HCI 454

Interaction theories

• Means-ends analysis (Newell and Simon, ~1960)
  1. Compare current state and goal state
  2. Choose action that reduces the difference bewteen 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
• 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?