Understanding Adaptive Interfaces

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Information overload is a critical challenge in today's information systems. In 2010, information overload was estimated to cost the U.S. economy as much as $1 trillion in lost work and productivity. Information overload can be subtle and insidious, an extra five minutes per day searching through email, or on the internet, can add up dramatically. I am proposing that it is time to consider a new kind of information interface, where the right information is presented to the user at the right time, making work more efficient. This type of interface is called an adaptive interface and requires understanding the user and task to display the information that is needed, when it is needed, precisely matching the needs and state of the user. Adaptive interfaces have been built before but it is challenging to find a systematic work centered approach to designing adaptive interfaces. This program of research will explore the use of Cognitive Work Analysis, a rich multi-faceted human factors engineering approach for the design of adaptive interfaces. Cognitive Work Analysis will provide a fundamental base that can help to define the contextual triggers, understand the user work state, and identify different work strategies that can be implemented in an adaptive context. This work will provide an innovative extension of Cognitive Work Analysis as well as a systematic approach for the design of adaptive displays, filling a needed gap in the literature. Ecological Interface Design will be used to understand how to visually help the user in an adaptive interface. This research would clearly improve the design of systems for users in high information work environments such as finance and the military. It will also improve the use of technology with small screens, such as smartphones, and could aid users with difficulties such as novice users and users with cognitive impairments. This program of research will train 6 graduate students in the latest sensor technologies and interface design concepts, preparing them well for careers in industry and academia.