This post is part of the ongoing series of reading reflections on HCI papers and articles. You can find the other posts ‘here.’
A Review of Human-Computer Interaction Styles” - Ben Shneiderman (1998)
Digital Object Identifier (DOI): https://doi.org/10.1080/00140138808966713
In his multiple published works, Ben Shneiderman has been a pioneer in the field of human-computer interaction and has been a strong proponent of direct manipulation as a user interface paradigm. In this article, he discusses the five primary interaction styles (Menu selection, Form fill-in, CLI, Natural Language and Direct Manipulation) and their appropriateness with their respective user groups- novices, knowledgeable intermittent users, and expert frequent users. He also discusses the factors that influence the choice of interaction style and the blending of interaction styles.
This article also clearly points to the deficiencies of each interaction style, for whom they are appropriate, and when and under what circumstances they shine. It also discusses the need for empirical research to guide the design of interactive systems. It also considers how interfaces could be adapted - akin to today’s different profiles for different users - to suit the various user groups. It defines metrics such as time to learn a new task and syntax retention, etc., that could serve as a basis for empirical research.
I found this article a comprehensive and compelling read, with great insights into interactive system design and usage considerations, complete with guidelines specific to each interaction style.