems
• The system drives or trades off control with the
  user

• COACH
• Task model
• - A software agent that creates a dynamic user
  model by observing user interactions with respect
  to frequency, duration, and efficiency of use
• Separates the task, user, system model for
  learnable things
• - Novice, intermediate, professional and expert

• Music Ball
• Task model
• - The ball-user collaboration creates a language
  of sounds and associated motions
• System model
• - Uses AI strategies for music teaching
  structure
• - Communicates with an enunciator and a motion
  sensor

12
Conclusion

• The context-aware design framework focuses on
  design that accounts for contextual information
  or settings
• Why ) Reduces communication barriers by analyzing
• What can be known about a user
• How to support that information with task, use
  and system models
• This paper has shown how context can be embodied
  in the form and material of design, in the
  internal models and in computer reactions
• For diverse contexts
• At different levels of complexity