• How can UIIS be classified ?

Separability

For example when using the Web the server is completely separate from the browser - so the page you are currently viewing is the only the browsers representation of our html file. Separability is not an issue for ALL interfaces however - simple word processors and other WYSIWYG applications do not require it.

Usability for programmer

This depends on a number of issues such as the usability of code, the learnability / guessability factors (i.e. first time use and subsequent use), response time whether code is compiled or interpreted, also whether the layout is appropriate for the goal in mind.

Abstraction

Is the designer given the tools and support needed for the ideal completion of the task ?, for example when creating web pages (such as this one), we used BBEdit for holding the html code, but were unable to see until completion the completed form/layout, and its relative position to other 'pages' , 'links'. The notion of linked sites therefore remains conceptual rather than concrete. So what are possible ways of approaching this problem ?
One possible solution is the increasing number of of template/wizards available, but again we need to consider whether these can fulfil the designers ideals, or whether they impose further constraints.

Generality and Scope

Some work environments provide a basis for construction of tools, but if we wish to design a specific interface outside the application range , can this be done simply ? (e.g. hypercard, and the attachment of an arbitrary graphic to a button as its icon).

We need to ask questions such as :

'Are the abstractions offered suitable for the designer , e.g. within the correct range, are all designs possible ?'

'Do most people follow the path of least resistance ? , i.e. are the types of interface we produce influenced by the default provided in the software already available?'

'Is the user really insisting on generality and scope or are they guided' into using a particular style ?'

The 3 aspects of interaction objects :
 

Presentation/ Display
State
Control
 

Some applications provide poor support in respect of these objects. the resource editing capabilities built into the Macintosh are an example of a reasonable attempt to overcome these difficulties.

Arena 'height'

Most applications use more than one arena but many UIIS can only manipulate one of these at a time. When calling a card in Hypercard it is only one shape and size - if you wished to change this you would need to fall back upon the inherent coding of the MacOS as the necessary support does not exist within the Hypercard application itself.
 

This model was designed to support the needs of a specific user group

Radiologists performing X-rays.

It provided a task model editor, allowing the radiologist to enter basic task information which formed the basis for designing an appropriate interface model.

The intention of the Adept model was to create an interface which would provide the staff with a high degree of support. One possible problem arising is the loss in terms of graphical presentation and resolution.

We asked the class the following questions :
 

' Do you follow the path of least resistance when working e.g. with applications ?'
e.g. do you notice any marked inhibitions when carrying out tasks due to constraints imposed by the interface

'Would you go out of your way and spend time to implement your ideas and design onto the working environment you find yourself in ?'

' Have you ever used wizards/templates for working , have you found them useful ?'

'Do you always plan your work, and do you find it helps you ?'
 

Bob says :

"um yes"
"No coz Im lazy but dont quote me on that"
"Yes for certain things like fax cover sheets , no for cvs as they can be too constraining"
"No I find it much more exiting to go with the flow because I like the adrenaline rush of the last minute panicking"
 

"I always follow the path of least resistance because it is quicker ad I dot have the time or the inclination to figure out other ways"
"never"
"No"

"Yes- path of least resistance every time, Dont try too hard, I say"
"Depends I mean , if you are going to use an application all the time and had to specify settings every time yo used it, it may be better to integrate them into the interface. If its going to be a one off, its not worth it"
"Yes , I've tried, but found them irritating"
"I try, but the best laid plans of mice an men .  . . "
 

"The easiest route is always the bestest !!!"
"Only if the money was good"
"Once I understand what I am supposed to be doing , yes they are useful . . . . it usually takes one lesson"
"No sometimes intuition works better and as for plans . . . nothing is written in stone unless you are Moses or Deid !!!"