Tutorial #21

Cognitive Factors in Design: Basic Phenomena in Human Memory and Problem Solving

Thomas T. Hewett, Drexel University

Monday, April 15, full-day

Benefits

You will learn the theoretical underpinnings of how people remember and how they solve problems. You will also learn how to apply that knowledge to user interface design.

Origins

This was the top-rated tutorial at CHI '95.

Features

clustering and organization in recall
characteristics of short-term memory
how information is transferred from short-term to long-term memory
characteristics of long-term memory
basic processes and phenomena in human problem-solving
rules of thumb for effective problem-solving
how memory and problem-solving affect computer use
memory and problem-solving issues in HCI design

Audience

Anyone who is interested in human-computer interaction and interactive system design, and who has not done coursework in cognitive psychology.

Presentation

Lecture, demonstration, and hands-on exercises.

Instructors

Tom Hewett is Professor of Psychology at Drexel University, where he teaches courses on Cognitive Psychology, Problem Solving and Creativity, Psychology of Human-Computer Interaction, and Psychology of User Interface Design. Some of Tom's recent research has focused on the structure and implications of a new taxonomy for thinking about instructional computing. Tom chaired the SIGCHI Curriculum Development Group which developed recommendations for undergraduate curricula and courses for HCI. He served for four years as Vice Chair for Operations of SIGCHI and was one of the general co-chairs for the CHI '94 conference.

chi96-webmaster@acm.org / 96-01-02