The Execution Phase (Transforming Intentions into Actions)
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Forming the Goal
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Today, we're going to talk about the Execution Phase in user interaction. Let's start with the first step: Forming the Goal. What do you think this means?
I think itβs about what the user wants to do, like booking a flight or finding a document.
Exactly! The user identifies their desired outcome. Can anyone give an example of a goal?
How about wanting to buy tickets to a concert?
Great example! Now, moving on to the next step: Forming the Intention. Student_3, what do you think this involves?
Is it about planning how to achieve that goal?
Yes! The user translates their goal into specific methods utilizing the systemβs capabilities. Now, let's wrap up this session. What did we learn today?
We learned that it starts with knowing what we want to achieve before planning how to do it!
Specifying the Action Sequence
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Now let's explore how users turn their intentions into actionable steps. What do we mean by Specifying the Action Sequence?
Itβs when the user figures out the steps they need to take to achieve their goal, right?
Exactly! It involves deciding which controls to interact with. Can someone provide an example?
If I want to buy those concert tickets, Iβd need to click 'Buy Tickets' and enter my payment info.
Perfect! Now, letβs discuss the last step: Executing the Action. How does this differ from the previous steps?
This is the actual action part where the user physically interacts with the interface.
Correct! In this phase, users perform their planned actions. Letβs recap what we covered in this session.
We learned about breaking down intentions into specific steps and then performing those actions.
The Gulf of Execution
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Letβs focus on a crucial concept: the Gulf of Execution. What does this mean?
I think itβs the gap between what the user wants to do and what the system allows them to do.
Exactly! A large gulf indicates difficulties in understanding how to proceed. Can anyone think of a scenario where this might happen?
If a button isnβt labeled well or if options are hidden, the user might not know how to continue.
Right! This confusion can lead to frustration. To bridge this gulf, what should designers focus on?
They need to make options clear and accessible!
Absolutely! Clear discoverability and intuitive design are essential. Letβs summarize today's lesson.
We learned about the challenges users face when their intentions arenβt clearly supported by the interface!
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
In this section, we investigate the Execution Phase where users transition from their abstract goals to specific actions within an interface. We examine the stages of goal formation, intention specification, action sequencing, and execution, while also highlighting potential pitfalls like the Gulf of Execution, and emphasizing the need for well-designed interfaces that effectively communicate available actions.
Detailed
Detailed Summary
The Execution Phase in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) elaborates on the user's cognitive and physical journey from establishing a goal to executing actions on an interface. This phase is pivotal because it determines how effectively users can interact and achieve their objectives using computer systems.
Key Stages in the Execution Phase
- Forming the Goal: The user identifies a desired outcome, such as making a reservation or finding information. This abstract goal initiates the user's journey.
- Forming the Intention: The user translates their goal into a viable action plan, relying on the perceived capabilities of the system to facilitate their need.
- Specifying the Action Sequence: The focused intention requires the user to break down their plan into a sequence of specific actions (e.g., clicking buttons or entering data).
- Executing the Action: Finally, the user physically engages with the interface by performing the planned actions. It's essential to note the concept of the Gulf of Execution, which refers to the gap between the user's goals and how the system presents possible actions. A large gulf indicates poor discoverability and can cause user frustration and inefficiency in achieving their goals.
By understanding and addressing these stages, designers can bridge the gaps in user actions, leading to improved user experiences and enhanced system usability.
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Forming the Goal
Chapter 1 of 5
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Chapter Content
This is the highest level of abstraction. The user establishes a desired state or outcome they wish to achieve (e.g., "I want to reserve a train ticket to Delhi," "I need to find a specific document"). This stage is purely internal to the user.
Detailed Explanation
In this first step of the Execution Phase, the user identifies what they want to achieve. This might sound simple, but it represents the foundation of the user's interaction with a system. For instance, if someone wants to reserve a train ticket, that desire shapes every action they will take next. Understanding your goal effectively is crucial because it dictates the approach you will use to reach the desired outcome.
Examples & Analogies
Think of it like planning a road trip. Before you start, you need to know your destination. If your goal is to go to a concert in another city, that's similar to quickly thinking, "I want to go to the concert." Everything you do afterward, like finding the route and getting tickets, stems from this initial goal.
Forming the Intention
Chapter 2 of 5
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The user translates the abstract goal into a more concrete plan that they believe the system can facilitate. This involves choosing a specific method or strategy within the system's perceived capabilities (e.g., "To reserve a ticket, I'll use the 'Book Tickets' feature on the website"). This is where the user starts to map their goal onto the system's perceived functionalities.
Detailed Explanation
Once the user has defined their goal, they need to figure out how to achieve it using the system. This step involves selecting a specific feature or process within the interface that they believe will help them reach their goal. Using the train ticket example again, this might mean the user decides to click on the 'Book Tickets' button on a website. This intention shapes how the user will engage with the system further.
Examples & Analogies
Returning to our road trip analogy, after deciding you want to go to the concert, your intention might be to find the closest gas station. Youβve transitioned from having a big picture goal to a specific plan of actionβthis is like realizing, "Iβll just pull into that familiar gas station on the side of the highway to refuel."
Specifying the Action Sequence
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The user breaks down their intention into a sequence of specific physical or digital actions required by the interface. This involves deciding which controls to manipulate and in what order (e.g., "Click on 'Trains', then enter 'Delhi' in the destination field, then click 'Search'"). This step requires knowledge of the system's interface elements and their functions.
Detailed Explanation
This step involves the user mapping out the exact steps they need to take to achieve their previously formed intention. Here, the user identifies what buttons to click, what information to enter, and the order in which to perform these actions. Itβs about having a mental checklist that guides them through the interface, ensuring each action properly aligns with their goal.
Examples & Analogies
Continuing with our road trip example, this step is akin to planning the details of your tripβlike saying, "First, I will drive to the gas station, then Iβll fill up the tank, and finally, I will check my GPS for directions to the concert venue." Youβre breaking your journey down into bite-sized, actionable steps that will lead you successfully to your goal.
Executing the Action
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The user physically performs the determined actions on the interface. This involves motor movements like clicking a mouse, typing on a keyboard, or tapping a touchscreen (e.g., actually typing "Delhi" and clicking the search button).
Detailed Explanation
Here, the user takes the planned actions and executes them. This is the tangible part of the Execution Phase, where intentions become actions. The user engages the interface through various meansβbe it clicks, key presses, or swipes. Successfully executing these actions is crucial, as they directly correlate to whether the user can reach their original goal.
Examples & Analogies
Think of it like finally getting in your car and actually starting the drive. Youβve mapped out each move: you turn the key, shift gears, and hit the gas. Youβre now actively participating in the journey toward your destination instead of just planning it out.
The Gulf of Execution
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Chapter Content
This is the critical chasm between the user's intentions and the actual actions or operations allowed by the system. If the system's interface does not clearly present the available options, if its functionalities are hidden, or if the means of interaction are unclear or poorly mapped, the user will struggle to form the correct intention or to specify and execute the required actions.
Detailed Explanation
The Gulf of Execution represents potential barriers that can prevent users from successfully turning their intentions into actions. If users cannot easily identify what actions they can take or find the necessary controls to do so, they may feel lost or frustrated, which can hinder their overall experience. This highlights the importance of having a clear, user-friendly interface that effectively communicates what users can do.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine if, while driving, you come across a confusing road sign that isnβt clear or doesnβt exist. You might end up taking the wrong exit or getting lost because the route to your destination is unclear. In the same way, the Gulf of Execution can lead to missed opportunities for users to achieve their goals because the interface isnβt presenting options clearly or logically.
Key Concepts
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Execution Phase: The process of transforming user intentions into actions.
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Gulf of Execution: The disparity between a user's intentions and the system's response options.
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Goal: The user's desired outcome they strive to achieve.
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Intention: The user's plan to achieve a goal through defined actions.
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Action Sequence: A structured series of specific tasks to accomplish an intention.
Examples & Applications
Forming a goal to book a holiday flight (objective) and translating it into 'Use the airline's website' (intention).
Specifying an action sequence, such as selecting departure, filling in payment information, and confirming the reservation.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
To reach your goal, you must first decide, what actions to take, your intentions must guide.
Stories
Imagine a traveler needing a ticket. First, they imagine their journey, next, they dig in the app, planning each step until they book to set off for their trip!
Memory Tools
G.I.A.E: Goal β Intention β Action sequence β Execute.
Acronyms
GIAE for Gulf - Goal, Intention, Action Sequence, Execute
ensures clear user tasks.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Execution Phase
The phase in user interaction where intentions are transformed into specific actions on an interface.
- Gulf of Execution
The gap between a user's intentions and the actions available in the system interface.
- Goal
The desired outcome or objective that a user aims to achieve when engaging with a system.
- Intention
The user's plan or strategy to achieve a goal using the capabilities of a system.
- Action Sequence
A defined order of specific actions that the user needs to perform to complete their intention.
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