Contexts for HCI - Revision history

Mccarc4: /* Examples of HCI Contexts */ Removing unused headers

2009-11-23T17:52:26Z

Examples of HCI Contexts: Removing unused headers

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:52, 23 November 2009
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	* The computing context of business applications is rarely used by end-users. However, such applications that are developed by companies their selves like products selection or sizing tools might require user to interact with the computing behind. But that usually involves adding something or modifying a fixed parameter e.g. product code. For any high level modification, trained personnel are available.		* The computing context of business applications is rarely used by end-users. However, such applications that are developed by companies their selves like products selection or sizing tools might require user to interact with the computing behind. But that usually involves adding something or modifying a fixed parameter e.g. product code. For any high level modification, trained personnel are available.
-
-	~~==World Wide Web==~~
-
-
-	~~==Collaboration Systems==~~
-

	==Games==		==Games==

Mccarc4: /* Business Applications */ Using the wiki format for bullet points

2009-11-23T16:56:22Z

Business Applications: Using the wiki format for bullet points

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:56, 23 November 2009
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	==Business Applications==		==Business Applications==
-	• Use of business applications in assisting and developing a business is increasing ever since the advent of computer. Not only computers, mobile phones, PDAs, digital diaries etc are among many devices equipped with applications to meet users’ business needs. Such applications fulfill documentation, conferencing, merchandising, advertising needs etc.	+	* Use of business applications in assisting and developing a business is increasing ever since the advent of computer. Not only computers, mobile phones, PDAs, digital diaries etc are among many devices equipped with applications to meet users’ business needs. Such applications fulfill documentation, conferencing, merchandising, advertising needs etc.

-	• The user context for most of the business applications do not vary significantly. Mostly, users from indoor locations access such applications to perform business tasks.	+	* The user context for most of the business applications do not vary significantly. Mostly, users from indoor locations access such applications to perform business tasks.

-	• Teleconferencing provides low cost conference solution to professionals sitting in different areas around the world. It saves travel costs and time to reach clients at remote locations. Businesses use audio/visual conferences to hold many meetings at executive levels daily to make big decisions in short span of time.	+	* Teleconferencing provides low cost conference solution to professionals sitting in different areas around the world. It saves travel costs and time to reach clients at remote locations. Businesses use audio/visual conferences to hold many meetings at executive levels daily to make big decisions in short span of time.

-	• Many businesses are based on merchandising applications and systems that provides an easy way for users to buy and sell products. EBay is a popular online store for products sale and purchase. Facility to auction is also available; users with credit/bank accounts can log in and can bid above specified minimum value. Marketing divisions of many companies advertise using banners, flash popups with sounds.	+	* Many businesses are based on merchandising applications and systems that provides an easy way for users to buy and sell products. EBay is a popular online store for products sale and purchase. Facility to auction is also available; users with credit/bank accounts can log in and can bid above specified minimum value. Marketing divisions of many companies advertise using banners, flash popups with sounds.

-	• Time context of business applications is integral. Most of the applications has more than one date field eg. Starting date, date today, due date, shipment date etc. Some of the applications have different calculation rates (e.g. discount rates) for specific periods depending on market business. Users go to a back date and can perform calculations based on previous rates.	+	* Time context of business applications is integral. Most of the applications has more than one date field eg. Starting date, date today, due date, shipment date etc. Some of the applications have different calculation rates (e.g. discount rates) for specific periods depending on market business. Users go to a back date and can perform calculations based on previous rates.

-	• SAP is delivering products and services that help accelerate business innovation for many organizations around the world. The physical context of such applications may include costs analysis and calculations, information handling and storage, production rates, resource management etc. Users require trends and graphical representation to observe business progress and market trends.	+	* SAP is delivering products and services that help accelerate business innovation for many organizations around the world. The physical context of such applications may include costs analysis and calculations, information handling and storage, production rates, resource management etc. Users require trends and graphical representation to observe business progress and market trends.

-	• The computing context of business applications is rarely used by end-users. However, such applications that are developed by companies their selves like products selection or sizing tools might require user to interact with the computing behind. But that usually involves adding something or modifying a fixed parameter e.g. product code. For any high level modification, trained personnel are available.	+	* The computing context of business applications is rarely used by end-users. However, such applications that are developed by companies their selves like products selection or sizing tools might require user to interact with the computing behind. But that usually involves adding something or modifying a fixed parameter e.g. product code. For any high level modification, trained personnel are available.

	==World Wide Web==		==World Wide Web==

Roomyaa: /* Business Applications */

2009-11-23T16:34:53Z

Business Applications

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:34, 23 November 2009
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	==Business Applications==		==Business Applications==
-	Use of business applications in assisting and developing a business is increasing ever since the advent of computer. Not only computers, mobile phones, PDAs, digital diaries etc are among many devices equipped with applications to meet users’ business needs. Such applications fulfill documentation, conferencing, merchandising, advertising needs etc.	+	• Use of business applications in assisting and developing a business is increasing ever since the advent of computer. Not only computers, mobile phones, PDAs, digital diaries etc are among many devices equipped with applications to meet users’ business needs. Such applications fulfill documentation, conferencing, merchandising, advertising needs etc.

-	The user context for most of the business applications do not vary significantly. Mostly, users from indoor locations access such applications to perform business tasks.	+	• The user context for most of the business applications do not vary significantly. Mostly, users from indoor locations access such applications to perform business tasks.

-	Teleconferencing provides low cost conference solution to professionals sitting in different areas around the world. It saves travel costs and time to reach clients at remote locations. Businesses use audio/visual conferences to hold many meetings at executive levels daily to make big decisions in short span of time.	+	• Teleconferencing provides low cost conference solution to professionals sitting in different areas around the world. It saves travel costs and time to reach clients at remote locations. Businesses use audio/visual conferences to hold many meetings at executive levels daily to make big decisions in short span of time.

-	Many businesses are based on merchandising applications and systems that provides an easy way for users to buy and sell products. EBay is a popular online store for products sale and purchase. Facility to auction is also available; users with credit/bank accounts can log in and can bid above specified minimum value. Marketing divisions of many companies advertise using banners, flash popups with sounds.	+	• Many businesses are based on merchandising applications and systems that provides an easy way for users to buy and sell products. EBay is a popular online store for products sale and purchase. Facility to auction is also available; users with credit/bank accounts can log in and can bid above specified minimum value. Marketing divisions of many companies advertise using banners, flash popups with sounds.

-	Time context of business applications is integral. Most of the applications has more than one date field eg. Starting date, date today, due date, shipment date etc. Some of the applications have different calculation rates (e.g. discount rates) for specific periods depending on market business. Users go to a back date and can perform calculations based on previous rates.	+	• Time context of business applications is integral. Most of the applications has more than one date field eg. Starting date, date today, due date, shipment date etc. Some of the applications have different calculation rates (e.g. discount rates) for specific periods depending on market business. Users go to a back date and can perform calculations based on previous rates.

-	SAP is delivering products and services that help accelerate business innovation for many organizations around the world.	+	• SAP is delivering products and services that help accelerate business innovation for many organizations around the world. The physical context of such applications may include costs analysis and calculations, information handling and storage, production rates, resource management etc. Users require trends and graphical representation to observe business progress and market trends.
-	The physical context of such applications may include costs analysis and calculations, information handling and storage, production rates, resource management etc. Users require trends and graphical representation to observe business progress and market trends.	+

-	The computing context of business applications is rarely used by end-users. However, such applications that are developed by companies their selves like products selection or sizing tools might require user to interact with the computing behind. But that usually involves adding something or modifying a fixed parameter e.g. product code. For any high level modification, trained personnel are available.	+	• The computing context of business applications is rarely used by end-users. However, such applications that are developed by companies their selves like products selection or sizing tools might require user to interact with the computing behind. But that usually involves adding something or modifying a fixed parameter e.g. product code. For any high level modification, trained personnel are available.

	==World Wide Web==		==World Wide Web==

Roomyaa: /* Business Applications */

2009-11-23T16:33:25Z

Business Applications

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:33, 23 November 2009
Line 75:		Line 75:

	==Business Applications==		==Business Applications==
		+	Use of business applications in assisting and developing a business is increasing ever since the advent of computer. Not only computers, mobile phones, PDAs, digital diaries etc are among many devices equipped with applications to meet users’ business needs. Such applications fulfill documentation, conferencing, merchandising, advertising needs etc.

		+	The user context for most of the business applications do not vary significantly. Mostly, users from indoor locations access such applications to perform business tasks.
		+
		+	Teleconferencing provides low cost conference solution to professionals sitting in different areas around the world. It saves travel costs and time to reach clients at remote locations. Businesses use audio/visual conferences to hold many meetings at executive levels daily to make big decisions in short span of time.
		+
		+	Many businesses are based on merchandising applications and systems that provides an easy way for users to buy and sell products. EBay is a popular online store for products sale and purchase. Facility to auction is also available; users with credit/bank accounts can log in and can bid above specified minimum value. Marketing divisions of many companies advertise using banners, flash popups with sounds.
		+
		+	Time context of business applications is integral. Most of the applications has more than one date field eg. Starting date, date today, due date, shipment date etc. Some of the applications have different calculation rates (e.g. discount rates) for specific periods depending on market business. Users go to a back date and can perform calculations based on previous rates.
		+
		+	SAP is delivering products and services that help accelerate business innovation for many organizations around the world.
		+	The physical context of such applications may include costs analysis and calculations, information handling and storage, production rates, resource management etc. Users require trends and graphical representation to observe business progress and market trends.
		+
		+	The computing context of business applications is rarely used by end-users. However, such applications that are developed by companies their selves like products selection or sizing tools might require user to interact with the computing behind. But that usually involves adding something or modifying a fixed parameter e.g. product code. For any high level modification, trained personnel are available.

	==World Wide Web==		==World Wide Web==

Johnst3 at 16:27, 23 November 2009

2009-11-23T16:27:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:27, 23 November 2009
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	==Time Context==		==Time Context==
		+
		+
	* The time context covers relevant information related to time such as absolute time, date, day of the week and season.		* The time context covers relevant information related to time such as absolute time, date, day of the week and season.

	==Physical Context==		==Physical Context==
		+
		+
	* The physical context includes everything which is measurable in the environment of the system with which the user interacts.		* The physical context includes everything which is measurable in the environment of the system with which the user interacts.
	* This includes temperatures, noise levels, lighting situations, traffic conditions, etc.		* This includes temperatures, noise levels, lighting situations, traffic conditions, etc.
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	==Computing Context==		==Computing Context==
		+
		+
	* The computing context contains everything related to computational resources.		* The computing context contains everything related to computational resources.
	* This can include things such as available networks, network bandwidth, communication costs and nearby computational resources such as printers or fax machines.		* This can include things such as available networks, network bandwidth, communication costs and nearby computational resources such as printers or fax machines.
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	[[Image:iPhone3G-accelerometer.jpg \|right\|thumbnail\| iPhone responds to motion using a built-in accelerometer.]]		[[Image:iPhone3G-accelerometer.jpg \|right\|thumbnail\| iPhone responds to motion using a built-in accelerometer.]]
	[[Image:BlackBerry_Bold_9700.jpg \| right\|thumbnail\| BlackBerry Bold 9700]]		[[Image:BlackBerry_Bold_9700.jpg \| right\|thumbnail\| BlackBerry Bold 9700]]
		+
		+
	* A mobile device is a pocket-sized computing device, typically having a display screen with touch input or a miniature keyboard. It is by its own nature a social device, used by people to connect with people. The most successful mobile devices are those which are great at delivering an excellent user experience. These excellent experiences are those which keep the user engaged, are visually appealing, well organized and provide clear ways of accomplishing the tasks at hand. In order to achieve this excellent user experience, the developers must identify the mobile device context.		* A mobile device is a pocket-sized computing device, typically having a display screen with touch input or a miniature keyboard. It is by its own nature a social device, used by people to connect with people. The most successful mobile devices are those which are great at delivering an excellent user experience. These excellent experiences are those which keep the user engaged, are visually appealing, well organized and provide clear ways of accomplishing the tasks at hand. In order to achieve this excellent user experience, the developers must identify the mobile device context.

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	==Consumer Devices==		==Consumer Devices==
	[[Image:Internetfridge.jpg\|left\|thumbnail\| In extreme cases, one can restock their refrigerator ''on the internet''.]]		[[Image:Internetfridge.jpg\|left\|thumbnail\| In extreme cases, one can restock their refrigerator ''on the internet''.]]
		+
		+
	* Consumer products have long been known to include embedded computing elements. However, this area of computing continues to grow dramatically every year. As embedded computing becomes more pervasive, so too does the need for quality user interfaces in embedded devices.		* Consumer products have long been known to include embedded computing elements. However, this area of computing continues to grow dramatically every year. As embedded computing becomes more pervasive, so too does the need for quality user interfaces in embedded devices.

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	* Massively Multiplayer Online games typically involve persistent player-attained wealth, which players develop over time. Typically (as with games such as World of Warcraft or Guild Wars) this is accumulated with in-game play time. Some games, however, separate the time context from the user context in the pursuit of wealth. For example, in Eve Online, players can indicate how they wish their character to be developed (which new skills are to be learned), and then disconnect from the game. Meanwhile, their character will develop in real time. By removing the necessity for users to spend countless hours "grinding" to create powerful characters, more time is made available to the spontaneous interactions the game is known for (or for users to pursue a healthy lifestyle out-of-game).		* Massively Multiplayer Online games typically involve persistent player-attained wealth, which players develop over time. Typically (as with games such as World of Warcraft or Guild Wars) this is accumulated with in-game play time. Some games, however, separate the time context from the user context in the pursuit of wealth. For example, in Eve Online, players can indicate how they wish their character to be developed (which new skills are to be learned), and then disconnect from the game. Meanwhile, their character will develop in real time. By removing the necessity for users to spend countless hours "grinding" to create powerful characters, more time is made available to the spontaneous interactions the game is known for (or for users to pursue a healthy lifestyle out-of-game).
-
-
-

	* In PC games, there has historically been lots of potential for''' user modifiability'''. Examples include modification of the user's control scheme, graphics and sound tweaks, scripting/automation of player actions, and replacement of visual UI elements (heads-up display, textures, models) with custom ones. This is an example of a situation where the user can be made aware of the computing context of the game interface (how the graphics engine works, how user input is processed) but still benefit from it. "Power users" who optimize the in-game environment to their needs do not have the notion of 'realism' spoiled - rather, they feel more 'in control' over the in-game world. Novice users who do not research modifiable aspects are kept essentially unaware of the inner workings of the game.		* In PC games, there has historically been lots of potential for''' user modifiability'''. Examples include modification of the user's control scheme, graphics and sound tweaks, scripting/automation of player actions, and replacement of visual UI elements (heads-up display, textures, models) with custom ones. This is an example of a situation where the user can be made aware of the computing context of the game interface (how the graphics engine works, how user input is processed) but still benefit from it. "Power users" who optimize the in-game environment to their needs do not have the notion of 'realism' spoiled - rather, they feel more 'in control' over the in-game world. Novice users who do not research modifiable aspects are kept essentially unaware of the inner workings of the game.

Johnst3 at 16:26, 23 November 2009

2009-11-23T16:26:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:26, 23 November 2009
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	==Consumer Devices==		==Consumer Devices==
-	[[Image:Internetfridge.jpg\|left\|thumbnail~~\|300px~~\| In extreme cases, one can restock their refrigerator ''on the internet''.]]	+	[[Image:Internetfridge.jpg\|left\|thumbnail\| In extreme cases, one can restock their refrigerator ''on the internet''.]]
	* Consumer products have long been known to include embedded computing elements. However, this area of computing continues to grow dramatically every year. As embedded computing becomes more pervasive, so too does the need for quality user interfaces in embedded devices.		* Consumer products have long been known to include embedded computing elements. However, this area of computing continues to grow dramatically every year. As embedded computing becomes more pervasive, so too does the need for quality user interfaces in embedded devices.

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	* Recent innovations (leading to better overall system response) by Novint Technologies have resulted in production of the Novint Falcon game controller. A YouTube video demonstrating this device is available [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IKYDkDPres here] With this device, one can have a nearly one-to-one correspondence between the user's input and the game's response in the physical world.		* Recent innovations (leading to better overall system response) by Novint Technologies have resulted in production of the Novint Falcon game controller. A YouTube video demonstrating this device is available [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IKYDkDPres here] With this device, one can have a nearly one-to-one correspondence between the user's input and the game's response in the physical world.
-	[[Image:Uncharted 2.jpg\|left\|thumbnail~~\|400px~~\| Uncharted 2 is a recent game acclaimed for its heavily stylized, engaging graphics]]	+	[[Image:Uncharted 2.jpg\|left\|thumbnail\| Uncharted 2 is a recent game acclaimed for its heavily stylized, engaging graphics]]
-	[[Image:pong.jpg\|right\|thumbnail~~\|300px~~\| The level of detail and immersion in computer games has increased dramatically since their humble beginnings.]]	+	[[Image:pong.jpg\|right\|thumbnail\| The level of detail and immersion in computer games has increased dramatically since their humble beginnings.]]
	* Another method of connecting the user context with the physical context is '''realistic computer graphics'''. Features such as motion-blurring (shown [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2F-3f7skps here]), realistic lighting and shading can be used to 'bring users into the game.' Regardless of whether the in-game environment is realistic (players may fight space aliens, fly a plane or just play a game of hockey), consistency between the game's visual presentation and the rules of human vision (such as perspective, scale, brightness, colour, contrast) will help to engage users.		* Another method of connecting the user context with the physical context is '''realistic computer graphics'''. Features such as motion-blurring (shown [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2F-3f7skps here]), realistic lighting and shading can be used to 'bring users into the game.' Regardless of whether the in-game environment is realistic (players may fight space aliens, fly a plane or just play a game of hockey), consistency between the game's visual presentation and the rules of human vision (such as perspective, scale, brightness, colour, contrast) will help to engage users.

Johnst3: /* Games */

2009-11-23T05:35:19Z

Games

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:35, 23 November 2009
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	* Recent innovations (leading to better overall system response) by Novint Technologies have resulted in production of the Novint Falcon game controller. A YouTube video demonstrating this device is available [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IKYDkDPres here] With this device, one can have a nearly one-to-one correspondence between the user's input and the game's response in the physical world.		* Recent innovations (leading to better overall system response) by Novint Technologies have resulted in production of the Novint Falcon game controller. A YouTube video demonstrating this device is available [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IKYDkDPres here] With this device, one can have a nearly one-to-one correspondence between the user's input and the game's response in the physical world.
-	[[Image:Uncharted 2.jpg\|left\|thumbnail\|400px\| Uncharted 2 is a recent game ~~heralded~~ for its heavily stylized, engaging graphics]]	+	[[Image:Uncharted 2.jpg\|left\|thumbnail\|400px\| Uncharted 2 is a recent game acclaimed for its heavily stylized, engaging graphics]]
	[[Image:pong.jpg\|right\|thumbnail\|300px\| The level of detail and immersion in computer games has increased dramatically since their humble beginnings.]]		[[Image:pong.jpg\|right\|thumbnail\|300px\| The level of detail and immersion in computer games has increased dramatically since their humble beginnings.]]
	* Another method of connecting the user context with the physical context is '''realistic computer graphics'''. Features such as motion-blurring (shown [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2F-3f7skps here]), realistic lighting and shading can be used to 'bring users into the game.' Regardless of whether the in-game environment is realistic (players may fight space aliens, fly a plane or just play a game of hockey), consistency between the game's visual presentation and the rules of human vision (such as perspective, scale, brightness, colour, contrast) will help to engage users.		* Another method of connecting the user context with the physical context is '''realistic computer graphics'''. Features such as motion-blurring (shown [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2F-3f7skps here]), realistic lighting and shading can be used to 'bring users into the game.' Regardless of whether the in-game environment is realistic (players may fight space aliens, fly a plane or just play a game of hockey), consistency between the game's visual presentation and the rules of human vision (such as perspective, scale, brightness, colour, contrast) will help to engage users.
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	* A primary goal of user interface design for games should be to bring the user's mental model of the game world closer to the computer's representation of it.		* A primary goal of user interface design for games should be to bring the user's mental model of the game world closer to the computer's representation of it.
-
-

	=Further Reading=		=Further Reading=

Johnst3: /* Further Reading */

2009-11-23T05:11:25Z

Johnst3: A few more minor edits (grammar, spelling, word choice etc)

2009-11-23T05:08:07Z

A few more minor edits (grammar, spelling, word choice etc)

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:08, 23 November 2009
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	* Early on in the development of video games, this was done with 'rumble' features in game controllers. The response of these systems was not variable enough that users could sense specific things - the same generic 'rumble' effect was used every time.		* Early on in the development of video games, this was done with 'rumble' features in game controllers. The response of these systems was not variable enough that users could sense specific things - the same generic 'rumble' effect was used every time.

-	* Recent innovations (leading to better overall system response) by Novint Technologies have resulted in production of the Novint Falcon game controller. A YouTube video demonstrating this device is available in [http://www.~~cas~~.~~mcmaster.ca~~/~~wiki/index.php/Contexts_for_HCI#External_Links this section.~~] With this device, one can have a nearly one-to-one correspondence between the user's input and the game's response in the physical world.	+	* Recent innovations (leading to better overall system response) by Novint Technologies have resulted in production of the Novint Falcon game controller. A YouTube video demonstrating this device is available [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IKYDkDPres here] With this device, one can have a nearly one-to-one correspondence between the user's input and the game's response in the physical world.
	[[Image:Uncharted 2.jpg\|left\|thumbnail\|400px\| Uncharted 2 is a recent game heralded for its heavily stylized, engaging graphics]]		[[Image:Uncharted 2.jpg\|left\|thumbnail\|400px\| Uncharted 2 is a recent game heralded for its heavily stylized, engaging graphics]]
	[[Image:pong.jpg\|right\|thumbnail\|300px\| The level of detail and immersion in computer games has increased dramatically since their humble beginnings.]]		[[Image:pong.jpg\|right\|thumbnail\|300px\| The level of detail and immersion in computer games has increased dramatically since their humble beginnings.]]
-	* Another method of connecting the user context with the physical context is '''realistic computer graphics'''. Features such as motion-blurring (shown [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2F-3f7skps here]), realistic lighting and shading can be used to 'bring users into the game.' Regardless of whether the in-game environment is realistic (players may fight space aliens, fly a plane or just play a game of hockey), consistency between the game's visual presentation and human vision will help to engage users.	+	* Another method of connecting the user context with the physical context is '''realistic computer graphics'''. Features such as motion-blurring (shown [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2F-3f7skps here]), realistic lighting and shading can be used to 'bring users into the game.' Regardless of whether the in-game environment is realistic (players may fight space aliens, fly a plane or just play a game of hockey), consistency between the game's visual presentation and the rules of human vision (such as perspective, scale, brightness, colour, contrast) will help to engage users.

	* A recent innovation in this area is the use of "3-D Gaming Glasses" produced by NVidia, for use with NVidia-architected video cards. Games can be rendered to the monitor in polarized 3D form (as with motion pictures) and be viewed with an enhanced sense of perspective through the use of special goggles.		* A recent innovation in this area is the use of "3-D Gaming Glasses" produced by NVidia, for use with NVidia-architected video cards. Games can be rendered to the monitor in polarized 3D form (as with motion pictures) and be viewed with an enhanced sense of perspective through the use of special goggles.

-	* Massively Multiplayer Online games typically involve persistent player-attained wealth, which players develop over time. Typically (as with games such as World of Warcraft or Guild Wars) this is accumulated with in-game play time. Some games, however, separate the time context from the user context in the pursuit of wealth. For example, in Eve Online, players can indicate how they wish their character to be developed (which new skills are to be learned), and then disconnect from the game. Meanwhile, their character will develop in real time. By removing the necessity for users to spend countless hours "grinding" to create powerful characters, more time is made available ~~for~~ the spontaneous interactions the game is known for (or for users to pursue a healthy lifestyle out-of-game).	+	* Massively Multiplayer Online games typically involve persistent player-attained wealth, which players develop over time. Typically (as with games such as World of Warcraft or Guild Wars) this is accumulated with in-game play time. Some games, however, separate the time context from the user context in the pursuit of wealth. For example, in Eve Online, players can indicate how they wish their character to be developed (which new skills are to be learned), and then disconnect from the game. Meanwhile, their character will develop in real time. By removing the necessity for users to spend countless hours "grinding" to create powerful characters, more time is made available to the spontaneous interactions the game is known for (or for users to pursue a healthy lifestyle out-of-game).




-	* In PC games, there has historically been lots of potential for''' user modifiability'''. Examples include modification of the user's control scheme, graphics and sound tweaks, scripting/automation of player actions, and replacement of visual UI elements (heads-up display, textures, models) with custom ones. This is an example of a situation where the user can be made aware of the computing context of the game (how the graphics engine works, how user input is processed) but still benefit from it. "Power users" who optimize the in-game environment to their needs do not have the notion of 'realism' spoiled - rather, they feel more 'in control' over the in-game world.	+	* In PC games, there has historically been lots of potential for''' user modifiability'''. Examples include modification of the user's control scheme, graphics and sound tweaks, scripting/automation of player actions, and replacement of visual UI elements (heads-up display, textures, models) with custom ones. This is an example of a situation where the user can be made aware of the computing context of the game interface (how the graphics engine works, how user input is processed) but still benefit from it. "Power users" who optimize the in-game environment to their needs do not have the notion of 'realism' spoiled - rather, they feel more 'in control' over the in-game world. Novice users who do not research modifiable aspects are kept essentially unaware of the inner workings of the game.

	* A primary goal of user interface design for games should be to bring the user's mental model of the game world closer to the computer's representation of it.		* A primary goal of user interface design for games should be to bring the user's mental model of the game world closer to the computer's representation of it.

Johnst3: /* Consumer Devices */

2009-11-23T05:03:20Z

Consumer Devices

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:03, 23 November 2009
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	* Examples of consumer products containing embedded computers include: ABS brake systems, thermostats, satellite receivers, digital audio equipment (keyboards, controllers, audio interfaces), MP3 Players, mobile phones, automated sprinklers and kitchen appliances.		* Examples of consumer products containing embedded computers include: ABS brake systems, thermostats, satellite receivers, digital audio equipment (keyboards, controllers, audio interfaces), MP3 Players, mobile phones, automated sprinklers and kitchen appliances.

-	* A common design goal with these devices is 'hiding' the computing context. For instance, most people adjusting their thermostat do not care about the control system inside it - they just want to manipulate its user interface to make the temperature of their environment tolerable. Interfaces cluttered by technical jargon (for example, the setup menu on a digital satellite receiver or wireless router) are often considered user-hostile.	+	* A common design goal with these devices is 'hiding' the computing context. For instance, most people adjusting their thermostat do not care about the control system inside it - they just want to manipulate its user interface to make the temperature of their environment tolerable. Interfaces cluttered by technical jargon (for example, the setup menu on a digital satellite receiver or wireless router) are often considered ''user-hostile''.

-	* User contexts vary significantly between embedded devices - some devices are meant to be operated indoors (toaster), others outdoors (automatic lawn sprinkler). Some devices require user input and provide feedback (microwave oven), while others work unnoticed in the background (control/safety mechanisms in cars). Some devices are integrated into human social interactions (mobile phones, satellite receivers) while others are completely removed. Many embedded devices depend on the user context - user input to the system determines how the system shall react. Additionally, users determine how devices shall ultimately be used (and whether they shall function as intended) - robust devices are aware of their environment.	+	* User contexts vary significantly between embedded devices - some devices are meant to be operated indoors (toaster), others outdoors (automatic lawn sprinkler). Some devices require user input and provide feedback (microwave oven), while others work unnoticed in the background (control/safety mechanisms in cars). Some devices are integrated into human social interactions (mobile phones, satellite receivers) while others are completely removed (RAID controller in a network storage device). Many embedded devices depend on the user context - user input to the system determines how the system shall react. Additionally, users determine how devices shall ultimately be used (and whether they shall function as intended) - robust devices are aware of their environment.

-	* Time contexts are often similar with embedded devices. Many operate in real time as sensory data processors (telephones, motion detectors, DVD players). Some devices depend on absolute real-world time for their function (automated sprinklers, personal video recorders, alarm clocks) and some do not (~~microwave ovens~~).	+	* Time contexts are often similar with embedded devices. Many operate in real time as sensory data processors (telephones, motion detectors, DVD players). Some devices depend on absolute real-world time for their function (automated sprinklers, personal video recorders, alarm clocks) and some do not (washing machines).

-	* Many embedded devices are made to be 'aware' of the physical world - sensors gather data (whether temperature, colour, brightness, pressure etc) and computing hardware acts on it. Some devices affect the physical world as well (shutdown mechanisms in safety-critical systems, automated sprinklers, remote-operated mining machines, synchronized stage lighting and professional audio systems).	+	* Many embedded devices are made to be 'aware' of the physical world - sensors gather data (whether temperature, colour, brightness, pressure etc) and computing hardware acts on it. Some devices affect the physical world as well (shutdown mechanisms in safety-critical systems, automated sprinklers, remote-operated mining machines, synchronized stage lighting and professional audio systems). In some cases (for example a virtual reality simulator), a feedback loop can be created between the user's input and the system's response to the user.

	* Embedded computing systems must always be designed with changing user/physical contexts in mind.		* Embedded computing systems must always be designed with changing user/physical contexts in mind.
-

	==Business Applications==		==Business Applications==

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:11, 23 November 2009
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	*[http://www.cas.mcmaster.ca/wiki/index.php/Direct_Manipulation Direct Manipulation - a technique for interface design in these contexts] - For a good example, see the [http://www.cas.mcmaster.ca/wiki/index.php/Contexts_for_HCI#External_Links External Links] to video of MIDI Controllers in action.		*[http://www.cas.mcmaster.ca/wiki/index.php/Direct_Manipulation Direct Manipulation - a technique for interface design in these contexts] - For a good example, see the [http://www.cas.mcmaster.ca/wiki/index.php/Contexts_for_HCI#External_Links External Links] to video of MIDI Controllers in action.
	*[http://www.cas.mcmaster.ca/wiki/index.php/Motivations_for_the_Studying_of_HCI The motivation behind the study of HCI (and recognition of these contexts)]		*[http://www.cas.mcmaster.ca/wiki/index.php/Motivations_for_the_Studying_of_HCI The motivation behind the study of HCI (and recognition of these contexts)]
-	*[http://www.cas.mcmaster.ca/wiki/index.php/HCI_-_Accommodating_human_diversity The notion of 'user context' is important to accommodating human diversity)]	+	*[http://www.cas.mcmaster.ca/wiki/index.php/HCI_-_Accommodating_human_diversity The notion of 'user context' is important to accommodating human diversity]
		+
	=External Links=		=External Links=
	*[http://www.apple.com/iphone/iphone-3g/high-technology.html Latest iPhone 3G technology]		*[http://www.apple.com/iphone/iphone-3g/high-technology.html Latest iPhone 3G technology]