Intelligent User Interfaces Course Work

See the class homepage for more information on the class.

Short Assignments

assignment 1: (Due Jan. 25)
Write one page about a computer system, application, or interface you have used that could use an "intelligent user interface". Describe what was wrong with the current system and how the IUI might have helped.

assignment 2: (Due Feb. 15)
Pick a (non-trivial) statement by Simon that you agree with and write 1/2 a page about why you agree or find it insightful. Pick a statement you disagree with and write 1/2 a page about why you disagree and what other view/interpretation you prefer.

assignment 3: (Due March 10)
Pick a (non-trivial) statement by Suchman that you agree with and write 1/2 a page about why you agree or find it insightful. Pick a statement you disagree with and write 1/2 a page about why you disagree and what other view/interpretation you prefer.

Projects

The class projects will proceed through a series of phases. There will be written reports and presentations associated with the various stages. The reports will get longer at each stage as it is assumed that your understanding of your project will accumulate. Also, some of the text from prior reports will likely be appropriate for inclusion in later reports, especially the final report.

I will meet with each project team (of three to five students) individually a couple times during the semester to provide advice, answer questions, etc.

phase 1: Topic Selection & Task Analysis (due Feb. 10)
Identify a type of technology to investigate and begin thinking about tasks and (possibly hypothetical) set of users that you will support with your intelligent user interface. Determine what is difficult (and easy) about the current task and how it can be supported.

What you turn in: Two to three page description of the task being supported, how users currently perform this task, and the type of technology you wish to investigate. This should include some indication of how a system might augment current work practices -- remember to respect current tradition while looking for ways to transcend current practice.

phase 2: Initial Design and Implementation Phase (due March 8)
Specify system design goals and create an initial conceptual design.

What you turn in: 4 to 6 page description of the system goals and conceptual design. This should include diagrams/drawings of the interface or interactions between system components and users in order to provide a sense of what the system might look like.

phase 3: Final Report and Presentation (due April 26-28)
Write a report describing the users, their tasks, your technological solution to supporting them (including design and prototype implementation), and how the system is expected to be used. (Most of this material can come from previous reports.) Also include an empirical or observational study of how you would evaluate your system's success in meeting its goals of supporting users.

What you turn in: 8 to 12 page final report, formal presentation in class.

Important Note:
All reports are to be printed on a word processor or typed (no handwritten assignments will be accepted). It is expected that students will use correct grammar and spelling -- these are grounds to deduct from your grade. (i.e. use a spelling checker and reread what you wrote before turning it in)