Brenda Laurel

Academic framework for Human Computer Interaction that works its way out from theories of theatre. Not an easy read but a useful framework for anyone working in theory of HCI.

I feel the grounding in theatre ia one of the strongest for HCI and allows reaching back as far as Aristotle.

The idea of user interfaces and computers as tools is unnecessarily limiting, according to Laurel who advances the notion of computers as arenas for human action. Based on dramatic theory, she develops a perspective on interaction design and a set of design principles concerning communication, agency and use experience. The book is highly relevant as a starting point for thinking about virtual realities and other communication-oriented ways of viewing information technology, and from a show more standpoint of more contemporary interaction design it appears highly prescient. show less

This is a collection of articles by different authors, which represents one of the first examples of a design perspective within human-computer interaction (HCI). Reflections on the design process and recommendations on how to manage it are brought together with visions of the future and examples of (at the time) innovative interaction design ideas. The book is still inspirational and serves as a useful complement to the prevalent focus on analysis and evaluation in HCI.

The topic of this collection -- design research -- is broad enough to cover field study methods, explorative design, market and brand issues as well as trend research and strategies for design research in professional settings. The book provides an excellent overview of useful concepts and techniques available to the designer in inquiry, exploration and assessment activities, generally applicable in interaction design as well as in other design fields.