Disruption and recovery of computing tasks: field study, analysis, and directions

We report on a field study of the multitasking behavior of computer users focused on the suspension and resumption of tasks. Data was collected with a tool that logged users' interactions with software applications and their associated windows, as well as incoming instant messaging and email alerts. We describe methods, summarize results, and discuss design guidelines suggested by the findings. Author Keywords Interruption, Attention, Task Switching, Notifications. ACM Classification Keywords H.5.2 [Information Interfaces and Presentation]: User Interfaces.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2007
• Where: CHI
• Authors: Shamsi T. Iqbal, Eric Horvitz
• Keywords: ACM Classification Keywords, Author Keywords Interruption, CHI 2007, Human Computer Interaction, Incoming Instant Messaging