Ecological Interface Design

by Burns; Catherine M.

• ISBN13: 9780415283748
• ISBN10: 0415283744
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2004-06-25
• Publisher: CRC Press

Summary

Ecological Interface Design delivers the techniques and examples that provide you with a foundation to succeed in designing advanced display graphics. The opening chapters introduce the "art" of interface design by exposing the analytical methods behind designs, the most common graphical forms, and how these methods and forms are pulled together to create a complete design.The book then incorporates case studies that further emphasize techniques and results. Each example exemplifies a solution to a certain part of the EID puzzle. Some of the examples demonstrate the analysis phase, while others apply more scrutiny to graphical design. Each is unique, allowing allowing you to use them in the development of your own designs.The volume concludes with an analysis that connects ecological interface design with other common interface design methods, enabling you to better understand how to combine approaches in the creation of design solutions.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents	vii
List of Figures	xvii
List of Tables	xxiii
Foreword	xxv
Preface	xxix
Acknowledgments	xxxi
List of Acronyms	xxxiii
1 Introduction and Overview	1	(12)
Scope of This Book	2	(1)
Types of Design Problems	3	(1)
The Ecological Part of EID	4	(1)
Outline	4	(1)
Motivation for EID	5	(3)
When Asking Users Doesn't Work	5	(2)
When We Want Users to Become Experts	7	(1)
When We Want to Handle the Unexpected	7	(1)
History	8	(5)
2 Work Domain Analysis	13	(34)
Defining the System of Interest	13	(2)
What Is an Abstraction Hierarchy?	15	(3)
Level by Level, Working through an Abstraction Hierarchy	18	(10)
Functional Purpose	18	(3)
Distinguishing Purposes from Tasks	19	(2)
Abstract Function	21	(1)
Generalized Function	22	(3)
Distinguishing Processes from Tasks	24	(1)
Physical Function	25	(1)
Physical Form	26	(1)
Functional and Causal Descriptions	27	(1)
Part-Whole Hierarchies	28	(3)
Models with Social Constraints	31	(1)
Techniques for Managing Large Models	32	(2)
Systematic Decomposition	32	(1)
Link Tables	32	(2)
Models of Multiple Domains	34	(2)
Testing Your Model for Completeness	36	(5)
Scenario Mapping	37	(3)
Testing Your Model through Questionnaires	40	(1)
Summary: Double-Checking Your Work Domain Model - Rules to Use as You Actually Build It	41	(6)
Define the System of Interest	41	(1)
Start Building Your Abstraction Hierarchy from the Top	42	(1)
Next Work from the Bottom	42	(1)
Complete the Middle	43	(1)
Make Sure Every Box Is Connected Up and Down	43	(1)
Check Your Language	43	(1)
Develop Detail as Time Allows	44	(1)
Translate Your Hierarchy in Variables, Constraints, and
Relationships	44	(1)
Show the Value of Your Analysis	44	(3)
3 The Language of Interface Design	47	(38)
Interface Description	47	(2)
Forms of Reference	49	(2)
Propositional Forms	49	(1)
Iconic Forms	50	(1)
Analogical Forms	51	(1)
Conveying Information with Different Forms	51	(5)
Analog and Digital Forms	52	(2)
Digital Forms	53	(1)
Analog Forms	54	(1)
Context	54	(1)
Salience	55	(1)
A Visual Thesaurus for Data Relationships	56	(7)
Single Variable Display Options	57	(3)
Variable within Limits	57	(3)
Bar Graph	57	(1)
Meter	58	(1)
Digital Display	59	(1)
Analog Plus Digital Display	59	(1)
Symbolic Display	59	(1)
Variable with a Constraint	60	(1)
Pie Graph	60	(1)
Variable Where Normal Is Critical to Monitor	61	(1)
Meter	61	(1)
Symbol	61	(1)
Translating or Rotating Lines	62	(1)
Variable Changes with Time, or Rate of Change of Variable Is of Interest	62	(1)
Trend Charts	62	(1)
Arrows	63	(1)
Multivariate Display Options	63	(11)
Variable Balance, Variable = Variable	63	(2)
Connected Bar Graphs	63	(1)
Balances with Trend Charts	64	(1)
Variables Are Additive	65	(2)
Summing Bar Graph	65	(1)
Nomographs	65	(1)
Summing Trend Chart	66	(1)
Variables Are Multiplicative	67	(1)
Trigonometric or Triangle Relations	67	(1)
Nomographs	67	(1)
Multiple Variables Determine System State	68	(4)
Configural Displays	68	(1)
Polar Displays	69	(1)
Bar Graphs with Configural Features	70	(1)
Line Graphs with Configural Features	71	(1)
Mass Data Diagrams	71	(1)
Multiple Variable Balance	72	(1)
Close Proximity Meters	72	(1)
Connected Meters	73	(1)
Multiple Variables with Interacting Constraints	73	(1)
Variables on a Background of Constraints	73	(1)
Structural Display Options	74	(5)
Linear Structures	74	(2)
Lines	74	(1)
Spirals	75	(1)
Spatial Structures	76	(1)
Maps	76	(1)
Matrices	76	(1)
Symbolic Structures	77	(8)
Trees	77	(1)
Networks	77	(1)
Mimics and Other Diagrams	78	(1)
How to Develop a New Visual Form	79	(3)
Summary: Visual Thesaurus Review Sheet	82	(3)
4 Using a Work Domain Model in Design	85	(20)
Information Requirements	85	(4)
Types of Measures at Each Level	87	(3)
Functional Purpose	87	(1)
Abstract Function	88	(1)
Generalized Function	89	(1)
Physical Function	89	(1)
Physical Form	89	(1)
Information Availability Analysis: What to Do if You Can't Measure It	89	(1)
Using Information Requirements in Design	90	(6)
Single Variable Constraints	91	(2)
Questions to Elicit Single Variable Constraints	92	(1)
Functional Purpose	92	(1)
Abstract Function	92	(1)
Generalized Function	92	(1)
Physical Function	92	(1)
Physical Form	92	(1)
Using Single Variable Constraints in Design	92	(1)
Multivariate Constraints	93	(2)
Using Multivariate Constraints in Design	95	(1)
Means-End Relationships	95	(1)
Using Means-End Relationships in Design	96	(1)
Example Design Process	96	(6)
Stage 1: Basic Design of Information Requirements	96	(2)
Stage 2: Single Variable Constraints	98	(1)
Stage 3: Multivariate Constraints	98	(3)
Stage 4: Organize by Means-End Links	101	(1)
Functional Information Profiles: Working with Existing Designs	102	(1)
Summary: From Information and Constraints to Design	103	(2)
5 Transportation Systems	105	(36)
Challenges with Transportation Systems	105	(1)
Analysis for Command and Control of a Frigate	106	(12)
System Boundary	107	(1)
Work Domain Analysis	108	(5)
Testing a Work Domain Model	113	(5)
Analysis for Command and Control of a Destroyer	118	(2)
System Boundary	118	(1)
Work Domain Analysis	119	(1)
A Display for an Aircraft	120	(8)
System Boundary	121	(1)
Work Domain Analysis	121	(1)
Instrumentation Availability	122	(1)
Display Design	123	(3)
Evaluation	126	(1)
An Alternative Design: Integration with HITS	126	(2)
A Display for Balancing Fuel in an Aircraft	128	(4)
System Boundary	129	(1)
Work Domain Analysis	129	(1)
Display Design	130	(2)
Handling the Challenges	132	(9)
Challenge 1: Determining the System Boundary	132	(1)
Challenge 2: Determining Purpose	133	(1)
Challenge 3: Modeling Physical Relationships	134	(1)
Challenge 4: Modeling Social Relationships	134	(1)
Challenge 5: The Number of Levels and Models	135	(2)
Challenge 6: The Depth of Analysis	137	(1)
Challenge 7: Analysis at Different Design Stages	137	(1)
Challenge 8: Instrumentation Availability	138	(1)
Challenge 9: Partial Display Implementations	138	(3)
6 Process Control Systems	141	(38)
Challenges with Process Control Systems	142	(1)
Design for Thermal Power Generation System	142	(5)
System Boundary	142	(1)
Work Domain Analysis	143	(1)
Display Design	144	(2)
Evaluation	146	(1)
Design for a Nuclear Power Simulation	147	(5)
System Boundary	148	(1)
Work Domain Analysis	149	(2)
Display Design	151	(1)
Evaluation	151	(1)
Design for a Pasteurizer	152	(7)
System Boundary	153	(1)
Work Domain Analysis	153	(2)
Sensors and Information Availability	155	(1)
Interface Design	156	(2)
Evaluation	158	(1)
Design for an Acetylene Hydrogenation Reactor	159	(10)
System Boundary	159	(1)
Work Domain Analysis	159	(5)
Part-Whole Hierarchy	159	(1)
Abstraction Hierarchy	159	(5)
Task Analysis	164	(1)
Interface Design	164	(4)
Evaluation	168	(1)
Alternative: Design for a Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit	169	(1)
Design for a Large Refinery	169	(4)
System Boundary	169	(1)
Work Domain Analysis	169	(3)
Part-Whole Hierarchy	169	(2)
Abstraction Hierarchy for a Reactor	171	(1)
Interface Design	172	(1)
Handling the Challenges	173	(6)
Challenge 1: Instrumentation or Sensor Availability	174	(1)
Challenge 2: Part-Whole Analysis Variations with Project Size	174	(1)
Challenge 3: Using Functional, Causal, and Multilevel Flow Models	175	(2)
Challenge 4: Organizing Information on the Display	177	(1)
Challenge 5: Adding Task Analysis Information to an EID	178	(1)
7 Telecommunications Systems	179	(22)
Challenges with Telecommunications Systems	179	(1)
Analysis for Network Management	180	(13)
System Boundary	180	(1)
Work Domain Analysis	181	(3)
Functional Purpose	181	(1)
Abstract Function	182	(1)
Generalized Function	183	(1)
Physical Function	183	(1)
Physical Form	183	(1)
Deriving Information Requirements from the Analysis	184	(1)
Display Design	185	(8)
Functional Purpose Display	185	(2)
Abstract Function Display	187	(1)
Generalized Function Display	188	(1)
Physical Function Display	189	(2)
Physical Form Display	191	(2)
Evaluation	193	(1)
An Alternative Design: Design for Scalability	193	(3)
Work Domain Analysis	193	(1)
Display Design	194	(2)
Analysis for Radio Communications	196	(2)
Work Domain Analysis	196	(1)
Display Design	196	(2)
Evaluation	198	(1)
Handling the Challenges	198	(3)
Challenge 1: Determining System Boundary	198	(1)
Challenge 2: Determining WDA Content	199	(1)
Challenge 3: Developing a Diagnostic Graphic for a Low-Capacity Situation	199	(1)
Challenge 4: Using a 3D Ecological Display	200	(1)
Challenge 5: Developing Visualizations That Scale with Large Amounts of Data	200	(1)
8 Medical Systems	201	(38)
Challenges	202	(1)
Design for Oxygenation Monitoring in the Neonatal Intensive Care
Unit	202	(10)
System Boundary	203	(1)
Work Domain Analysis	204	(1)
Instrumentation Availability	205	(2)
Display Design	207	(2)
Evaluation	209	(3)
Patient Monitoring in the Operating Room	212	(13)
System Boundary	212	(1)
Work Domain Analysis	213	(3)
Information Availability	216	(1)
Function Allocation Using WDA	217	(1)
Display Designs and Evaluations	218	(7)
Blike's Display	218	(3)
3D Integrated Display	221	(3)
Sonification Display	224	(1)
Analysis for Diabetes Management	225	(8)
System Boundary	225	(1)
Work Domain Analysis	225	(3)
Instrumentation Availability	228	(1)
Display Design	228	(5)
Evaluation	233	(1)
Handling the Challenges	233	(6)
Challenge 1: How to Choose the System Boundary	233	(1)
Challenge 2: How to Decide When to Stop Decomposing of the Part-Whole Analysis	234	(1)
Challenge 3: How to Integrate Medical Information	235	(1)
Challenge 4: How to Deal with Issues Associated with Sensor Limitations and Availability	235	(1)
Challenge 5: How to Determine Information Requirements for Different Roles in the Medical Environment	236	(1)
Challenge 6: How to Extend EID to Other Sensory Modes	237	(2)
9 Social Systems	239	(10)
Challenges	239	(1)
Casino Gambling	240	(7)
System Boundary	241	(1)
Work Domain Analysis	241	(2)
Purposes	241	(1)
Abstract Function	241	(1)
Generalized Function	242	(1)
Physical Function	243	(1)
Physical Form	243	(1)
Display Design	243	(3)
Connecting Losses and Time Played	243	(1)
The Dirty Dog Metaphor	244	(1)
Representation of the House-Patron Relationship	244	(2)
Odds Visualization	246	(1)
Evaluation	246	(1)
Handling the Challenges	247	(2)
Challenge 1: Modeling Money and Value	247	(1)
Challenge 2: Modeling Two Different but Tightly Connected Domains	247	(1)
Challenge 3: Developing Entertaining Visualizations	247	(2)
10 Using EID with Other Methods	249	(40)
A Design Framework: Defining Opportunities to Use EID with Other Methods	250	(5)
Work Environment	250	(2)
Work Domain	251	(1)
Activities	251	(1)
People and Technology	252	(1)
Interface Lifecycle	252	(1)
Information Requirements Generation	253	(1)
Interface Design	253	(1)
Evaluation	253	(1)
Design Framework	253	(2)
EID and Other Methods	255	(31)
Ecological Interface Design	255	(2)
Mapping onto the Framework	255	(2)
Cognitive Work Analysis	257	(4)
Example	258	(2)
Discussion	260	(1)
Mapping onto the Framework	261	(1)
Task Analysis	261	(4)
Example	262	(1)
Discussion	263	(2)
Mapping onto the Framework	265	(1)
Situation Awareness Analysis	265	(2)
Example	266	(1)
Discussion	267	(1)
Mapping onto the Framework	267	(1)
Contextual Inquiry and Design	267	(6)
Example	268	(4)
Discussion	272	(1)
Mapping onto the Framework	272	(1)
GOMS	273	(1)
Example	273	(1)
Discussion	273	(1)
Mapping onto the Framework	274	(1)
Use Case Scenario Design	274	(2)
Example	275	(1)
Discussion	275	(1)
Mapping onto the Framework	276	(1)
Participatory Design	276	(2)
Example	277	(1)
Discussion	277	(1)
Mapping onto the Framework	278	(1)
Applying User Interface Design Principles	278	(3)
Example	280	(1)
Discussion	281	(1)
Mapping onto the Framework	281	(1)
Usability Evaluation	281	(5)
Visual Clarity	283	(1)
Consistency	284	(1)
Compatibility	284	(1)
Informative Feedback	284	(1)
Explicitness	284	(1)
Appropriate Functionality	285	(1)
Flexibility and Control	285	(1)
Error Prevention and Correction	285	(1)
User Guidance and Support	286	(1)
System Usability Problems	286	(1)
Discussion	286	(1)
Mapping onto the Framework	286	(1)
Summary	286	(3)
11 Conclusion	289	(2)
References	291	(8)
Index	299