Virtual University - Human Computer Interaction 1 © Imran Hussain | UMT Imran Hussain University of Management and Technology (UMT) Lecture 40 Observing Users Virtual University Human-Computer Interaction

Virtual University - Human Computer Interaction 2 © Imran Hussain | UMT In Last Lecture … Principals of visual interface design Principals of visual information design

Virtual University - Human Computer Interaction 3 © Imran Hussain | UMT In Last Lecture … Visual interface design –Avoid visual noise and clutter –Use contrast, similarity, and layering to distinguish and organize elements –Provide visual structure and flow at each level of organization –Use cohesive, consistent, and contextually appropriate imagery –Integrate style and function comprehensively and purposefully

Virtual University - Human Computer Interaction 4 © Imran Hussain | UMT In Last Lecture … Visual information design –Enforce visual comparisons –Show causality –Show multiple variables –Integrate text, graphics, and data in one display –Ensure the quality, relevance, and integrity of the content –Show things adjacently in space, not stacked in time –Don’t de-quantify quantifiable data

Virtual University - Human Computer Interaction 5 © Imran Hussain | UMT In Today’s Lecture … Discuss the benefits & challenges of different types of observation. Describe how to observe different users Discuss how to collect data while observing users. Examine Various techniques think-aloud, diary studies & logging.

Virtual University - Human Computer Interaction 6 © Imran Hussain | UMT What and when to observe observations during the Quick & dirty evaluation techniques Observation during the field studies Observation during the usability testing

Virtual University - Human Computer Interaction 7 © Imran Hussain | UMT Scenario Web enabled mobile phone

Virtual University - Human Computer Interaction 8 © Imran Hussain | UMT What are the advantages and disadvantages

Virtual University - Human Computer Interaction 9 © Imran Hussain | UMT Frameworks to guide observation 3 issues –The person –The place –The thing The person. –Who is using the technology at particular time? The place. –Where are they using it? The thing. –What are they doing with it?

Virtual University - Human Computer Interaction 10 © Imran Hussain | UMT Frameworks to guide observation -Who is present? -What is happening? -When does the activity occur? - Where is it happening? - Why is it happening? -How is the activity organized?

Virtual University - Human Computer Interaction 11 © Imran Hussain | UMT Frameworks to guide observation -Who is present? -What is their role? - What is happening? -What are people doing and saying and how are they behaving -When does the activity occur? -Where it is occurred? what are the physical conditions that affect this activity ?

Virtual University - Human Computer Interaction 12 © Imran Hussain | UMT The Robinson (1993) framework Space. Actors. Activities. Objects. Acts. Events. Goals. Feelings.

Virtual University - Human Computer Interaction 13 © Imran Hussain | UMT The Robinson (1993) framework Space. What is the physical space like and how is it laid out ? Actors. What are the names and relevant details of the people involved? Activities. What are the actors doing and why? Objects. What physical objects are present such as furniture? Acts. What are specific individuals doing? Events. What you observe part of a special event? Goals. What are the actors trying to accomplish? Feelings. What is the mood of the group and of individuals?

Virtual University - Human Computer Interaction 14 © Imran Hussain | UMT You need to consider Help us to focus and to organize the observation Goals & questions Which framework & techniques How to collect data Which equipment to use How to gain acceptance How to handle sensitive issues Whether and how to involve informants How to analyze the data Whether to triangulate

Virtual University - Human Computer Interaction 15 © Imran Hussain | UMT You need to consider Help us to focus and to organize the observation State the initial study goals and question clearly State a framework to guide your activity in the field Decide how to record events Be prepare to go through notes and other records as soon as possible As you make and review your notes try to highlight and separate personal opinion Be prepare to refocus to your study as you analyze and reflect upon what you see How will you gain acceptance and trust of those you observe How to handle sensitive issues Consider working as a team Consider checking your notes with an informant or member of the group Plan to look at the situation from different perspective

Virtual University - Human Computer Interaction 16 © Imran Hussain | UMT Data collection techniques Notes & still camera Audio recording & still camera Video