HCI Design Knowledge as Models and Methods

Summary

The chapter introduces models and methods as HCI design knowledge. The latter are exemplified in the form of “best-practice” in supporting design, either directly or indirectly, but in both cases explicitly. Some examples are taken from the two case studies of HCI-EDP acquisition, summarised in Chapter 9 and reported in full in the companion volume (Long et al., 2022, in press). Other examples are presented in contrast. All examples, as best-practice, could be used to acquire future HCI-EDPs. Also presented is a critique of HCI design knowledge, its current state and the associated challenge. Models and methods constitute one form of HCI design knowledge. They are acquired and validated explicitly by case studies solving the general HCI problem of design. The latter having the particular scope of humans interacting with computers to do something as desired. Both general question and particular scope are viewed from a discipline perspective. The introduction, as one type of HCI design knowledge, is preceded in the previous chapter on craft artefacts and design practice experience and followed in the subsequent chapter by principles, rules and heuristics, as other types of HCI design knowledge.