This book is about the design of advanced user interfaces. Three themes
are explored: First, a theory-based approach to user interface design
that surveys the cognitive psychology background of human-computer
interaction, and then introduces design models for applying
psychological knowledge. These models expand on Norman's gulfs of
interaction framework. The second theme is multimedia interface design:
models, principles and a design process for multimedia presentation and
dialogue. Cognitive psychology is woven into the design guidelines as a
basis for attracting user's attention, matching media to the message
and preventing information overloading. The multimedia section also
reviews the aesthetics of design and extracts basic principles for
designing attractive and engaging user interfaces." "The third theme,
virtual reality, is introduced using the same approach whereby theory
motivates the design method. Guidelines cover the design of user
presence, social agents, virtual environments, and user support.
Evaluation methods and techniques for multisensory interfaces form a
separate chapter that introduces new variations on the heuristic
evaluation theme while also describing additional methods containing
more precise diagnostic guidance for evaluation." The final chapter
surveys multisensory design issues in ubiquitous computing and
anticipates the future development of interactive technology.
