A comprehensive review of the current state of research and use of task analysis for Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), this multi-authored and diligently edited handbook offers the best reference source available on this diverse subject whose foundations date to the turn of the last century. Each chapter begins with an abstract and is cross-referenced and indexed to other chapters.
Divided into five parts--each prefaced with a rationale and brief summary of its chapters--this volume presents contemporary thinking about task analysis together with a representative set of methods. Part I opens with seven chapters that form a book-within-a-book and introduce most of the main concepts, methods, and techniques discussed in more detail in later parts. Part II describes the use of task analysis in commercial IT projects and recognizes some of the important constraints on its use. Part III primarily concentrates on human issues--most relying on some particular psychological or ergonomic model. Part IV presents task analysis methods targeted at software engineering development. These methods, particularly where supported by CASE tools, are therefore practical for use in commercial projects. Lastly, Part V focuses on outstanding issues associated with task analysis, highlighting the main problems with it and analyzing how these might be resolved in due course.
Academic researchers, post-graduate students and final year undergraduates, as well as practicing HCI professionals and hardcore task analysts, including industrialists, psychologists, and computer scientists all benefit from this Handbook.
Table of Contents
Contents: Preface. Part I: Foundations. D. Diaper, Understanding Task Analysis for Human-Computer Interaction. S. Greenberg, Working Through Task-Centered System Design. J. Annett, Hierarchical Task Analysis. D. Kieras, GOMS Models for Task Analysis. K. Go, J.M. Carroll, Scenario-Based Task Analysis. Q. Limbourg, J. Vanderdonckt, Comparing Task Models for User Interface Design. G.C. van der Veer, M. van Welie, DUTCH: Designing for Users and Tasks From Concepts to Handles. Part II: IT Industry Perspectives. J. Coronado, B. Casey, A Multicultural Approach to Task Analysis: Capturing User Requirements for a Global Software Application. H. Degen, S. Pedell, The JIET Design Process for e-Business Applications. R. Spencer, S. Clarke, User-System Interaction Scripts. J. Arnowitz, Task Layer Maps: A Task Analysis Technique for the Rest of Us. T. van Dyk, K. Renaud, Task Analysis for e-Commerce and the Web. P. Windsor, Using Task Data in Designing the Swanwick Air Traffic Control Centre. Part III: Human Perspectives. F. Spillers, Task Analysis Through Cognitive Archeology. J. May, P.J. Barnard, Cognitive Task Analysis in Interacting Cognitive Subsystems. B.L.W. Wong, Critical Decision Method Data Analysis. T.C. Ormerod, A. Shepherd, Using Task Analysis for Information Requirements Specification: The Sub-Goal Template (SGT) Method. C. Baber, N.A. Stanton, Task Analysis for Error Identification. A. Dix, D. Ramduny-Ellis, J. Wilkinson, Trigger Analysis: Understanding Broken Tasks. W. Cockayne, R.P. Darken, The Application of Human Ability Requirements to Virtual Environment Interface Design and Evaluation. P. Turner, T. McEwan, Activity Theory: Another Perspective on Task Analysis. Part IV: Computing Perspectives. S. Balbo, N. Ozkan, C. Paris, Choosing the Right Task-Modeling Notation: A Taxonomy. C. Paris, S. Lu, K. Vander Linden, Environments for the Construction and Use of Task Models. F. Paternò, ConcurTaskTrees: An Engineered Notation for Task Models. M. Abed, D. Tabary, C. Kolski, Using Formal Specification Techniques for the Modeling of Tasks and the Generation of Human-Computer User Interface Specifications. J-C. Tarby, One Goal, Many Tasks, Many Devices: From Abstract User Task Specification to User Interfaces. C. Scogings, C. Phillips, Linking Task and Dialogue Modeling: Toward an Integrated Software Engineering Method. Part V: Today and Tomorrow. N.A. Stanton, The Psychology of Task Analysis Today. J. Karat, C-M. Karat, J. Vergo, Experiences People Value: The New Frontier for Task Analysis. D. Diaper, N.A. Stanton, Wishing on a sTAr: The Future of Task Analysis.
"The Handbook...provides a through, up-to-date perspective of task analysis applied to human-computer interaction. The handbook is well-organized....it provides a great place for novices to start, is an excellent source for reminders, and is a good review for the more seasoned expert."
—Ergonomics in Design
"This volume clearly demonstrates that a huge amount of intriguing new findings exists, allowing deeper insight in to the development of face processing. The book offers a broad overview of the process of development, from the nature of newborns' face processing to the modes of face processing in young children. The book encourages future lines of research on the multidimensional character of faces....For people working in this specific field the handbook undoubtedly will be valuable."
—American Journal of Psychology