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Introduction to the Model Human Processor (MHP)
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Today, we are going to explore the Model Human Processor, or MHP. It helps us understand human information processing in a structured way. Can anyone tell me what they think a 'model' is in this context?
I think a model is a simplified representation of something complex.
Exactly! MHP simplifies how we view human cognition, similar to how we might view a computer. The MHP includes specific processors for perceptual, cognitive, and motor functions. Let's break it down. What do you think a perceptual processor does?
Isn't that the part that takes in and processes sensory information?
Correct! It converts sensory input into a format we can use. Remember the acronym P-C-M for Perceptual, Cognitive, and Motor processors. What do you remember about the cognitive processor?
It's responsible for decision-making and planning, I think.
Right again! Now, the motor processor takes those decisions and converts them into actions. Itβs important to consider how these interact when we design interfaces. To sum it up, MHP helps us create systems that align with human capabilities and limits.
The Perceptual Processor
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Now, let's delve into the Perceptual Processor. This processor converts sensory stimuli into meaningful representations. Why do you think understanding this is crucial for interface design?
It helps ensure that users can perceive the information quickly?
Precisely! If visual or auditory cues are slow, users might miss important info. What cycle time do we associate with the perceptual processor?
Approximately 100 milliseconds?
That's right! If interactions fall below this range, feedback feels choppy. How might we apply this knowledge in a design?
We could use rapid animations and ensure feedback is immediate.
Exactly! Immediate visual feedback can greatly enhance user experience. Always consider perceptual limits when designing.
The Cognitive Processor
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Letβs turn our focus to the Cognitive Processor, central to information processing. What does this processor do?
It handles decision-making and problem solving!
Exactly! It retrieves information from long-term memory to execute decisions. What is the cycle time we have for the cognitive processor?
It's about 70 milliseconds.
Correct! Recognizing this helps us design to minimize cognitive load. What strategies might we use?
Maybe we could simplify options and use familiar terms?
Great suggestions! Simplifying choices can diminish decision time and reduce cognitive load, improving usability.
Does this mean we must present information clearly and avoid overwhelming users?
Absolutely! Clarity and minimizing information overload lead to better interactions.
The Motor Processor
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Now, letβs discuss the Motor Processor. What role do you think this processor plays in HCI?
It converts decisions from the cognitive processor into physical actions!
Yes! And it has a cycle time similar to the cognitive processor, around 70 milliseconds. How does this relate to interface design?
We should minimize complex movements for the user?
Exactly! Reducing unnecessary motor actions enhances efficiency. Can anyone think of a practical design that would fulfill this?
Using keyboard shortcuts for frequent actions reduces the need for clicking all the time.
Precisely! Shortcuts can speed up interactions significantly by minimizing movement, improving overall usability.
Integrating MHP in Design Practices
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In our final session, letβs summarize how we can integrate the MHP model in our designs. What important aspects should we consider?
We need to align the interface with how users naturally process information.
Right on point! How can we ensure this?
By using quick feedback and offering clear, easy-to-follow pathways.
Absolutely! Also, think about designing for natural workflows with minimal cognitive and motor impediments.
So, what we learned from the MHP model can guide better interaction designs?
Yes! MHP grounds our designs in human capabilities, ultimately leading to more intuitive and efficient user experiences. Remember to always consider input cycles and design for clarity and usability.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
The lecture explores the Model Human Processor (MHP) as a model that conceptualizes human cognition in a manner analogous to computer processing. By detailing its architecture and the interactions of perceptual, cognitive, and motor processors, it emphasizes the implications for effective interface design, promoting usability by considering human limitations.
Detailed
The Model Human Processor (MHP) is a foundational model devised by Card, Moran, and Newell, which describes human cognitive processing using a computer analogy. It comprises three interacting processors: the Perceptual Processor, which converts sensory input into internal representations; the Cognitive Processor, which handles decision-making and planning; and the Motor Processor, responsible for executing physical actions. Each processor has specific functions, memory types, and cycle times, leading to implications for interface design in terms of responsiveness, cognitive load, and learnability. Understanding MHP is critical for optimizing human-computer interactions by ensuring that systems align with how humans function and process information.
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Utility and Significance of MHP in HCI
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Foundational Framework for Understanding Human Processing:
MHP provides a simple yet powerful model for human information processing, serving as a common language for discussing human capabilities and limitations.
Underpinning for Other Models:
MHP serves as the theoretical bedrock for more granular predictive models like GOMS and KLM.
Explaining Usability Phenomena:
System Responsiveness:
MHP explains why rapid system responses are critical.
Cognitive Load:
Empirical data about working memory capacity informs how designers should minimize cognitive overload.
Mental Model Formation:
MHP implies that users build internal mental models of how a system works.
Learnability and Memorability:
Understanding how information is stored aids in creating memorable designs.
Detailed Explanation
The Model Human Processor (MHP) is crucial in HCI because it provides insights into human information processing, guiding designers to create systems that align with human capabilities. By understanding how information flows through the perceptual, cognitive, and motor processors, designers can ensure that their applications respond quickly and intuitively to user inputs.
MHP also serves as a foundation for more specific models, like GOMS and KLM, allowing a more profound understanding of how users interact with systems. Ultimately, MHP helps tackle key usability issues related to cognitive load, system responsiveness, and improving user experience by focusing on the limits of human processing.
Examples & Analogies
Jamie is learning to use a complicated new software program. If the software responds slowly, Jamie, like anyone, starts to lose patience (System Responsiveness). If the interface is cluttered and presents too many choices at once, Jamie struggles to remember how to use it (Cognitive Load). However, with a clean design that frequently saves actions (like autosave), Jamie finds it easier to learn and remember how to use the software effectively. Here, MHP illustrates why itβs essential for software to respect human processing capabilities.
Definitions & Key Concepts
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Key Concepts
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User-Processor Model: The analogy of the human cognitive system as a processor model.
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Interaction Processes: Understanding the sequential and parallel processing of perceptual, cognitive, and motor tasks.
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Effective Interface Design: Utilizing the principles of MHP to guide the development of user-centered interfaces.
Examples & Real-Life Applications
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Examples
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The responsive design of a website that uses quick animations to catch user attention from the perceptual processor's perspective.
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Keyboard shortcuts in software applications enhance productivity by minimizing motor processor actions.
Memory Aids
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π΅ Rhymes Time
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In a processing race, P-C-M is the face, Perception leads the start, Cognition does its part, Then Motor plays a race for the winning place.
π Fascinating Stories
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Imagine a complex task where you see a button (perceptual), you think about what to do (cognitive), and then you click it (motor). Each step flows like a river, guiding your interactions.
π§ Other Memory Gems
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Remember 'P-C-M' for Perception, Cognition, and Motion to recall the three processors.
π― Super Acronyms
P-M-C
- Perception
- Memory
- Cognition to remember the actions of the MHP.
Flash Cards
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Glossary of Terms
Review the Definitions for terms.
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Term: Model Human Processor (MHP)
Definition:
A model that describes human cognition and processing capabilities in terms of perceptual, cognitive, and motor functions.
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Term: Perceptual Processor
Definition:
The processor responsible for interpreting sensory inputs and translating them into meaningful representations.
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Term: Cognitive Processor
Definition:
The processor that handles decision-making, problem-solving, and higher-level thinking.
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Term: Motor Processor
Definition:
The processor that executes physical actions based on cognitive commands.
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Term: Cycle Time
Definition:
The time it takes for a processor to complete one basic operation or action.
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Term: Working Memory
Definition:
The active, limited-capacity memory responsible for holding information currently being processed.