1. In lecture we covered (1) the view of ubiquitous computing put forth by Mark Weiser and John Seely Brown and (2) Don Norman's related ideas about infor- mation appliances. (a) Describe Weiser and Brown's view of the importance of Genre and The Periphery. (b) Discuss what Weisner and Brown mean by Calm Technology and why they think it is important for ubiquitous computing. (c) Summarize Norman's view of information appliances and the role they will play in the future. 2. In "Passive Real-World Interface Props for Neurosurgical Visualizations," Hinck- ley et al. discuss the benefits associated with surgeons being able to manipulate familiar passive interface props. (a) Describe the interface props and discuss the benefits obtained through their use. [describe the interface props] head viewing prop (ball or doll's head) cutting-plane selection prop (rectangular plate with thumb button) trajectory prop (stylus-shaped tool with tip switch) all props fitted with spatial trackers to capture relative positions [discuss the benefits] users quickly grasp purpose of props (obvious/familiar) direct mapping: actions correspond to the task props allow 3D visualization previously inaccessible to neurosurgeons two-hand interaction: is easier---relative position of hands instead of absolute position prevents fatigue, since hands can rest against one another (b) Drawing on other readings, describe another intuitive interface technique. SmartSkin: freehand manipulation on interactive surfaces capacitive sensing detects presence (and even proximity) of hands, fingers mouse emulation move cursor with fingers, button press with palm ordinary touch panels cannot make this distinction; no "mouse over" better than a mouse: multiple hands, multiple cursors shape-based manipulation: objects repel from hands users naturally used two hands, even arms sweeping motions move groups of objects gesture recognition multiple fingers: moving, rotating, scaling, picking up hand shapes with specific meanings capacitance tags objects with conductive coating are grounded when touched can be symbolic representations of, say, storage devices 3. Hill and Hollan argue that the graphical representation of accrued histories of use have wide applicability. Describe the notion of history-enriched digital objects as presented in the Edit-Wear and Read-Wear article. (a) Discuss advantages, disadvantages, and tradeoffs involved with activity- monitoring applications. Be sure to mention privacy issues. (b) How might visualization of activity be applied to an application not men- tioned in the article? 4. In lecture and in the readings, a number of visualizations of time were presented. These include Lifestreams, Time-Machine Computing, Calendar Photo Browser, SpiraClock, and The Scope. Describe common features of these visualizations and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a time-centric approach to or- ganizing information. 5. Human-computer interaction has been dominated by the Graphical User Inter- face (GUI) and interaction techniques based on a Windows Icons Menus and Pointing (WIMP) paradigm. We covered a series of articles detailing emerg- ing concepts in innovative interaction techniques. Pick two of these emerging interaction techniques from our readings and describe the benefits they offer in comparision with conventional interaction techniques. [2 emerging techniques: benefits vs. conventional techniques] Pad++: zoomable graphical sketchpad substrate for creating and interacting with structured information for exploring informational physics (vs. metaphorical approaches like WIMP) multi-scale viewing physics navigation zooming out before panning space-scale diagrams, information-theoretic approach semantic zooming less detail, but useful summarization, at lower magnification portals, lenses SmartSkin: freehand manipulation on interactive surfaces capacitive sensing detects presence (and even proximity) of hands, fingers mouse emulation move cursor with fingers, button press with palm ordinary touch panels cannot make this distinction; no "mouse over" better than a mouse: multiple hands, multiple cursors shape-based manipulation: objects repel from hands users naturally used two hands, even arms sweeping motions move groups of objects gesture recognition multiple fingers: moving, rotating, scaling, picking up hand shapes with specific meanings capacitance tags objects with conductive coating are grounded when touched can be symbolic representations of, say, storage devices 6. Negotiated Access is a mechanism that attempts to provide people with more control over unwanted interruptions and more effective ways to negotiate inter- actions with others. Describe the mechanism and a potential application of it. [describe the mechanism] database of state information and filters unique token generator checker of tokens filters to authorize access, possibly generate customized view of db a communication mechanism initiator generates and sends tokens to others maintains control over validity of token and what filters are associated resulting lock-and-key mechanism can allow viewing, modification, comm. [a potential application] calendars and scheduling information instant messaging, pagers, cellular phones, wireless e-mail shared work materials 7. In lecture we discussed Christopher Alexander's notions of Pattern Languages and Design Patterns. (a) Describe what design patterns are and why they are relevant to human- computer interaction design. (b) Choose two web design patterns and discuss the problems they address. 8. In lecture we discussed design patterns for the design of websites. A number of readings also discussed recommendations for effective website design. Based on the readings summarize three recommendations. Use specific examples to make your answer concrete. 9. In "Gratuitous Graphics and Human-Centered Website Design," Don Norman discusses the benefits and drawback of using images in websites. Summarize his position using examples of contexts in which images are and are not appropriate. 10. In "Design in the MoRAS," George Furnas details the consequences of designing systems with and without keeping the framework of the MoRAS in mind. He uses a series of specific examples to illustrate his points. (a) Choose an example from this reading and use the concepts from the article to illustrate how multiple systems are involved in system design. (b) Give an example of how ignoring the MoRAS may lead to flawed system design. 11. In his 1946 "As We May Think" article Vannevar Bush describes a view of the future that captures key aspects of modern systems. Draw on at least three of our readings to support a view of how interfaces are likely to change over the next five years. abstract functionality + mechanized private file and library / several projection positions for viewing multiple items simultaneously - adding marginal notes and comments / associative indexing, trail building - photographic extraction of trails for transfer to others mode of use / stores all books, records, and communications / contents purchased and inserted / photography for direct insertion of notes, photographs, etc. - widespread, ready access to volumes of relevant data - professional trail blazers implementation - desk with translucent projection screens, keyboard, buttons, levers - internal storage on microfilm