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Full-Text Articles in Computer Engineering
Users And Uses Of Synchronous Business Communications Software, David G. Novick, Eleanor Wynn
Users And Uses Of Synchronous Business Communications Software, David G. Novick, Eleanor Wynn
David G. Novick
To help designers and authors understand users' intentions and work practices for synchronous business communications in a systematic way, we used ethnographic and task-analytic techniques to collect, analyze and classify evidence of the activities of potential users as they conducted their work lives. The interactions we observed among our users took place through a variety of modalities. We found eight categories of tasks for the collaborative or interactive work in which our subjects engaged. Based on these data, we were able to classify roles of potential users of synchronous business communications software into a set of "archetypes" that characterize their …
Hands-Free Documentation, Karen Ward, David G. Novick
Hands-Free Documentation, Karen Ward, David G. Novick
David G. Novick
In this paper, we introduce an analysis of the requirements and design choices for hands-free documentation. Hands-busy tasks such as cooking or car repair may require substantial interruption of the task: moving the pan off the burner and wiping hands, or crawling out from underneath the car. We review the need for hands-free documentation and explore the role of task in the use of documentation. Our central analysis examines the roles and characteristics of input and output modalities of hands-free documentation. In particular, we review the use of speech as an input modality, and then visual means and speech as …
An Interaction Initiative Model For Documentation, David G. Novick, Karen Ward
An Interaction Initiative Model For Documentation, David G. Novick, Karen Ward
David G. Novick
In this paper we propose a model of creation and use of documentation based on the concept of mixed-initiative interaction. In our model, successful single-initiative interaction is characterized by grounding of contributions, and successful mixed-initiative interaction is characterized by both grounding and agreement. Just as in spoken conversation, achievement of actual agreement depends on the intentions of both parties; agreement is achieved when the reader follows the documentation’s instructions. In fact, readers are not obligated to—and often do not—act according to the author’s intentions. By making these dynamics explicit, the model can aid authors in developing effective documentation. The paper …
Assessing Effectiveness Of Personality Style In Documentation, Kenneth Sayles, David G. Novick
Assessing Effectiveness Of Personality Style In Documentation, Kenneth Sayles, David G. Novick
David G. Novick
This paper extends previous work by other researchers that indicated that users of computers preferred a computer with a personality that was similar to theirs. We conducted a similar experiment, but looking beyond preference to see if the personality of documentation would make a difference in the user’s performance. Our data suggest did not indicate that personality match affects performance; and if such a relationship exists it is likely to be weak. We discuss the related research, describe our methodology, present our results, and describe their implications and limitations.