Human-Computer Interaction

What's Behind All Those Apps You Love to Use?

Posted on September 22, 2022 in Hot Topic

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Augmented intelligence: the business power of human-machine collaboration, by Judith Hurwitz et al. CRC Press, 2019 (c2020). 170p bibl index ISBN 9780367184896, $79.95; ISBN 9780367687878 pbk, $34.95; ISBN 9780429196645 ebook, $79.95.
Reviewed in CHOICE March 2021

Artificial intelligence (AI) has long promised the creation of human-like intelligence (artificial general intelligence or AGI) but has so far approached it only in specific, narrow areas, e.g., playing chess. A more practical area of excitement today is to combine AI with human intelligence in human-computer interaction (HCI) systems. Hurwitz and coauthors focus on achievable business applications of this approach, in ten chapters: augmented intelligence defined (ch. 1); supporting technology infrastructure (ch. 2); the data lifecycle (ch.3); how to build appropriate models (ch. 4); realizing new business processes (ch. 5); risks entailed (ch. 6); governance bridging between business teams and implementors (ch. 7); building the business case (ch. 8); project planning (ch. 9); and the future of augmented intelligence (ch. 10). Most interesting to this reviewer was chapter 9, discussing how to select an appropriate business unit for implementation: needs include a strong management-invested data platform; a senior manager who will champion projects; and a significant, well-understood data source. Enlightening, too, was the case study of improving an ATM fraud detection system, using a machine learning technique to identify changes in user behavior. This very informative book will be accessible to all readers, and especially of interest to students and practitioners aiming to improve business systems through human-machine collaboration. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers. —C. Tappert, Pace University

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Cleal, D.M. Knowledge-based systems: implications for human-computer interfaces, by D.M. Cleal and N.O. Heaton. E. Horwood/Wiley, 1988. 253p ISBN 0470210826, $49.95. 
Reviewed in CHOICE November 1988

In this excellent book, Cleal (British computer consultant) and Heaton (researcher, Loughborough University, England) give an excellent survey of current developments and problems in intelligent knowledge-based systems (IKBSs), including expert systems and, more generally, intelligent front ends to systems of many types. The authors write in a clear, nontechnical style and provide many references. Of special value is the authors’ emphasis on the interaction between the user and the system. They eloquently and thoroughly make the case for the importance of focusing system design on this interface, and outline a methodology for doing so. The human-computer interaction emphasis, which is very timely, and the accessibility of the material, make this book an excellent addition to an undergraduate or graduate library. Summing Up: Highly recommended. —H. D. Warner, Western New England College

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Computerization movements and technology diffusion: from mainframes to ubiquitous computing, ed. by Margaret S. Elliott and Kenneth L. Kraemer. Information Today, 2008. 581p ISBN 9781573873116, $59.50. 
Reviewed in CHOICE February 2009

This book contains 20 chapters by 32 authors on the subject of computerization movements (CMs), i.e., the study of how new computing technologies evolve and why they are adopted (or not) by organizations. The first chapter, written by the book’s editors, addresses the fundamental question of why organizations adopt computing technologies. The subsequent chapters examine different aspects of this central question. There are chapters discussing CMs in specific settings such as the US home mortgage industry, digital photography, and high-tech companies. There are also discussions on the ubiquitous computing movement that started around the year 2000 and is described in the book as “the utopian realization of human-computer interaction … [where] the most profound technologies are those that disappear … they weave themselves into the fabric of everyday until they are indistinguishable from it.” The breadth and depth of the articles examining all aspects of the subject is truly impressive. This volume definitely belongs in the library of any institution with students, teachers, and researchers in the information systems area. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All academic, two-year technical program, and professional audiences; informed general readers. —R. Bharath, Northern Michigan University

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HCI remixed: essays on works that have influenced the HCI community, ed. by Thomas Erickson and David W. McDonald. MIT, 2008. 337p ISBN 0262050889, $40.00; ISBN 9780262050883, $40.00.
Reviewed in CHOICE August 2008

In this essay collection compiled by Erickson (industry) and McDonald (Univ. of Washington), contributors were asked to provide their thoughts on one item at least ten years old. This reviewer liked two essays for their emphasis on the goal of removing the computer, at least mentally. In “The Disappearing Computer,” Norbert Streitz reflects on Mark Weiser’s 1991 article “The Computer for the 21st Century,” describing an entire research effort inspired by it–ubiquitous computing. Most important is the observation that “normal users are not interested in interacting with computers, only with information and people,” suggesting a shift from human-computer interaction to human-information and human-human interactions. Michel Beaudouin-Lafon’s “Interaction Is the Future of Computing” cites Peter Wegner’s 1997 article “Why Interaction Is More Powerful than Algorithms.” Wegner believes “everything is moving towards interactive systems.” Beaudouin-Lafon wants readers to recognize that not all approaches can follow the rational formal model. He wants interactive systems to be like a painter’s canvas: a medium to express, drawing power from the freedom it gives, not from the constraints it imposes. Maybe if more computer scientists and students digest these ideas, people will face fewer frustrations when they need to interact with some device. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through professionals. —H. Levkowitz, University of Massachusetts

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Howard, Tharon W. Design to thrive: creating social networks and online communities that last. Elsevier, 2010. 234p ISBN 9780123749215 pbk, $39.95.
Reviewed in CHOICE August 2010

This important work fills a gap in the literature in its proposal of methods to fuse technology with practical community growth and sustainability, even outside the social networking venue. Howard (rhetoric, communication, and information design, Clemson Univ.) more than knows the subject, considering the very prominent place he holds in the human-computer interaction and usability communities. While maintaining a careful, technologically agnostic tone, the author very smoothly conveys his thoughts in an eloquent, easily accessible manner that any level of reader would be able to penetrate. The volume includes chapters titled “What Are the Factors Needed for Sustainable Online Communities?” “Remuneration,” “Influence,” “Belonging,” and “Significance.” This surprisingly deep yet easily readable book seamlessly incorporates the research of people such as Bruce Tuckman (“Development Sequence in Small Groups,” Psychological Bulletin 63 [6]: 384-99, 1965, and other publications related to groups and team development), Leon Festinger (A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance, 1957), and Charlene Li and Josh Bernoff (Groundswell: Winning in a World of Social Technologies, CH, Nov’08, 46-1586), among others. The notes and bibliographies at the end of each chapter allow the curious to further explore additional readings and research. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels of academic and professional readers, especially those who create and maintain online communities. —J. R. Lauber, Briarcliffe College Library

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Human and machine problem solving, ed. by K.J. Gilhooly. Plenum, 1989. 382p ISBN 0-306-42962-4, $42.50.
Reviewed in CHOICE September 1989

This collection addresses the issues and (current and potential) answers involved in human and machine problem solving. It is cleverly organized, alternating human- and machine-focused chapters on expertise, inference, learning, and nonadversary and adversary problem solving. These are accompanied by one essay on human-machine interaction and two integrative chapters by the editor. The component chapters are well written by recognized experts. Some of the machine-oriented chapters could have been more merciful to the uninitiated; it is likely that only computer scientists will understand them fully. Most of the chapters, however, are broad and readable enough for a state-of-the-art book. It is regrettable that Gilhooly’s chapters are not longer; a brief commentary after each pair of chapters would have been helpful. After his definition of the scope of the problem-solving area, there is little integration beyond what is parenthetically provided by the authors and a who-said-what chapter. Summing Up: Nevertheless, this will be an important reference for advanced students in the cognitive sciences.—M. Marschark, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

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The Human-computer interaction handbook: fundamentals, evolving technologies, and emerging applications, ed. by Julie A. Jacko. 3rd ed. CRC Press, 2012. 1,452p ISBN 1439829438, $149.95; ISBN 9781439829431, $149.95.
Reviewed in CHOICE February 2013

Without a doubt this is the largest and heaviest book this reviewer has ever reviewed, weighing in at 7.5 pounds. Coordinating and editing the contributions of more than 140 authors, Jacko (Univ. of Minnesota) has done an amazing job in creating a well-organized, uniform reference to the state of the art in human-computer interaction (HCI). Despite its size, the book is an excellent, easy-to-use reference. After reading the foreword by Ben Shneiderman (Univ. of Maryland) and the preface by Jacko, all readers must take the time to read the introduction by Jonathan Grudin (Microsoft Research); it is great history. This third edition (2nd ed., 2008; 1st ed., CH, Apr’03, 40-4648) is composed of 62 chapters organized into seven parts. The 29 chapters comprising the first three parts lay the foundation of HCI. Parts 4 and 5 elaborate on design issues. Part 6, “The Development Process,” is so large that it is further divided into three subsections: “Requirements Specification,” “Design and Development,” and “Testing, Evaluation, and Technology Transfer.” Each chapter contains its own set of references, and the book has separate author and subject indexes, both of which are quite large. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals. —J. Beidler, University of Scranton

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Mindell, David A. Digital Apollo: human and machine in spaceflight. MIT, 2008. 359p ISBN 9780262134972, $29.95. 
Reviewed in CHOICE July 2009

This succinct book contains 271 pages of text and 86 pages of notes, bibliography, and index. Mindell (history of engineering and manufacturing, MIT) begins by organizing his concepts in terms of the conflict between “chauffeurs” and “airmen.” The former like stable, well-behaved aircraft and ease of flying; the latter prefer unstable aircraft that are more difficult to fly and control but much more maneuverable. The transition is then made to pilots who want to control their aircraft (or spacecraft) and the engineers who knew that modern high-speed vehicles performed beyond humans’ capability to control them. The book describes the development of systems engineering and control theory, the X-15, aviators in space, the Apollo guidance system, the Apollo computer (hardware and software), the Lunar Lander design, including its control and guidance in flight and landing, and the user interface. Mindell covers in some detail the Apollo 11 moon landing and how the computers, control system, interfaces, etc., operated in conjunction with Armstrong and Aldrin to complete the mission. The final short chapter is “Human, Machine, and the Future of Spaceflight.” This well-written, technically and historically accurate work will be appreciated by those interested in the history of technology and the history of spaceflight. Summing Up: Recommended. All collections. —A. M. Strauss, Vanderbilt University

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Picard, Rosalind W. Affective computing. MIT, 1997. 292p ISBN 0262161702, $27.50.
Reviewed in CHOICE May 1998

Emotion is considered by many to be something that pollutes the pure stream of decision making and other higher cognitive functions. Scientific research is, however, now finding that emotional factors are very much involved in things like perception, learning, and making decisions, even to the extent that if emotional aspects are missing from such processes, these processes can be considered impoverished, if not defective. In this clearly-written, well-documented, stimulating new book, Picard (MIT) argues that computers involved with human-computer interaction must be able to have emotions, to be able to recognize emotion in others, to exhibit emotional responses to other people and events, and to be guided in the process by emotional intelligence. This implies a whole new direction in computer design and use, involving even computers that are “worn” as clothes are worn. Picard argues her case convincingly and in ways that will make sense to the generalist and the engineer. Even readers uninterested in computers but simply in understanding human emotion will find the book important. A wonderfully informative book. Summing Up: All levels.—C. Koch, Oberlin College

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Sun, Huatong. Global social media design: bridging differences across cultures. Oxford, 2020. 288p bibl index ISBN 9780190845582, $80.00; ISBN 9780190845605 ebook, contact publisher for price.
Reviewed in CHOICE March 2021

Social media applications are probably among the most critical software systems in today’s economy. A book that discusses design issues in the context of global, cultural, philosophical, and scientific utility could be worth reading in depth. Sun (Univ. of Washington, Tacoma) offers an intense discussion about the dynamic structure of factors that influence application design. She includes extensive bibliographical references on the many schools of thought and design scholarship that have influenced the human-computer interaction community for decades. As diverse and often conflicting as design frameworks may be, it is challenging to find a holistic perspective that can be applicable for different cultures, demographics, and geographic locations. Sun’s book will confirm readers’ intuitive feeling that successful design is hard in the environment where everything is “global.” Successful applications are notoriously difficult to replicate to serve different tasks or contexts. The research community that has developed around this problem has created sophisticated statistical models to capture intricate relationships among multiple required characteristics. The interconnectedness of the multiplicity of factors that constitute the design problem is this book’s central premise and strength. It is an essential text to be studied seriously, a crucial resource for organizations working on the next successful app, or for any future designer working on a professional portfolio. Summing Up: Essential. Upper-division undergraduates. Graduate students, faculty, and professionals. —J. Brzezinski, McHenry County College

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