An analysis of inductive user interfaces

Abstract

Task based interfaces, in the form of Inductive User Interfaces, are interfaces that are simplified by dividing features into more manageable and understandable screens. Inductive User Interfaces present the user with tasks that they are likely to want to complete. This study examined the effectiveness of Inductive User Interfaces at aiding the user in their normal work flow and at redirecting misplaced users. Fifteen participants, with at least Windows 98 experience, were used in the study. We found that Inductive User Interfaces still require further work, and guidelines are not yet developed enough to create effective interfaces. As part of our study we also developed an initial ontology for User Navigation Diagrams to visualise multiple user action in an Inductive User Interface. We found these diagrams to be able to effectively model the actions of two or more users, and they were useful to others with little training in the notations used in the diagrams.