Internalist and externalist HCI

Abstract

The history of technology, as a discipline, supports alternate points of view termed internalist and externalist, which terms highlight an approximately similar division in points of view within HCI. Conventional HCI is externalist, rightly concerned with human-centered issues; but externalism risks ignoring important internalist issues. A successful human-computer system is better if it is successful from both perspectives. This discussion paper argues that the externalist view, while necessary and immensely useful, is not sufficient-and in the worst case, risks eclipsing innovation from internalist quarters. © 2007 Harold Thimbleby, Will Thimbleby,.