A predictive model for the computer icon development /
Computer icons are the primary component of the human-computer interaction. Icons depict system functions, structure and actions to the computer user through a visual representation. A key problem occurs when the intended meaning of the icon is not received or is misinterpreted by the user. Curre...
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| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
[Place of publication not identified] :
[publisher not identified] ;
1996.
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://proxy.library.tamu.edu/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=739364081&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=2945&RQT=309&VName=PQD |
| Summary: | Computer icons are the primary component of the human-computer interaction. Icons depict system functions, structure and actions to the computer user through a visual representation. A key problem occurs when the intended meaning of the icon is not received or is misinterpreted by the user. Current evaluation methods focus on rejecting poor designs rather than identifying areas for improvement in existing designs. This study has developed a predictive model of icon communication. The model uses Information Theory measures and Semantic Differential measures to provide both heuristic and subjective evaluation of a new icon. Subjects with training and extensive experience with computers as well as beginners and casual computer users participated in this study. In the first experiment, subjects reviewed a set of icons of varying degrees of abstraction and technical complexity and gave the icon's meaning or function. These interpretations were then used to calculate the average information content and articulatory distance measure for each icon. In the second experiment, a second group of subjects rated each icon on a set of six semantic scales to provide a subjective measure of the icon. These measures were then combined using multiple correlation analysis to develop a predictive model of icon communication. With this model and the individual measures that compose it, the icon designer can gain an understanding of the impact a new Computer icon will have on the intended user as well as design guidance of what parameters of the image may need improvement. A procedure guide is included to provide step-by-step assistance in performing the evaluation process. |
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| Item Description: | Vita. "Major Subject: Industrial Engineering". |
| Physical Description: | x,223leaves : illustrations ; 28 cm. Issued also on microfiche from University Microfilms Inc. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references: pages 68-78. |