Showing papers on "User interface published in 1976"
14 Oct 1976
TL;DR: Several properties of conversations are considered as they relate to person-computer interaction and exception is taken to the notion that person- computer interactions should, ideally, resemble person-person conversations in all respects.
Abstract: Several properties of conversations are considered as they relate to person-computer interaction. Some of the ways in which existing computer systems support interactions that have some features in common with interperson conversations are noted. Exception is taken to the notion, however, that person-computer interactions should, ideally, resemble person-person conversations in all respects.
66 citations
20 Oct 1976
TL;DR: A conceptual view of timesharing systems is outlined, focusing on the interface between the user and the capabilities of the system, and a model on which design and design standardization might be based is proposed.
Abstract: This paper presents a design approach and design criteria for the man-machine interface in timesharing systems. A conceptual view of timesharing systems is outlined, focusing on the interface between the user and the capabilities of the system. We consider user needs and requirements for this interface and suggest design guidelines and approaches to meet these needs. Finally, we propose a model on which design and design standardization might be based and briefly sketch a design methodology.
39 citations
IBM1
TL;DR: This paper shows that the Query-by-Example operations are in fact independent of the structure of the data base, and demonstrates how the user can map a relational view into a hierarchical view and vice versa, formulating queries that involve both views simultaneously.
Abstract: Query-by-Example is a high level non-procedural data base language which provides the end user with a simplified unified interface for querying, updating, defining, and maintaining, the data base, as well as imbedding various integrity and authority constraints When querying the data base the user fills in, through a keyboard display, an example of a possible answer in a skeleton of the logical structure of the data base As demonstrated in previous work, when the data base is relational, skeleton tables are used In this paper, we show that the Query-by-Example operations are in fact independent of the structure of the data base In particular, we demonstrate that if the view at the user interface level is hierarchical, the query is again accomplished by filling-in an example of a possible answer, but, in this case, a skeleton of the hierarchy is utilized It is, also, shown how the user can map a relational view into a hierarchical view and vice versa, formulating queries that involve both views simultaneously Finally, a linear version of Query-by-Example is made available for situations where a display facility is unavailable
36 citations
07 Jun 1976
TL;DR: Issues discussed include command language syntax, command recognition and completion, subsystem organization, user extension capabilities, user options, and various forms of prompting, help and feedback for a large interactive system.
Abstract: User interface design issues are discussed for a large interactive system. The assumptions about the user environment are explicitly described. Issues discussed include command language syntax, command recognition and completion, subsystem organization, user extension capabilities, user options, and various forms of prompting, help and feedback. These issues are discussed within the context of an existing system, the NLS system.
18 citations
14 Oct 1976
TL;DR: This paper gives an overview of the background, presents a framework of characteristics, suggests a differentiation of stages of user-computer interaction, and discusses some related methodological problems.
Abstract: Although the primary beneficiary of interactive computer graphics systems is supposedly the human user, the latter has normally been forced to adapt to the former. Instead, the graphical user-computer interface should be deliberately tailored to accomodate, complement and supplement the user. This can be achieved by designing hardware and software devices and tools to be responsive to the user mental processes and preferences involving cognition and affecting behavior. But efforts at systematic identification and validation of the significant user-required or user-expected characteristics have been rare. This paper gives an overview of the background, presents a framework of characteristics, suggests a differentiation of stages of user-computer interaction, and, finally, discusses some related methodological problems.
14 citations
14 Jul 1976
TL;DR: Battelle-Columbus has developed a structured approach to controlling user interaction that places emphasis on design and checkout of interaction as the first, rather than the last, step in an interactive application.
Abstract: The user of an interactive application is in an anamolous position, especially if he is not one of the elite class known as "computer bums". This mythical user is at the end of a process totally controlled by a computer and a program. His communications with the program may suffer greatly because of this total dependence.Control of communication in the batch environment is much more a one-way street. Here the user supplies the program data, and the batch program informs him if something has gone wrong by evicting his run from the machine. The user then consults available documentation (if it exists) or a computer expert (if one exists) for help in solving the problem. The communication between program and user is not critical in this environment; the user is expected to know what to do before he starts the run and can seek assistance outside of the computer.The interactive environment, however, has the user totally at the mercy of the program for diagnostic and prompting information. Even sophisticated graphics-oriented applications, which provide large amounts of useful information through pictures, may not adequately control the user's interaction. The user needs direction imposed on him to successfully solve his problem. At the same time, the system must provide flexibility, i.e., he must not be constrained to a single path of action that may only suit the code's implementor. No user's manual can capture a flow of this nature because of the inherently static nature of words on paper. Furthermore, paging back and forth in a manual to decipher what is to be done next destroys the spontaneity implicit in a successful interactive system.The user must be the main concern of the interactive system for it to be successful. With this goal in mind, Battelle-Columbus has developed a structured approach to controlling user interaction. The approach benefits the implementor as well as the user. It places emphasis on design and checkout of interaction as the first, rather than the last, step in an interactive application.
12 citations
TL;DR: The results of these studies confirm that the model can accurately predict two measures of user satisfaction as a function of the load policy of a library, and can be used to evaluate alternative loan policies in terms of their impact on user satisfaction.
Abstract: The loan policy of a university library can have a significant effect on the ability of library users to find the particular books that they are seeking. This paper focuses on the library-user interface by relating two measures of user satisfaction, book availability and the delay associated with recalls, to the loan policy of the library. This relation is established by computer simulation techniques. This paper synthesizes the results of two studies conducted at the Sears Library at Case Western Reserve University. The results of these studies confirm that the model can accurately predict two measures of user satisfaction as a function of the load policy of a library. Thus this technique can be used to evaluate alternative loan policies in terms of their impact on user satisfaction.
12 citations
13 Oct 1976
TL;DR: The software engineering techniques that were used in the management and control of the programming team and efforts are discussed and a single experience with HSDMS is related to its possible impact on software engineering of database management systems in general and to data secure systems in particular.
Abstract: HSDMS (Highly Secure Data Management System) is a secure, on-line and multi-user experimental database management system developed on the Digital Equipment Corporation's PDP-10 computer system. It is a vehicle for testing new facilities and applications of data management and access control. Furthermore the development of HSDMS itself has been aimed at the outset as an exercise in software engineering management and control.In the first part of the paper, the software engineering techniques that were used in the management and control of the programming team and efforts are discussed. The discussion centers on the application of some of the known concepts such as the chief programmer team, structured programming and composite design to programming of the database management system.In the second part of the paper, system goals and capabilities are presented. The goals for HSDMS were to achieve data independence, efficient storage and access, effective user interface, and secure access control. The ability of HSDMS to meet the goals result from the utilization and integration of a number of design concepts and implementation approaches. For each system goal the concepts and approaches that have provided HSDMS with the capabilities to achieve the goal are shown.In the final part of the paper, we attempt to relate this single experience with HSDMS to its possible impact on software engineering of database management systems in general and to data secure systems in particular.
10 citations
14 Oct 1976
TL;DR: Effective design of the working interface between humans and computers cannot merely depend on catalogs of respective "characteristics" of these two entities, nor on optimizing individual "functions" in the interactions.
Abstract: Effective design of the working interface between humans and computers cannot merely depend on catalogs of respective "characteristics" of each of these two entities, nor on optimizing individual "functions" in the interactions. The proper purpose of a man-machine interface is to benefit a person in performing a task or a collection of goal-related tasks. The entire task, including its goals, is therefore the proper reference for the design, not the attribute lists of humans and computers. An effective design results from trading off sets of variables, including economic and psychological cost factors, in order to optimize resources for achieving task goals.
8 citations
14 Oct 1976
TL;DR: This paper presents an approach to improving the interface between the user and the computer by replacing the typical action-response dialogue with a looser scheme in which inferences are drawn from user actions.
Abstract: This paper presents an approach to improving the interface between the user and the computer by replacing the typical action-response dialogue with a looser scheme in which inferences are drawn from user actions. The recognition of hand-drawn sketches is offered as a paradigm for use of this technique in the field of computer-aided design. In design problems, the computer offers the capabilities of exteriorization and transformation. Although transformation processes are widely used in design aids, the computer has found little use as a medium of exteriorization because of difficulty of graphical input. The program described here employs a model of the user as a means of inferring user intent as a function of sequence, speed, and pressure. It is proposed that this modeling technique can be applied to interactive graphics systems, leading to a better interface for the solution of design problems.
6 citations
TL;DR: The G-EXEC System represents a partial implementation of a “geological computer” which consists of a relational data base, highly structured processing software designed to reflect geological thinking and input/output interface software to aid a user of the system.
TL;DR: The first step in attacking the nature of the human/computer interaction remains the critical problem is the development of a depository health-science network that provides an easy user interface in both information management and in effective inter-user communication.
Abstract: Many recent experiences with medical computer systems have clearly shown that the nature of the human/computer interaction remains the critical problem. We suggest that the first step in attacking this problem is the development of a depository health-science network that provides an easy user interface in both information management and in effective inter-user communication.Such a depository network would consist of two types of node: the depository node and the local node. The depository node would be an information centre through which the local nodes would deposit, retrieve and transfer information. The local node would provide computational power and would support the man/machine interface to users. When a local node was approximately self-sufficient, its communication to the outside world would be reduced to a minimum. To achieve a desirable cost/benefit ratio from a local node, a group of users must share one system. However, this system should be small enough for local control, both administrative...
30 Jan 1976
TL;DR: The oNLine System, Version 8 (NLS-8) developed at the Augmentation Research Center (ARC) was brought to prototype operation and new attention was given to applications and technology transfers.
Abstract: : The oNLine System, Version 8 (NLS-8) developed at the Augmentation Research Center (ARC) was brought to prototype operation. Improvement in fundamental design continued, but new attention was given to applications and technology transfers. Strategies included an effort to involve more and more users outside ARC, establishment of experts in NLS within user organizations, a training program, an online query system to inform users about NLS, revision of the command language and operation of Network Information Center. New developments include a simple calculator subsystem, multi-host journal system, a variety of options to tailor the system to different working conditions, file access controls, and a control meta language to make user interface writing easier and more flexible. ARC developed a microprocessor-device, the Lineprocessor, to enhance inexpensive displays for use with two-dimensional display NLS and reduce communication cost. ARC made NLS available on a subscription basis through an information utility with its own computer.
14 Oct 1976
TL;DR: This session will attempt to identify how the adaptability of an interactive graphics system can add to or detract from the usability of that system.
Abstract: The following paragraph was distributed to participants in advance:Every user of an interactive graphics system is different in some way from every other user. Also, a particular person will use an interactive graphics system differently at different times, depending on a wide range of factors such as the particular job to be done, the level of user experience with the graphics system, the load on the system, the time of day, user mood, etc. Adaptation can have many different interpretations in an interactive graphics system. Some systems are user-extensible; some systems adjust automatically to some subset of user variations; and some systems have built-in functions to accommodate several predefined classes of users and levels of experience. This session will attempt to identify how the adaptability of an interactive graphics system can add to or detract from the usability of that system.
25 Jan 1976
TL;DR: In this preliminary documentation a detailed implementation specification is presented in an ALGOL-like notation, along with a brief discussion of its functions, user interface, control variables and data structures.
Abstract: : An implementation scheme is described for a single connection, user internetwork Transmission Control Program using the Cerf-Kahn protocol. It is designed for a dedicated micro-processor and supports low delay, low through-put interactive traffic. In this preliminary documentation a detailed implementation specification is presented in an ALGOL-like notation, along with a brief discussion of its functions, user interface, control variables and data structures.
01 Jan 1976
TL;DR: A computerized system is described for information storage and query processing adapted to complex socio-technological issues and can accommodate both qualitative (verbal) and quantitative data.
Abstract: A computerized system is described for information storage and query processing adapted to complex socio-technological issues. The system is referred to as GPLAN (Generalized Planning System) and can accommodate both qualitative (verbal) and quantitative data. The issue illustrated is the construction of a nuclear power plant, and involves interdisciplinary research and planning. The system's outstanding features are the use of the network variety of data base, the selective retrieval of any configuration of data from a particular network structure, automatic execution of any desired application program from a standard or special library of applications, user interface with a data base and applications by submitting English-like, non-procedural queries, and generality which allows tailoring to specific applications and provides a basis for integration of planning and research activities. The system is general and can be used for a wide variety of socio-technological issues which involve complex data relationships.