Week 3

Problem: The context of the Human versus the context of the Computer.

Brain vs. Processor

How do humans react with computers with different processing language? Humans languages are many but in computers they use their own language which is 0s and 1s.
Humans are different in sense of emotions. Computers do not have them.

To fulfill our users needs, interactivity system has to be applied to these electronics which makes it respond nearly emotionally to us.
For example, this interface would be used in educational softwares where after you give the correct or wrong answer it will respond to you immediately. This method act as an encouragement to us (users) because we need the encouragement help us move on. It is a way to overcome user frustration.
Who would not want some encouragement in life? It would be boring is something would not respond to us.

Nowadays, people would want something that have expressive interface, does not make the user frustrated, persuasive technology, anthropomorphism and conceptual models in a certain software application.

Without these elements, human would less likely be in front of the computer. Expressive interface is involve in multiple applications. It is a way where the computers react by giving a reply. Not the normal answer but a more expressive answer. Other than that, expressive in a form of facial is also implied depending on the software.

User frustration is where the computer gives out a certain error and we tend to get mad because it is not performing well. Again we go back to the Humans. Eventhough the computer is right, it is still being blame by humans. Therefore, to avoid user frustration to the computers. The computer is made to apologise to the user. This is a part where it is built into it. It will prompt you the brief problem of what had happened. This will cool down the user a bit and prevent any further anger towards the computer.
Would you get an error sounded like "ERROR 303" or There is a plugin problem type 303.?
Surely the second one is more preferable since it has a bit more information then the first one.

Persuasive technology like I said above, is a form of encouragement to the user. Anthropomorphism is a certain character which have human-like attributes:- the hands, legs, eyes and many more. These are mostly seen in cartoons like Mickey Mouse.

Mickey Mouse. (Image taken from Google images)

Conceptual models like avatars and virtual characters in multiplayer games is also one of the need in applying into this computer software applications for the sake of human satisfaction giving it a model of emotions. Games online have been applying facial expressions to make it more interesting and believable.

Building a relationship with the user and the machine is an important component.
"Gimmicks" also affects the usability of an interface. It acts as a method of persuasion for the users.

However, humans want more and more from the computers especially in interactivity part. Maybe in the next couple of years there are more and more interesting things which are build to fulfill most of the human needs.