Grand challenges in HCI: The quest for theory-led design

Abstract

A grand challenge of theory-led design is proposed for HCI. The history and state of the art in HCI theory and knowledge is reviewed, expanding on Long & Dowell's conception of HCI. A new approach to bridging from theory to design practice is proposed that uses generic task models as a means of locating theory-based design advice. Theory-based knowledge is also transferred to design as bridging models and as critical cognitive aspects which are applied to task models. Design of specific applications uses theory-based knowledge via mappings to generic task models and by the application of bridging models. The approach is illustrated by a case study investigation of the design issues in notifier systems and explained with a design scenario of hospital patient monitoring.