Lecture Notes for Human Factors
Chapters 7-10 Plus

Richard Halstead-Nussloch

Chapter 7 - Interface Metaphors and Conceptual Models

• Metaphor--A way of describing a concept in a more accessible and familiar form.
• Interface metaphor -- Xerox Star's desktop
• Composite metaphors
• Metaphor classification (Table 7.1, pg 149)
• Ubiquitous computing

Conceptual Models

• Conceptual models (CM)--a generic term that the describes the various ways in which systems are understood by different people.
• User model -- the user's CM (pg. 152)
• Design model -- the designer's CM
• System image -- the system, its interface, its documentation, and its behavior

Chapter 8 -- Learning in Context

• Learning is an active process
• Learners have problems (Table 8.1, pg 158)
• Learning through analogy
• Fathoming things out
  • Explanations
  • Errors (pg 159-163)

Learning

• Novice to expert
• Cognitive state--Learner, Solver, Refresher
• Skill acquisition, especially computer skills
• Psychology of programming (Mayer's chart, pgs 166-167)
• Individual learning
• Collaborative and situated learning

Chapter 9 --Social Aspects

• Analyzing conversation
• Group communication, especially computer-mediated
• Group working

Chapter 10 -- Organizational Aspects

• The nature of organizations
  • People
  • Technology
  • Work organization
  • Culture
• Metaphors
  • Paperless/automated
  • Electronic cottage
  • Global village

Organizational Factors

• Role of Informational Technology (IT)
  • Control (deskilling)
  • Tool (enabling)
• Methods for Organizational Change
  • Scientific managment (pg 190-191)
  • Sociotechnical (pg 191-194)
  • Activity theory
  • Ethnomethodology
• Computer-Supported Collaborative Work