Tutorial 5

Cognitive Factors in Design: Basic Phenomena in Human Memory and Problem Solving

Thomas Hewett, Drexel University

Sunday, May 7

Objective

This tutorial will (1) provide an intuitive understanding of a variety of phenomena in human memory and problem solving through direct, "hands-on" exposure, (2) give a basis for undertaking self-directed study of these or related topics, (3) relate some of the phenomena to human-computer interaction, and (4) help develop a basis for making educated design choices when guidelines fail, conflict, or are non-existent.

Content

This tutorial introduces and illustrates a number of basic processes and phenomena of human memory and problem solving. Selected materials focus on helping the participant develop the intuitive understanding and background knowledge useful for appreciating a number of the phenomena and theories of interest to cognitive psychologists. Emphasis is on high-level phenomena related to (a) problems of designing interactive computing systems or (b) understanding human-computer interaction and the preconceptions that users bring to that interaction.

Audience

This introductory-level tutorial will benefit people interested in human-computer interaction and interactive system design who have not had coursework in cognitive psychology. The tutorial will also benefit those who work with, or expect to be working with, cognitive psychologists or human factors specialists. Because most of the demonstrations can be done with minimal equipment, the tutorial benefits those who expect to be teaching the psychology of human-computer interaction. This tutorial is not intended for human factors specialists, individuals with extensive training in psychology (especially cognitive psychology), or individuals seeking a literature review of the latest cognitive psychology research.

Presentation

Lecture, demonstration, exercises

Instructor

Thomas Hewett is Professor of Psychology at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA, USA, where his teaching includes courses on Cognitive Psychology, Problem Solving and Creativity, the Psychology of Human-Computer Interaction, and the Psychology of Interface Design.

Keith Instone / instone@acm.org / 95-01-05