HCI in Sci-Fi movies

In this four part presentation, Andreas Butz from Munich University, talks on the topic 'HCI in Sci-Fi movies'. Sci-Fi movies deal with futuristic technologies. Interaction design is important for futuristic technologies. HCI technologies, therefore, play an important role in science fiction movies. These movies may adopt existing technologies such as identification technologies, display technologies, I/O technologies- user interfaces etc. Sci-Fi movies may also influence or inspire research into futuristic HCI technologies.

An example of use of HCI technologies in Sci-Fi movies is Password Swordfish (2001). Some of the HCI technologies not yet realized are shown in The Matrix (1999). It makes use of invasive neural interfaces. Identification technologies are shown in Bourne Identity 2002 (hand scanning), Alien4 - 1997 (breath identification), Logans Run and Gattaca (using implant identification- RFID and DNA scanning). Physical display of objects is shown in X-Men (2002). In Star-Trek Next Generation (1987), holo deck display is shown.

In 'Minority Report' balls are used as user interface. Minority Report uses iris scan, e-ink, gesture interfaces and personalized public displays.

In 'Matrix' (1999) colored pills are used as physical user interfaces. Time Machine (2002) uses an anthropomorphic interface. Speech interfaces are used in 'Star Trek' as far back as 1986.

In 'Dark Star' (1974), the ultimate AI is portrayed, with the computer taking control of the space ship.


These youtube presentations can be seen using the links given below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZBaOgmoe5U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXEIRs4SF9Q

Reference:
Schmitz, M., Endreas, C., Butz, A. (2008). A Survey of Human-Computer Interaction Design in Science Fiction Movies. ACM Proceedings, INTETAIN'08.

-Joseph Ponnoly

Sharp, H., Rogers, Y., Preece, J. (2007). Interaction Design: Beyond Human-Computer Interaction . John Wiley & Sons, UK.
This book is worth reading. It differentiates interaction design (ID) from the narrower scope of Human-Computer Interaction. Some of the best design elements as in the Apple iPod are discussed. Some of the controversial topics such as usability and attractiveness (aesthetics) are also discussed, particularly with reference to design of websites. The 'vanilla' websites that are the most usable and easy to navigate (and recommended by usability expert Nielsen) are no more attractive today, when users look for aesthetics and a pleasurable experience when visiting websites. Example would the website of Nike (nike.com). Compare it with Nielsen's website (useit.com).

Joseph Ponnoly

The Mom Test for Web Usability Testing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKru8BK4P58&feature=related



Matt Bailey speaks about a web usability test by asking someone who is not familiar with a website to use it, by assigning a specific task.
He calls this 'the Mom Test', referring to whether his Mom would be able to use the website.

-jp

Interactive Voice Response- Speech-based system: Microsoft's TellMe Voice

Microsoft's tellme service

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQLcSIoU0CY&feature=related

And a demo of TellMe Voice

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YF7avIpNqqY&NR=1

jp

Email Clients

Here is an overview of FLOSS email clients:

http://digg.com/d1nq2a

The author compares various email clients: MS Outlook, AppleMail, K Mail, Thunderbird, Evolution and Claws.

Among the free email software clients, he recommends Claws.

According to him Claws is fast (having a light footprint), easily configurable and has a better user interface than the rest. 

Here is the link to Claws Mail. The tag line is 'user-friendly, light-weight, and fast email client'.

http://www.claws-mail.org/

Please see the screen-shot below:

Questions: Does it provide for email encryption?

Joseph Ponnoly

Secure Interaction Design (Mozilla Firefox Browser)

Mozilla Firefox contains several security features that protect the user and help in secure web interactions. 

Design of secure interactions, would require the designer to think from the user's perspective. The user would like to be protected from cookies, browsing history,  phishing attacks, malware and so on.

Here is an interesting powerpoint presentation by Kami Vaniea: 

cups.cs.cmu.edu/courses/ups-sp06/slides/060214vaniea.ppt

Drop down menus and Usability

Best practices and bad practices in use of drop-down menus with reference to a recent study by Jacob Nielsen, the usability expert.

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/03/24/designing-drop-down-menus-examples-and-best-practices

Here is the link to the Nielsen report on usability of menus
http://www.useit.com/alertbox/mega-dropdown-menus.html

And more information on Jacob Nielsen, the king of usability
http://www.useit.com/jakob/


jp