Unpacking critical parameters for interface design: evaluating notification systems with the IRC framework

We elaborate a proposal for capturing, extending, and reusing design knowledge gleaned through usability testing. The proposal is specifically targeted to address interface design for notification systems, but its themes can be generalized to any constrained and well-defined genre of interactive system design. We reiterate arguments for and against using critical parameters to characterize user goals and usability artifacts. Responding to residual arguments, we suggest that clear advantages for research cohesion, design knowledge reuse, and HCI education are possible if several challenges are overcome. As a first step, we recommend a slight variation to the concept of a critical r, which would allow both abstract and concrete knowledge representation. With this concept, we demonstrate a feasible approach by introducing equations that elaborate and allow evolution of notification system critical parameters, which is made operational with a variety of usability evaluation instruments. A...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2004
• Where: ACMDIS
• Authors: Christa M. Chewar, D. Scott McCrickard, Alistair G. Sutcliffe
• Keywords: ACMDIS 2004, Critical Parameters, Design Knowledge, Notification Systems