Heim: The Resonant Interface
Chapter 2 Research Agenda
Chapter 2 - Research Agenda
The exercises for this chapter should be completed individually. In subsequent chapters
there will also be team-based assignments.
1. Frameworks for Understanding Interaction
Choose two different interaction styles and a particular task. For instance, you
might choose Direct Manipulation and Question and Answer and then choose the
task of setting up an email account. Then, using Norman’s Execution/Evaluation
Action Cycle, make a detailed report on how the task will be accomplished. This
may take the form of a list of actions that occur at each stage of the model.
After that is complete, discuss and compare the impact each interaction style will
have on the successful completion of the task. Refer to the different stages of the
EEAC in your discussion.
2. Gulfs of Execution and Evaluation
Using Normans design questions below, discuss a specific interaction devices
such as a portable MP3 player. The question “how easily can you…” should be
answered by describing the actual device and how the interface looks and
functions. For instance, the first question “How easily can you determine the
function of the device?” should be answered by listing the functions (Execution)
and describing how each function is made visible to the user (Evaluation).
Given a particular interface design, how easily can you; (Norman, 1990)
 Determine the function of the device?
 Tell what actions are possible?
 Determine mapping from intention to physical movement?
 Perform the action?
 Tell if system is in the desired state?
 Determine the mapping from system state to interpretation?
 Tell what state the system is in?
Now take the same device and discuss its operation in terms of the Interaction
Framework of Dix et al.
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Heim: The Resonant Interface
Chapter 2 Research Agenda
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Interaction Framework
3. Coping with Complexity
 Mental Models – A user’s mental model of an interaction device can affect
their ability to use the device efficiently and effectively.
o Part I: Pick an interactive device and interview a few people about
how they think it works. Write a paragraph or two describing each
person’s mental model. You will use this information to complete the
second part of the assignment.
o Part II: Write a one-to-two page report on the potential problems that
might occur due to one of your interviewee’s incomplete or erroneous
mental model of the device.

Mapping – the computer screen is a 2-D environment. Keyboards have four
arrow keys – up, down, left and right. Discuss how these directions can be
applied to tasks such as menu or webpage navigation. Use examples from at
least two different computing paradigms.
3-D and zoomable interfaces present somewhat unusual interfaces. Discuss
some possible mapping solutions for the development of the navigation
components of these interfaces.

Semantic Distance – Choose a specific interaction device and discuss two
aspects of the interface in terms of articulatory distance. For instance, many
“limited versions” of particular software packages provided a restricted set of
features which may not include the functionality required for a specific task.
In these cases the semantic distance is increased.

Articulatory Distance – Choose a specific interaction device and discuss two
aspects of the interface in terms of articulatory distance. For instance, the
interface for a particular single threaded video conference interface uses the
metaphor of a cell phone. There is a button on the interface that is labeled
“Redial”, however, when it is clicked the interface displays a list of stored
numbers and associated names. This is basically a buddy list which is not
what you would expect from a “Redial” button; therefore the articulatory
distance is large.

Affordances – Choose a task and discuss a particular Interaction Style in terms
of the affordances it embodies and how they relate to the chosen task.
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Heim: The Resonant Interface
Chapter 2 Research Agenda
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4. Interaction Styles and Paradigms
Choose a few of the possible combinations presented in the table below, for
instance, Form Fill-In and Mobile, and write a one-to-two page report on a
possible interaction design resulting from the combination. Use the 5W+H
heuristic to structure your report and discuss the possible range of tasks that might
be supported as well as the hardware that might be involved.
You should discuss the advantages as well as the disadvantages resulting from the
combinations. Consider also the possibility that a particular combination will
yield no practical applications, if so; you should articulate the reasons for this
determination.
Large Scale Mobile Personal Networked
Command Line
Menu
Form Fill-In
Question and Answer
Direct Manipulation
3-D
Zoomable
Natural Language
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