HUMAN COMPUTER INTERACTION UNIT-5

1. Write a detailed note on cognitive models goals and task

hierarchy.

➢ Cognitive Models:
Cognitive models are frameworks used to simulate and understand how users think,
learn, and interact with computer systems.
➢ These models aim to predict user behavior, decision-making processes, and error
patterns.
➢ They are essential for designing interfaces that match the user's mental processes and
expectations.
➢ Cognitive models are based on human psychology and include perception, memory,
learning, reasoning, and problem-solving.
➢ They help designers create systems that are intuitive, reduce cognitive load, and
improve usability.

Goals in Cognitive Models:

Goals represent what the user wants to accomplish. In cognitive models, goals are
considered the driving force behind user actions.
• Goals can be high-level (e.g., "book a flight") or low-level (e.g., "click a button").
• A user forms goals based on needs and intentions.
• Once a goal is set, the user develops a plan or sequence of actions to achieve it.
Understanding user goals helps interface designers to streamline workflows, minimize
unnecessary steps, and align system behavior with user expectations.

Task Hierarchy:
Task hierarchy refers to the structured breakdown of a user’s goal into subtasks and
individual actions.
• A hierarchical task model represents how complex activities are decomposed into
simpler tasks.
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• For example:
Goal: Order food online
→ Subgoal: Open food delivery app
→ Subgoal: Select restaurant
→ Subgoal: Choose items
→ Subgoal: Add to cart
→ Subgoal: Make payment
Each subgoal is further broken down into operations (like clicking, typing, selecting), and
together they form the complete user task.
This hierarchy helps in understanding:
• The sequence in which actions are taken
• The dependencies between actions
• The complexity and time estimation for user tasks
Task hierarchies also assist in identifying bottlenecks, simplifying workflows, and
improving the overall efficiency of system interaction.

2. Explain Interacting Cognitive Subsystems model.

The Interacting Cognitive Subsystems (ICS) model explains how the human mind
processes information through a set of multiple subsystems. These subsystems pass
information from one to another and copy it in the process. Each subsystem has its own
memory and works with specific types of coded information such as verbal, visual, or
auditory.
Structure of ICS:
ICS is composed of nine interconnected subsystems. Five of these are peripheral,
interacting with the external physical world, while four are central, responsible for
internal mental processing. All subsystems share a common structure:
• They have typed inputs and outputs
• They store information in a memory unit
• They include transformation functions that process input and generate output
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• They have permanently stored processing rules

Function of Subsystems:
Each subsystem is specialized for a particular type of processing. For example, some
handle sensory inputs like sight or sound, while others deal with abstract thought and
reasoning. The systems work together to integrate information and support human
cognition.
Example of a Central Subsystem:
One central subsystem processes propositional information, which includes the
identities, attributes, and relationships of entities. This allows a person to form
structured thoughts and make sense of complex information.

3. Explain in detail the applications of Augmented reality

information and data visualization.

Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that enhances the real world by overlaying
digital elements such as images, videos, or data visualizations onto physical
environments. It transforms how users see and interact with information, making it
more immersive, engaging, and easier to comprehend.

1. Education and Learning

AR helps in visualizing complex concepts in subjects like biology, chemistry, and
geography. Students can interact with 3D models and simulations, improving
understanding and retention.

2. Business and Analytics

Data dashboards can be converted into 3D visual spaces, allowing managers to walk
through sales graphs, profit charts, and performance metrics interactively. This supports
better strategic decisions.

3. Healthcare and Medical Visualization

Doctors and surgeons use AR to overlay patient data like CT scans or X-rays directly on
the patient’s body. It helps with diagnostics, surgery planning, and real-time monitoring
during procedures.
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4. Engineering and Product Design

Engineers use AR to visualize heat maps, stress points, and component arrangements on
3D prototypes. This supports quick iterations and better design accuracy.

5. Scientific Research
Scientists can use AR to view molecular structures, geological data, or astronomical
maps in an interactive 3D space, helping with analysis and collaboration.

6. Urban Planning and Architecture

AR overlays proposed building designs, traffic flows, or environmental data on actual
cityscapes. Planners can simulate changes and predict real-world impact.

7. Manufacturing and Industrial Monitoring

Factory workers use AR glasses to see machine data in real time. Maintenance alerts,
performance stats, and instructions appear over the equipment, improving efficiency
and reducing downtime.

8. Military and Defense

AR helps visualize maps, troop locations, or drone feeds during operations. It improves
decision-making and real-time situational awareness.

9. Retail and Consumer Behavior

Store managers use AR to analyze customer movements and visualize foot traffic. It
helps in optimizing product placement and improving store layouts.

10. Journalism and Infographics

News articles and magazines use AR to turn static charts or stories into interactive visual
experiences, making the information more engaging and easier to understand.

4. Explain in detail about hierarchal models, linguistic models and

keystroke level model.
Hierarchical Models

• These models break down complex tasks into subtasks, forming a tree-like structure.
• They help analyze how users achieve goals step-by-step.
• Useful for task analysis, interface design, and identifying unnecessary steps.
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Example:
Task: Sending an Email
• Goal: Send an email
- Subtask 1: Open email app
- Subtask 2: Click “Compose”
- Subtask 3: Type recipient, subject, and message
- Subtask 4: Click “Send”
Popular type: GOMS Model (Goals, Operators, Methods, Selection rules)

2. Linguistic Models
• These treat user interactions as a kind of language, with syntax and structure.
• Commands are interpreted like sentences, helping to make system communication
consistent.
• Focuses on the grammar of user inputs and how they are understood by the system.
Example:
In a command-line interface:
Copy file.txt D:\Backup
• "Copy" = Verb (action)
• "file.txt" = Object (target)
• "D:\Backup" = Parameter (location)
Helps in: Designing consistent command structures and reducing ambiguity.

3. Keystroke-Level Model (KLM)

• Predicts the time it takes for an expert user to complete a task.
• Breaks tasks into basic actions, each with a standard time estimate.
• Helps designers compare layouts or workflows based on speed.
Basic actions include:
• K = Keystroke (e.g., pressing a key)
• P = Pointing (e.g., moving the mouse)
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• H = Homing (switching hand from keyboard to mouse)

• M = Mental preparation (thinking before action)
• R = Response time (system delay)
Example:
Task: Bold text in a document
• M (think)
• P (move mouse to highlight)
• K (press Ctrl+B)
• Total time = M + P + K
Used for: Interface efficiency testing, predicting expert performance, refining UI design.

5. Explain the advantages and limitations of above models.

Hierarchical Model
Advantages:
1. Breaks tasks into simple, understandable steps.
2. Supports logical and structured interface design.
3. Makes it easier to track user goals and progress.
4. Helps identify redundant or unnecessary actions.
5. Useful for task analysis and system documentation.
Limitations:
1. Ignores timing and performance aspects.
2. Assumes all users follow the same sequence.
3. Doesn't handle unexpected user behavior.
4. Can become complex for dynamic tasks.
5. Not suitable for modeling concurrent activities.

Linguistic Model
Advantages:
1. Promotes consistent and predictable command syntax.
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2. Mimics natural language for easier learning.

3. Helps reduce user confusion and command errors.
4. Aids in designing effective command-line interfaces.
5. Provides a clear structure for user input processing.
Limitations:
1. Not suitable for visual or touch-based interfaces.
2. Relies heavily on user familiarity with syntax.
3. Can become complex with increased functionality.
4. Less effective for novice users.
5. Limited in handling non-linear or graphical input.

Keystroke-Level Model (KLM)

Advantages:
1. Accurately predicts task time for expert users.
2. Helps compare interface designs based on efficiency.
3. Simple to apply using standard time values.
4. Useful in evaluating low-level interaction tasks.
5. Supports performance-focused UI refinement.
Limitations:
1. Ignores user learning and error behavior.
2. Assumes ideal conditions and no interruptions.
3. Not suitable for novice or casual users.
4. Cannot model cognitive complexity or strategy shifts.
5. Doesn’t account for emotional or contextual factors.
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6. Compare KLM WITH GOMS.

GOMS (Goals, Operators, Methods,

Feature KLM (Keystroke-Level Model)
Selection Rules)

Predicts task execution time for Models user behavior and cognitive
Purpose
expert users processes

Low-level physical actions like High-level cognitive goals and decision-

Focus
keystrokes, mouse moves making

Can model both novice and expert

User Type Assumes expert users with no errors
users

Very fine-grained, focuses on specific Hierarchical, focuses on tasks and

Granularity
physical actions subtasks

K, P, H, M, R actions (Keystroke, Goals, Operators, Methods, Selection

Components
Pointing, Homing, Mental, etc.) Rules

Does not account for errors or Can be extended to model user errors
Error Handling
incorrect actions and choices

Ignores learning — assumes full Accounts for learning through methods

Learning Curve
expertise and goal strategies

Measuring performance time; Understanding task structure; designing

Use Case
comparing interface speed and evaluating interfaces

Cognitive Minimal — focuses on motor-level Includes cognitive reasoning and

Modeling actions decision-making

Complete task analysis with action

Output Estimated task completion time
strategies
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