The Project
Project Home
The Process
The Data
The Analysis
Forum Topic Scripts
Pre-Test Script
JW Data Archive
participation guide
Data Workbooks
Anne Giffen
Supawadee
Edward Davis
Shiv Pal
Selden Richardson
The Analysis
Scenarios/Claims
Metaphors
PD/Active Theory
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CS 5724 Models and Theories of Human Computer Interaction Dr. Carroll
Metaphors: Advertisement / Poster; Book Index
Analysis: The "front door" or entrance to the project. It was designed to be brief / bulleted;
to deliver a message quickly and clearly as to the contents and choices ahead for the user. As such,
the ec main homepage is a general or lower level metaphor that works like a book index and ad for
participants. We are accustomed to the book index and how it works and this is easy to "read" online.
The ec main homepage gives the user a source list from which to find deeper details about the process.
One could also argue that the ec main homepage acts through a real-world symbolism that facilitates
additional activity-based tools and interactions.
Metaphors: Book Chapter; Site Map; First-Level "How To" Guide
Analysis: While the second level web page for the test #one event was similar in user interaction
to the homepage (above), this second tier page is better described as a high-level metaphor in comparison.
Here is a specific and current project to participate in. Test specific instructions are described and much
greater detail overall is delivered through a "how to" metaphor of communication, end goals and participation.
Metaphors: Shared Phone Log edited by Administrator
Analysis: A low-level metaphor that records and delivers secondary e-mail messages for the
wider context. Such a "journal" is a common tool.
Metaphors: "How To" Book / Tutorial
Analysis: A mid-level metaphor that captures the installation guide or instruction book nicely.
The concept of a "book" is very common in our global culture. On a deeper cognitive level, the guide helps
the user to map out a series of process critical stages for a successful interaction. Both real world and
activity-based in delivery.
Metaphors: Community Bulletin Board
Analysis: Whether we are leaving messages on voice mail, through e-mail or a refrigerator
magnet, the asynchronous "leaving" of correspondence is very common and is not a high-level metaphor
in the electronic charrette. As a shared asynchronous communication space, the ec forum was quickly
mastered and used successfully throughout four topics and six weeks.
Metaphors: An Illustrated Book. It includes:
1. a neighborhood visit
2. a gallery tour (of the building interior) or a slide show
3. a fly-over of the neighborhood
4. a text library for historic documents
Analysis: First, one needs to consider the Archive (in general) as a low-level metaphor. It is a
coffee table book about the historic Jackson Ward Armory neighborhood, complete with interesting
photographs and historical text and bibliography! As such, prior knowledge is targeted and triggered
successfully. But another, more specific and complex group of metaphors is working to challenge the
citizen to "read" an aerial image or suspend reality through a panoramic experience of their local scene.
As a tool, the Archive successfully delivers source material to the target (participant).
Metaphors: Telephone and Pen / Paper (Group Decision Tool)
1. a shared blackboard
2. a notebook for saving work
3. a shared phone log(s) for all participants
Analysis: This process was the most complicated to set-up and run. Before participants
downloaded and installed the software, metaphors were virtually absent as helpers and soon
"dissolved" into detailed steps and instructions. Only after the decision was made to work
work-to-one did interactions smooth out and the three moderate-level metaphors (above) "kick-in!"
At base, the DataBeam pushed process combines common metaphors-but in a new way. Instructions,
trial and error and thoughtful interactions online prevailed.
Metaphors: Road Map for Test #One
Analysis: The process model needs to be re-drawn but delivered the instruction set for the
ec test #one. It is rather complex and should be viewed as a high-level metaphor that "sets-up" visually
many of the tools and process to follow. While this metaphor is activity-based first, it must be stressed
that it works in conjunction with many other parts of the ec process. As an isolated "image," is complex
and potentially confusing. Because all of the ec test #one participants had-or would soon earn-a Masters
degree, this metaphor was largely successful As it exploited many accumulated years of higher education
and computer knowledge.
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