The cognitive dimensions framework is a broad-brush evaluation technique for interactive devices and for non-interactive notations. It sets out a small vocabulary of terms designed to capture the cognitively-relevant aspects of structure, and shows how they can be traded off against each other. The purpose of this paper is to propose the framework as an evaluation technique for visual programming environments. We apply it to two commercially-available dataflow languages (with further examples from other systems) and conclude that it is effective and insightful; other HCI-based evaluation techniques focus on different aspects and would make good complements. Insofar as the examples we used are representative, current VPLs are successful in achieving a good `closeness of match', but designers need to consider the `viscosity' (resistance to local change) and the `secondary notation' (possibility of conveying extra meaning by choice of layout, colour, etc.).

this paper we outline why incentives are important in each of these areas and specify requirements for designing incentive-aligned information systems. We identify and define important unresolved problems along the incentive-alignment dimension of information systems and present a research agenda to address them

Motivated by the desire to support the installation of a new computer system, to determine the optimum method of training novice computer users, and to assess learning style’s role in computing system training, this study used structural equation modeling to examine and understand the results of a field experiment. Four hundred and fifty members of the U.S. Navy were studied using three training methods: (1) instruction, (2) exploration, and (3) behavior modeling. Trainees ’ learning style was determined using Kolb’s Learning Styles Inventory. The results of the analysis indicate that trainees whose learning style matched training methodology were more successful in training outcomes, had higher computing satisfaction, and had higher levels of computer use. The results showed that behavior modeling trainees were not influenced by learning style and these trainees had the highest levels of satisfaction and computer use. Forty percent of the respondents to a National Association of Manufacturers survey reported having serious problems upgrading their company’s technology because of a lack of employee skills

Gaphical representations are used heavily in systems analysis and design without proper verification of their usability. However, different representations have varying impacts on the effectiveness of systems analysts. The objective of this study was to explore the effects of diagrammatic representations on task behavior and performance. A cognitive model of an analysis and design task using diagrams was proposed, from which hypotheses about the effects of diagrammatic representation on task behavior and performance were derived. A laboratory experiment was conducted to test the hypotheses. Results of the experiment show that the representational features of the diagrams induced subjects to adopt different problem solving strategies, which resulted in different task performances. Keywords: Information presentation, systems analysis, systems design, problem-solving behavior, experimental research, protocol analysis 1. INTRODUCTION An important issue in information systems res...

In order to understand diagrammatic reasoning with multiple diagrams, this study proposes a theoretical framework that focuses on the cognitive processes of perceptual and conceptual integration. The perceptual integration process involves establishing the interdependence between the relevant system elements that have been dispersed across multiple diagrams, while the conceptual integration process involves generating and refining hypotheses about the system by combining the higher level information inferred from the diagrams. This study applies the diagrammatic reasoning framework of a single diagram to assess the usability of multiple diagrams as an integral part of a system development methodology. We conducted an experiment that evaluated the effectiveness and the usability of design guidelines to aid problem solving with multiple diagrams. The results of the experimental study reveal that understanding a system represented by multiple diagrams involves a process of searching for r...

F13.29> 1. Introduction Within the context of this study, spatial information relates to objects and their relationships that exist in large- and small-scale geographic space. Spatial information pertains to the size, shape, orientation and absolute and relative locations of geographic objects. An example of large-scale geographic space is a town, county or other broad scenic area, complete with buildings, roads, bridges and other landmarks that cannot be viewed in its entirety from a single visual perspective. Large-scale geographic space encompasses too much area to be perceived as a whole. Spatial understanding and reasoning in large-scale space is of interest to the artificial intelligence (AI) community and enjoys an interdisciplinary focus relevant to the fields of computer science, cognitive science, linguistics and geography. In contrast to large-scale space, an example of small-scale spac

This study intended to investigate two areas of end-user programming: the influence of individual differences on success and whether or not groups of programming, testing, and debugging style would naturally cluster together and provide predictive value. Eighty-six participants, from backgrounds of computer science, psychology, engineering and humanities completed at battery of psychological tests and attempted to complete a timed programming task and testing and debugging task in Stata, a statistical programming environment intended for use by individuals with no programming experience. General intelligence and programming experience were good predictors of programming success. Three types of programming strategies were found: (1) the programmers group used their background knowledge to solve the programming task with little effort; (2) the lost/unmotivated group tended to exhibit repetitive and shallow problem solving; (3) the lost/motivated group tended to search for more information and exhibit more guess and check behavior. There were three types of testing and debugging strategies, but no good predictors of success: (1) the curious/distracted group ignored the task and became distracted; (2) the hesitant/focused group sought little information and

The advantages arising from the emergence of electronic commerce (EC) are manifold. From automating inventory replenishment to replacing traditional sales channels with web-based interfaces, the concept of electronic commerce presents a number of research challenges and opportunities. A key prerequisite for leveraging EC applications is a thorough understanding of how customers interact with these applications. A primary challenge for the successful design and implementation of these applications is managing not only the increasingly heterogeneous nature of the task performed in the context of EC, but the wide variety of interaction devices (e.g., wireless phones, PDAs, etc.) that customers use to execute these tasks. The significance and primary contribution of this research effort is to adapt and apply Task-Technology Fit (TTF) Theory to an EC domain. Using the techniques outlined by Goodhue [14], TTF constructs for an EC task domain are derived by applying factors/principles from web usability research. The TTF determinants of task, technology, and individual characteristics are modified to fit an EC domain. An electronic commerce TTF instrument is presented along with a research model for better understanding the relationships between independent and dependent variables. Finally, plans and implications for future research are discussed.

While the Web provides a lot of useful information to managers and decision makers in organizations for decision support, it requires a lot of time and cognitive effort for users to sift through a search result list returned by search engines to find useful information. Previous research in information visualization has shown that visualization techniques can help users comprehend information and accomplish information tasks more efficiently and effectively. However, only a limited number of such techniques have been applied to Web search result visualization with mixed evaluation results. Using a design science approach, this research designed and implemented a glyph (a graphical object that represents the values of multiple dimensions using multiple visual parameters) and a system for visualizing Web search results. A flower metaphor was adopted in the glyph design to represent the characteristics and metadata of Web documents. Following the cognitive fit theory, an experimental study was conducted to evaluate three displays: a numeric display, a glyph display, and a combined display which showed numbers only, glyphs only, and both, respectively. Experimental results showed that the glyph display and the combined display performed better when task complexity was high, and the numeric display and the combined display performed better when task complexity was low. The combined display also received the best perceived usability from the subjects. Based on the findings, the implications of the study to research and practice are discussed and some future research directions are suggested.

Abstract 1 In this paper, we set forth a program of research for identifying the pertinent issues that are affecting the adoption and use of mobile electronic commerce applications and collaborative mobile technologies. The primary vehicle for understanding these issues is the observation and analysis of how different cultures utilize these emerging technologies. For example, why is short message service (SMS) messaging so popular in Europe but barely used in the US? A review of the existing and near-future technologies is provided, along with the differences in national infrastructure as well as culture. The roles of cognitive fit and technology acceptance model (TAM) in addressing these questions are reviewed, along with other relevant literature. Finally, a listing of research questions and a research plan for testing them is detailed. While no research on this plan has yet been conducted by the authors in time for the press deadline, it is hoped that some studies will have been completed and analyzed to the point where preliminary findings can be shared with the conference audience at HICSS itself.