Method for categorizing, describing and modeling types of system users

Inactive Publication Date: 2005-01-20
SBC TECH RESOURCES
View PDF27 Cites 104 Cited by
  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method for modeling types of system users that allows for the prediction of performance after the new user interface is operational.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for modeling system users that aids in designing an interface more familiar and comfortable to users because particular components of the interface will be better suited for their particular style.
The foregoing objects are achieved by the present invention that

Problems solved by technology

The problem is, of course, that other types of users do not have the same behaviors and capabilities as these experts and, thus, their needs are not represented in the requirements gathering phase of the interface design.
If the interface is designed for the expert user, this leaves a high percentage of users where the interface is unsuitable or less than optimum.
However, having the novices' needs be dominant in the interface design phase is no better than permitting the experts' needs to be dominant.
Therefore, designing an interface just for the

Method used

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
View more

Image

Smart Image Click on the blue labels to locate them in the text.
Viewing Examples
Smart Image
  • Method for categorizing, describing and modeling types of system users
  • Method for categorizing, describing and modeling types of system users
  • Method for categorizing, describing and modeling types of system users

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

Example

The present invention integrates the activities of categorizing, describing, and modeling into one single consistent approach. FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the present invention. The first activity performed is to create a tentative list of characteristics and behaviors of the users 2. This tentative list is created by identifying the goals desired for the user interface or the user models, and listing expected and desired behaviors that are relevant to these goals. The list is then revised to include only those characteristics and behaviors that are important based on the goals. Then, the activity of categorizing 4 begins. Information is obtained from users regarding their characteristics and behaviors. This information may be obtained from a survey completed by the users, or from some other means. Each user's characteristics and behavioral information is then converted to a score or value. The users are then mapped or charted based on which behaviors they exhibit. The mapping ...

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to view more

PUM

No PUM Login to view more

Abstract

A method of designing a user interface based on a list of user qualities and interactions of users. The method includes categorizing the users into groups based on at least one of user characteristics, performance characteristics, behavioral characteristics, and cognitive workload. The method further including designing the interface based upon the categorized groups and on goals for the user interface.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to modeling system users, and more specifically to modeling system users to aid in the design of user interfaces. 2. Description of the Related Art A user model is a representation of the set of behaviors that a user actually exhibits while performing a set of tasks. The purpose of user modeling is to build a model of the behaviors used when a user interacts with a system. For example, if the system the user interacts with is a computer system, then the interaction occurs primarily with the computer interface (i.e. keyboard, monitor, mouse, and sound). An interface design team may be assembled to gather information on users in order to design a user interface. If the interface design team is emphasizing performance, the behaviors and characteristics that emerge are items related to the expert user. The expert users usually can effectively articulate their suggestions and are normally interested in achi...

Claims

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to view more

Application Information

Patent Timeline
no application Login to view more
IPC IPC(8): G06F9/44
CPCG06F8/38
Inventor BUSHEY, ROBERT R.MAUNEY, JENNIFER M.
Owner SBC TECH RESOURCES
Who we serve
  • R&D Engineer
  • R&D Manager
  • IP Professional
Why Eureka
  • Industry Leading Data Capabilities
  • Powerful AI technology
  • Patent DNA Extraction
Social media
Try Eureka
PatSnap group products