Abstract
This paper extends an analytic framework based upon that of Cognitive Dimensions which provides formal definitions for assessing the suitability of interactive systems for particular tasks. Elsewhere we have demonstrated that interface design can benefit from interpreting cognitive dimensions as formal tools for assessing interface characteristics relevant to effective use. Our interpretation of these dimensions has the benefit of introducing a level of precision to the otherwise informal notion of cognitive dimension. In general developing a more precise interpretation of the dimensions is a necessary prerequisite for their employment within software engineering.
In this paper an interpretation of the cognitive dimension termed ‘premature commitment’ is examined and its relation the dimensions of ‘viscosity’ considered. We demonstrate the appropriateness of the measures developed as a means of assessing implicit bias in interface behaviour and the general results that their formalisation enables. The effectiveness of the proposed formal characterisations is illustrated with a small case study.
The original version of this chapter was revised: The copyright line was incorrect. This has been corrected. The Erratum to this chapter is available at DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-35349-4_22
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Roast, C. (1999). Modelling Unwarranted Commitment in Information Artefacts. In: Chatty, S., Dewan, P. (eds) Engineering for Human-Computer Interaction. EHCI 1998. IFIP —The International Federation for Information Processing, vol 22. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-35349-4_5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-35349-4_5
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