A conceptual model for designing adaptive human-computer interfaces using the living systems theory

Abstract

This paper discusses the application of the living systems theory (LST) to humancomputer interface (HCI) design. It introduces LST as a paradigm for HCI design that can produce interfaces with self-learning and adaptive capabilities. From a biological system perspective, LST framework provides an emergence property to HCI, an attribute required to encourage self-organized behaviours during user interaction with computers. A sample interface in the domain of power systems information management is used to demonstrate the efficacy of LST as an adaptive HCI design tool. It is shown that the application of LST will not only provide a robust framework for designing HCI, but can also allow for real-time performance of the adaptive processes of the interface agents. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.