Time-oriented interface design: Picking the right time and method for information presentation

Abstract

Today, people have far more access to relevant information than they can possibly consume. In this paper we describe a framework for Time-oriented Interface Design where information presentation and access is regulated according to when human activities afford opportunities for interacting with information. Information interfaces are then designed according to the time available during these opportunities, with the designs being constrained by salient aspects of the associated situations and contexts. In our view of time-oriented interface design there are four main types of situation where there may be time to view or interact with information: Spontaneous time; Waiting time; Background time; Interruption / Resumption. Information presented in these situations may be consumed without conflicting with the performance of other tasks. In the following presentation, the four types of information access situation are described. The use of time-oriented interface design is then illustrated by five prototype systems that have been developed in our laboratory. The paper will conclude with a discussion of lessons learned and an assessment of the potential for time-oriented human interface design to enhance future information interaction. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.