CHI 96 Workshop: HCI and the Web, Position Papers
Mark Hartevelt
Human Factors Group, Philips Corporate Design
c887541@nlccmail.snads.philips.nl
The author's background
Since 1993 I work as a human factors specialist at the design department of
Philips. I work on communication products (e.g. pagers, digital portable
radios) and work in multi-media projects. I made an overview of networked
services that will be available for TV in four years time, I am involved in a
projects aimed at developing concept ideas for internet services tailored to
Philips products. I do not have detailed technical expertise like writing HTML
code. Also, I run a project aimed at defining methods for the involvement of
users in the creation of concepts of multi media applications.
The Web beyond PC
The user requirements for user interfaces for Web use will become more
demanding. Three main factors introduce a need for research addressing these
user requirements:
1. Computing power becomes ubiquitous
Because LCDs and chip sets become increasingly cheap, to a growing extent
computing power is being integrated in consumer products like TVs and VCRs. As
a
consequence, typical functionality of TV, PC and telephone, is increasingly
available in a broad range of products. Potentially, access to the Web will
become possible with a variety of products.
2. Networks mature
More bandwidth efficient radio technology and digital encoding technology
enables network providers to offer an increasingly broad product package (e.g.
two-way paging, wireless data networks, etc.) for a lower price. Cable
companies
soon will provide communication facilities. As a consequence information
sources
like the Web will be available on many locations in a variety of circumstances.
3. Technophobia diminishes
PCs are becoming a standard piece of Western and Far-Eastern households.
Computer functionality is increasingly integrating into daily life. The
reluctance and fear for using computer technology increasingly now gives room
for appreciation and curiosity. This makes the Web interesting for an
increasing
variety of people (students preparing report on a certain subject).
As a consequence the user requirements for user interfaces for Web use will
become more demanding and more specific. The main requirements for change will
be..
- Web HCI dedicated to user groups
- A multifold of services emerge on the Web, run by a variety of bodies. There
are
publishers (e.g. newspapers, books), entertainment businesses (e.g. games,
music), companies (e.g. public relations, marketing, shops, knowledge transfer,
help desks), etc. In fact HCI dedication to user groups happens since the
conception of the Web. However, it would be useful to identify a more formal
user segmentation and an according set of HCI requirements in order to assure
an
optimal customization to specific users.
- Web HCI tailored to various circumstances of use
- The user interfaces of current Web applications are mainly designed for the use
in a typical "PC setting". However, will be used under various circumstances.
The same user will use Web applications in circumstances that physically as
well
socially differ. It would be useful to investigate which circumstances will be
most likely for Web use in the coming years given technologies, products and
services most likely available within this time frame. and define an according
set of HCI requirements.
- Web HCI tailored to various consumer products
- The diversity of products that allow Web access will require dedicated
interfaces or interfaces prepared for various terminals. It would be useful to
assess on what terminals the Web is or will become available on in the near
future ( PC, TV, PIC, Car navigator, etc.) and to find guidelines for the
design of the Web HCI's.
My interests for the workshop
Obviously Philips has interest in all issues presented above and I would be
interested in discussing any of them. There are a two subjects that are most
relevant to my current work and that I would appreciate to be addressed in the
workshop:
- Web use in the family
- How could the Web best be interfaced for family group use, used by users of
various ages, displayed on a TV screen, looked at from a distance, using input
devices adapted to a "sofa setting". How could the HCI optimally support the
entertainment and communication applications required in this context?
- Web use on the move
- How could the Web best be interfaced for mobile users who are most likely using
a personal intelligent communicator with a limited screen size, limited pixel
resolution, limited input devices, limited or no audio feedback. How could the
HCI optimally support the communication, transaction and information retrieval
applications required in this context?
CHI 96 Workshop: HCI and the Web, Position Papers