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In search of a multimodal mobile interface that supports multitasking on the move

With the introduction and rapid rise of mobile computing, the multi tasking phenomenon has impinged mobile environments. Currently, mobile devices enable and induce multitasking on the move by taking tasks into mobile environments and encouraging interaction through prompts. But they are al so inhibitors because they fail to support effective, efficient, and enjoyable multitasking. This failure can be traced back to challenges arising from being mobile and to challenges arising from mobile devices. Mobile device users encounter constantly changing mobile contexts, which results in interruptions and unpredicted incidents, distractions, and fluctuations. These lead to increasingly fragmented interaction s. Moreover, these challenges are not addressed by current mobile technologies, which are plagued by issues of " miniaturisation" of mobile devices and their persisting reliance on Graphic User Interface (GUI) metaphors. This thesis aims to develop novel mobile interfaces that support, rather than inhibit, multitasking behaviour on the move. Indeed, it argues that a new direction is required to support mobile interactions by minimising the demands placed upon the human cognitive system caused by interaction tasks and adapting interactions to the context the user is currently in . To achieve this, two approaches from the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Minimal Attention User Interfaces and context-awareness. A Minimal Attention User Interface (MAUI), taking the form of a multimodal interface, allows for natmal and flexible interaction and reduces the attention taken away from mobility tasks by using complementary modalities rather than disruptive modalities for interaction tasks. To exploit the natural capabilities for human multitasking, cognitive resource theories from the field of Human factors play a central role in the design of such a multimodal interface. The promise of context-aware systems me also harnessed by enabling context-sensitive selection of communication modalities through the recognition of typical mobility tasks.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:664314
Date January 2014
CreatorsKrehl, Claudia
PublisherUniversity of Nottingham
Source SetsEthos UK
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeElectronic Thesis or Dissertation

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