Other options for viewing
Harold Thimbleby’s publications include:
Favourite publications
27
H. Thimbleby, “Critical Systems,” Wiley Handbook of Human-Computer Interaction, edited by K. Norman, John Wiley & Sons, in press.
Bibtex@inbook{HT54,
title = {Critical Systems},
author = {Harold Thimbleby},
year = {in press},
booktitle = {Wiley Handbook of Human-Computer Interaction},
editor = {Kent L. Norman},
publisher = {John Wiley {\&} Sons},
enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
26
H. Thimbleby, “Improving Safety in Medical Devices and Systems,” Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Healthcare Informatics 2013 (ICHI 2013), Keynote, pp.1–13, Philadelphia, USA, DOI: 10.1109/ICHI.2013.91, 2013.
AbstractWe need to improve healthcare technologies — electronic patient records, medical devices — by reducing use error and, in particular, unnoticed errors, since unnoticed errors cannot be managed by clinicians to reduce patient harm. Every system we have examined has multiple opportunities for safer design, suggesting a safety scoring system.
Making safety scores visible will enable all stakeholders (regulators, procurers, clinicians, incident investigators, journalists, and of course patients) to be more informed, and hence put pressure on manufacturers to improve design safety. In the longer run, safety scores will need to evolve, both to accommodate manufacturers improving device safety and to accommodate insights from further research in design-induced error. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{ichi-keynote,
title = {Improving Safety in Medical Devices and Systems},
author = {Harold Thimbleby},
year = {2013},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the {IEEE} International Conference on Healthcare Informatics 2013 ({ICHI} 2013)},
aftertitle = {Keynote},
pages = {1--13},
doi = {10.1109/ICHI.2013.91},
location = {Philadelphia, USA},
enclosingSection = {Invited publications: not refereed}
}
25
H. Thimbleby, “Action Graphs and User Performance Analysis,” International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 71(3), pp.276–302, DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhcs.2012.10.014, 2013.
Website AbstractA user operating an interactive system performs actions such as “pressing a button” and these actions cause state transitions in the system. However to perform an action, a user has to do what amounts to a state transition themselves, from the state of having completed the previous action to the state of starting to perform the next action; this user transition is out of step with the system’s transition. This paper introduces action graphs, an elegant way of making user transitions explicit in the arcs of a graph derived from the system specification. Essentially, a conventional transition system has arcs labeled in the form “user performs action A” whereas an action graph has arcs labelled in the form “having performed action P, the user performs Q.” Action graphs support many modelling techniques (such as GOMS, KLM or shortest paths) that could have been applied to the user’s actions or to the system graph, but because it combines both, the modelling techniques can be used more powerfully.
Action graphs can be used to directly apply user performance metrics and hence perform formal evaluations of interactive systems. The Fitts Law is one of the simplest and most robust of such user modelling techniques, and is used as an illustration of the value of action graphs in this paper. Action graphs can help analyze particular tasks, any sample of tasks, or all possible tasks a device supports — which would be impractical for empirical evaluations. This is an important result for analyzing safety critical interactive systems, where it is important to cover all possible tasks in testing even when doing so is not feasible using human participants because of the complexity of the system.
An algorithm is presented for the construction of action graphs. Action graphs are then used to study devices (a consumer device, a digital multimeter, an infusion pump) and results suggest that: optimal time is correlated with keystroke count, and that keyboard layout has little impact on optimal times. Many other applications of action graphs are suggested. PDF Bibtex@article{HT11,
title = {Action Graphs and User Performance Analysis},
author = {Harold Thimbleby},
year = {2013},
pages = {276--302},
journal = {International Journal of Human-Computer Studies},
url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1071581912001668},
volume = {71},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijhcs.2012.10.014},
number = {3},
enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
24
H. Thimbleby, “Saving Lives by Design,” YouTube, 2011.
Website Video AbstractA short film clip about medical device design, about the problems and opportunities to improve design. Bibtex@article{saferdesignyt,
title = {Saving Lives by Design},
author = {Harold Thimbleby},
year = {2011},
journal = {YouTube},
url = {http://harold.thimbleby.net/saferdesign},
video = {http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LiGsPR34w8},
enclosingSection = {Other publications}
}
23
H. Thimbleby, “Interactive Numbers — A Grand Challenge,” Proceedings of IHCI 2011: IADIS International Conference Interfaces and Human Computer Interaction 2011, Keynote, pp.xxviii–xxxv, edited by K. Blashki, Rome, Italy, International Association for the Development of the Information Society, ISBN 978-972-8939-52-6, 2011.
AbstractNumbers are used everywhere, but today numbers are mostly created and used interactively; they are not just passive written objects. People interact with numbers in almost every area of life. However, different styles of interactive number have different design trade-offs, particularly when human error is considered. To date, human error in interactive numbers has hardly been explored, resulting in most computer support for interactive numbers (from calculators to medical devices) being mediocre. Interactive number systems should be usable (effective, efficient, etc), free of idiosyncrasies and be demonstrably free from unacceptable levels of risk, particularly in environments where there are several different interactive number entry systems. We argue that defining “good” interactive number systems is indeed a serious challenge, but that substantial progress is being and can continue to be made, perhaps eventually resulting in an international standard for interactive numbers with solid empirical evidence of its value. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{grand-challenge,
title = {Interactive Numbers --- {A} Grand Challenge},
author = {Harold Thimbleby},
year = {2011},
booktitle = {Proceedings of {IHCI} 2011: {IADIS} International Conference Interfaces and Human Computer Interaction 2011},
aftertitle = {Keynote},
pages = {xxviii--xxxv},
isbn = {978-972-8939-52-6},
editor = {K. Blashki},
publisher = {International Association for the Development of the Information Society},
location = {Rome, Italy},
enclosingSection = {Invited publications: not refereed}
}
22
H. Thimbleby, “Technology to Reduce Human Error in Healthcare,” Big ideas for the future, p.33, Research Councils UK (RCUK), 2011.
Website Bibtex@inbook{HT300,
title = {Technology to Reduce Human Error in Healthcare},
author = {Harold Thimbleby},
year = {2011},
booktitle = {Big ideas for the future},
pages = {33},
url = {http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/Publications/reports/Pages/BigIdeas.aspx},
publisher = {Research Councils UK (RCUK)},
enclosingSection = {Other publications}
}
21
H. Thimbleby, “Is IT a Dangerous Prescription?” BCS Interfaces, 84, pp.5–10, 2010.
PDF Bibtex@article{IT-dangerous,
title = {Is {IT} a Dangerous Prescription?},
author = {Harold Thimbleby},
year = {2010},
pages = {5--10},
journal = {BCS Interfaces},
volume = {84},
enclosingSection = {Invited publications: not refereed}
}
20
H. Thimbleby, Press On — Principles of Interaction Programming, Paperback edition, MIT Press, ISBN 978–0–262–51423–1, 2010.
Website Bibtex@book{HT294,
title = {Press On --- Principles of Interaction Programming},
author = {Harold Thimbleby},
year = {2010},
isbn = {978--0--262--51423--1},
url = {http://mitpress.com/presson},
highlight = {Paperback edition},
publisher = {MIT Press},
enclosingSection = {Other publications}
}
19
P. Cairns and H. Thimbleby, “Reducing Number Entry Errors: Solving a Widespread, Serious Problem,” Journal Royal Society Interface, 7(51), pp.1429–1439, DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2010.0112, 2010.
Website AbstractNumber entry is ubiquitous: it is required in many fields including science, healthcare, education, government, mathematics and finance. People entering numbers are to be expected to make errors, but shockingly few systems make any effort to detect, block or otherwise manage errors. Worse, errors may be ignored but processed in arbitrary ways, with unintended results.
A standard class of error (defined in the paper) is an “out by ten error,” which is easily made by miskeying a decimal point or a zero. In safety-critical domains, such as drug delivery, out by ten errors generally have adverse consequences.
Here we expose the extent of the problem of numeric errors in a very wide range of systems. An analysis of better error management is presented: under reasonable assumptions we show that the probability of out by ten errors can be halved by better user interface design. We provide a demonstration user interface to show that the approach is practical. PDF Bibtex@article{numbererrors,
title = {Reducing Number Entry Errors: Solving a Widespread, Serious Problem},
author = {Harold Thimbleby and Paul Cairns},
year = {2010},
pages = {1429--1439},
journal = {Journal Royal Society Interface},
url = {http://harold.thimbleby.net/interface/},
volume = {7},
doi = {10.1098/rsif.2010.0112},
number = {51},
enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
18
A. Gimblett and H. Thimbleby, “User Interface Model Discovery: Towards a Generic Approach,” Proceedings ACM SIGCHI Symposium on Engineering Interactive Computing Systems — EICS 2010, Best Paper Award, pp.145–154, edited by G. Doherty, M. Harrison and J. Nichols, Berlin, ACM, DOI: 10.1145/1822018.1822041, 2010.
AbstractUI model discovery is a lightweight formal method in which a model of an interactive system is automatically discovered by exploring the system’s state space, simulating the actions of a user; such models are then amenable to automatic analysis targeting structural usability concerns. This paper specifies UI model discovery in some detail, providing a formal, generic and language-neutral API and discovery algorithm. The technique has been implemented in prototype systems on several programming platforms, yielding valuable usability insights. The API described here supports further development of these ideas in a systematic manner. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{discovery-eics,
title = {User Interface Model Discovery: Towards a Generic Approach},
author = {Harold Thimbleby and Andy Gimblett},
year = {2010},
booktitle = {Proceedings ACM SIGCHI Symposium on Engineering Interactive Computing Systems --- EICS 2010},
pages = {145--154},
highlight = {Best Paper Award},
doi = {10.1145/1822018.1822041},
editor = {G. Doherty and J. Nichols and Michael D. Harrison},
location = {Berlin},
publisher = {ACM},
enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
17
H. Thimbleby, “Ignorance of Interaction Programming is Killing People,” ACM Interactions, pp.52–57, DOI: 10.1145/1390085.1390098, September+October, 2008.
Website PDF Bibtex@article{interaction-programming-killing,
title = {Ignorance of Interaction Programming is Killing People},
author = {Harold Thimbleby},
year = {September+October, 2008},
pages = {52--57},
journal = {ACM Interactions},
url = {http://harold.thimbleby.net/health},
doi = {10.1145/1390085.1390098},
enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
16
P. Cairns and H. Thimbleby, “Affordance and Symmetry in User Interfaces,” Computer Journal, 51(6), pp.650–661, DOI: 10.1093/comjnl/bxm102, 2008.
AbstractAffordance is a widely-used term in human-computer interaction that, while familiar and attractive, does not have a clear operational definition. Using the mathematical concept of symmetry, this paper shows it is possible to begin developing an operational definition for significant aspects of affordance by forming the theoretical concept of symmetry-affordance. The proposed definition restricts symmetry-affordance to particular contexts but in doing so makes it more useful, as it is clear how to exploit symmetry to aid design. The definition is in standard mathematics (in fact, group theory and model theory) and requires little additional structure. In examining symmetry-affordance, it becomes clear that some other HCI notions can be similarly interpreted by symmetry. The paper provides examples and design insights.
“Symmetry, as wide or as narrow as you may define its meaning, is one idea by which man through the ages has tried to comprehend and create order, beauty, and perfection.” Hermann Weyl PDF Bibtex@article{affordance-cj,
title = {Affordance and Symmetry in User Interfaces},
author = {Harold Thimbleby and Paul Cairns},
year = {2008},
pages = {650--661},
journal = {Computer Journal},
volume = {51},
doi = {10.1093/comjnl/bxm102},
number = {6},
enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
15
H. Thimbleby, “Teaching HCI to Make It Come Alive,” Keynote, Magazine of Interaction Design and Architecture(s), (3 & 4), pp.9–16, edited by C. Giovannella, P. Kotze and W. Wong, 2008.
AbstractWe review how to teach effectively in higher education (covering both the literature and the author’s own opinions), with particular reference to HCI and using real life-and-death examples, based on simple medical design issues. Students are motivated because even elementary HCI knowledge empowers them to make a real and significant difference in the world. PDF Bibtex@article{teach-hci,
title = {Teaching {HCI} to Make It Come Alive},
author = {Harold Thimbleby},
year = {2008},
aftertitle = {Keynote},
pages = {9--16},
journal = {Magazine of Interaction Design and Architecture(s)},
editor = {C. Giovannella and P. Kotze and W. Wong},
issn = {1826-9745},
number = {3 {\&} 4},
enclosingSection = {Invited publications: not refereed}
}
14
H. Thimbleby, “Write Now!” Research Methods for Human-Computer Interaction, pp.196–211, edited by P. Cairns and A. Cox, Cambridge University Press, 2008.
PDF Bibtex@inbook{HT57,
title = {Write Now!},
author = {Harold Thimbleby},
year = {2008},
booktitle = {Research Methods for Human-Computer Interaction},
pages = {196--211},
editor = {Paul Cairns and Anna Cox},
publisher = {Cambridge University Press},
enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
13
H. Thimbleby, “Problems with a Syringe Pump,” YouTube, 2008.
Video AbstractSyringe pumps automate giving drugs to patients. This digital story shows a problem with time outs. Bibtex@article{grasebyyt,
title = {Problems with a Syringe Pump},
author = {Harold Thimbleby},
year = {2008},
journal = {YouTube},
video = {http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brNbDWnHDVs&feature=player_embedded},
enclosingSection = {Other publications}
}
12
H. Thimbleby, “User-centered Methods are Insufficient for Safety Critical Systems,” USAB’07 — Usability & HCI for Medicine and Health Care, Keynote, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 4799, pp.1–20, edited by A. Holzinger, Graz, Austria, Springer Verlag, 2007.
PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT165,
title = {User-centered Methods are Insufficient for Safety Critical Systems},
author = {Harold Thimbleby},
year = {2007},
booktitle = {{USAB'07} --- Usability {\&} {HCI} for Medicine and Health Care},
aftertitle = {Keynote},
pages = {1--20},
volume = {4799},
series = {Lecture Notes in Computer Science},
editor = {Andreas Holzinger},
publisher = {Springer Verlag},
location = {Graz, Austria},
enclosingSection = {Invited publications: not refereed}
}
11
H. Thimbleby, “Interaction Walkthrough: Evaluation of Safety Critical Interactive Systems,” Proceedings The XIII International Workshop on Design, Specification and Verification of Interactive Systems — DSVIS 2006, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 4323, pp.52–66, edited by A. Blandford and G. Doherty, Dublin, Ireland, Springer Verlag, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-540-69554-7_5, 2007.
AbstractUsability evaluation methods are a battery of techniques for assessing the usability of interactive systems or of proposed interactive systems. This paper describes a new evaluation method, particularly appropriate for evaluating safety critical and high quality user interfaces. The method can also be used for informing HCI research. The method is applied when a specification is available of an interactive system, or when a system (or prototype) is working. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{walkthrough-dsvis,
title = {Interaction Walkthrough: Evaluation of Safety Critical Interactive Systems},
author = {Harold Thimbleby},
year = {2007},
booktitle = {Proceedings The {XIII} International Workshop on Design, Specification and Verification of Interactive Systems --- {DSVIS} 2006},
pages = {52--66},
volume = {4323},
doi = {10.1007/978-3-540-69554-7_5},
series = {Lecture Notes in Computer Science},
publisher = {Springer Verlag},
editor = {G. Doherty and Ann Blandford},
location = {Dublin, Ireland},
enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
10
H. Thimbleby, Press On — Principles of Interaction Programming, Choice Outstanding Academic Title, 2008. Winner, Computer and Information Sciences category, 2007 Professional/Scholarly Publishing Awards for Excellence Competition presented by the Association of American Publishers, Inc., MIT Press, ISBN 978–0–262–20170–4, 2007.
Website Bibtex@book{presson,
title = {Press On --- Principles of Interaction Programming},
author = {Harold Thimbleby},
year = {2007},
isbn = {978--0--262--20170--4},
url = {http://mitpress.com/presson},
highlight = {Choice Outstanding Academic Title, 2008. Winner, Computer and Information Sciences category, 2007 Professional/Scholarly Publishing Awards for Excellence Competition presented by the Association of American Publishers, Inc.},
publisher = {MIT Press},
enclosingSection = {Other publications}
}
9
H. Thimbleby and W. Thimbleby, “A Novel Gesture-Based Calculator and Its Design Principles,” Proceedings 19th. British Computer Society HCI Conference, 2, pp.27–32, edited by O. Bertelsen, N. Bryan-Kinns and L. MacKinnon, Edinburgh, Scotland, British Computer Society, 2005.
Website PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{will-bcs,
title = {A Novel Gesture-Based Calculator and Its Design Principles},
author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Will Thimbleby}}},
year = {2005},
booktitle = {Proceedings 19th. British Computer Society {HCI} Conference},
pages = {27--32},
url = {http://harold.thimbleby.net/calculators/index.html},
volume = {2},
editor = {L. MacKinnon and O. Bertelsen and N. Bryan-Kinns},
publisher = {British Computer Society},
location = {Edinburgh, Scotland},
enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
8
H. Thimbleby, “User Interface Design with Matrix Algebra,” ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction, 11(2), pp.181–236, DOI: 10.1145/1005361.1005364, 2004.
Website AbstractIt is usually very hard, both for designers and users, to reason reliably about user interfaces. This paper shows that ‘push button’ and ‘point and click’ user interfaces are algebraic structures. Users effectively do matrix algebra when they interact, and therefore we can be precise about some important issues of usability. Matrices, in particular, are useful for explicit calculation and for proof of various user interface properties.
With matrix algebra, we are able to undertake with ease unusally thorough reviews of real user interfaces: this paper examines a mobile phone, a handheld calculator and a digital multimeter as case studies. All difficulties in applying the approach correspond to awkward or avoidable complexities in the user interfaces being modelled: using matrix algebra in design therefore encourages designers to avoid such user interface complexities. PDF, PS Bibtex@article{matrix-tochi,
title = {User Interface Design with Matrix Algebra},
author = {Harold Thimbleby},
year = {2004},
pages = {181--236},
journal = {ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction},
url = {http://harold.thimbleby.net/matrixweb/index.html},
volume = {11},
doi = {10.1145/1005361.1005364},
number = {2},
enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
7
H. Thimbleby, “Explaining Code for Publication,” Software — Practice & Experience, 33(10), pp.975–1001, DOI: 10.1002/spe.537, 2003.
Website AbstractEnsuring integrity between code and published papers so that algorithms can be written about reliably, whether for explaining them in scientific papers or books, requires automatic tool support. A versatile, light-weight approach that is easy to use is described.
(A Java implementation is available that works with Java, C and similar languages, and provides support for explanations in LaTEX, XML, HTML, etc.) PDF, PS Bibtex@article{warp-spae,
title = {Explaining Code for Publication},
author = {Harold Thimbleby},
year = {2003},
pages = {975--1001},
journal = {Software --- Practice {\&} Experience},
url = {http://harold.thimbleby.net/warp/index.html},
volume = {33},
doi = {10.1002/spe.537},
number = {10},
enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
6
P. Cairns, M. Jones and H. Thimbleby, “Usability Analysis with Markov Models,” ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction, 8(2), pp.99–132, DOI: 10.1145/376929.376941, 2001.
Website AbstractHow hard do users find interactive devices to use to achieve their goals, and how can we get this information early enough to influence design?
We show that Markov modelling can obtain suitable measures, and we provide formulas that can be used for a large class of systems. We analyse and consider alternative designs for various examples. We introduce a “usability/knowledge graph,” and we show that a device that is “obviously” easy to use probably isn’t.
Markov models can be evaluated in suitable mathematical packages; Mathematica (one such package) can very conveniently simulate the device being evaluated: mathematical and empirical analysis may be combined. One would hope that in the future, design tools would include such mathematical analysis, and no new design skills would be required to evaluate devices. (This paper provides complete code in an Appendix.) PDF, PS Bibtex@article{markov-tochi,
title = {Usability Analysis with Markov Models},
author = {Harold Thimbleby and Paul Cairns and M. Jones},
year = {2001},
pages = {99--132},
journal = {ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction},
url = {http://harold.thimbleby.net/Markov/index.html},
volume = {8},
doi = {10.1145/376929.376941},
number = {2},
enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
5
H. Thimbleby, “Calculators are Needlessly Bad,” International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 52(6), pp.1031–1069, DOI: 10.1006/ijhc.1999.0341, 2000.
Website AbstractIn the two decades hand-held calculators have been readily available there has been ample time to develop a usable design and to educate the consumer public into choosing quality devices. This article reviews a representative calculator that is ‘state of the art’ and shows it has an execrable design. The design is shown to be confusing and essentially non-mathematical. Substantial evidence is presented that illustrates the inadequate documentation, bad implementation, feature interaction, and feature incoherence. These problems are shown to be typical of calculators generally. Despite the domain (arithmetic) being well-defined, the design problems are profound, widespread, confusing — and needless. Worrying questions are begged: about design quality control, about consumer behaviour, and about the role of education — both at school level (training children to acquiesce to bad design) and at university level (training professionals to design unusable products). The article concludes with recommendations. PDF, PS Bibtex@article{needless-ijhcs,
title = {Calculators are Needlessly Bad},
author = {Harold Thimbleby},
year = {2000},
pages = {1031--1069},
journal = {International Journal of Human-Computer Studies},
url = {http://harold.thimbleby.net/calculators},
volume = {52},
doi = {10.1006/ijhc.1999.0341},
number = {6},
enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
4
H. Thimbleby, “A New Calculator and Why it is Necessary,” Computer Journal, 38(6), pp.418–433, DOI: 10.1093/comjnl/38.6.418, 1995.
Website AbstractConventional calculators are badly designed: they suffer from bad computer science — they are unnecessarily difficult to use and bug ridden. I describe a solution, avoiding the problems caused by conventional calculators that is more powerful and arguably much easier to use. The solution has been implemented, and design issues are discussed. This paper shows an interactive system that is declarative, with the advantages of clarity and power that entails. It frees people from working out how a calculation should be expressed to concentrating on what they want solved. An important contribution is to demonstrate the very serious problems users face when using conventional calculators, and hence what a freedom a declarative design brings. PDF Bibtex@article{newcalc-cj,
title = {A New Calculator and Why it is Necessary},
author = {Harold Thimbleby},
year = {1995},
pages = {418--433},
journal = {Computer Journal},
url = {http://harold.thimbleby.net/calculators/index.html},
volume = {38},
doi = {10.1093/comjnl/38.6.418},
number = {6},
enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
3
H. Thimbleby, “The Frustrations of a Pushbutton World,” 1993 Encyclopædia Britannica Yearbook of Science and the Future, pp.202–219, Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., ISBN 0–85229–568–5, 1992.
AbstractToday we live in a “pushbutton world” and it seems as if the people who built it had prehensile minds. We live with things we do not know how to use. At worst it is dangerous — somebody may press The Red Button by mistake. At best it is frustrating. The purpose of this article is to explore the state of this technology that is making our lives complicated. There is a science of design underlying machines for people to use; in the 1990s we have reached the point where we need to start applying it with urgency. The frustration we all have with over-complex gadgets has to be understood as a failure to apply science to make the things properly: it is not our failure because we are too old or too simple-minded. HTML Bibtex@inbook{HT301,
title = {The Frustrations of a Pushbutton World},
author = {Harold Thimbleby},
year = {1992},
booktitle = {1993 Encyclop{\ae}dia Britannica Yearbook of Science and the Future},
pages = {202--219},
isbn = {0--85229--568--5},
publisher = {Encyclop{\ae}dia Britannica Inc.},
enclosingSection = {Other publications}
}
2
H. Thimbleby, User Interface Design, ACM Press Frontier Series, Addison-Wesley, ISBN 0–201–41618–2, 1990.
AbstractThis book is at the leading edge of current developments in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and is essential reading for all practitioners and researchers looking for novel and challenging ideas. It takes an in-depth look at interactive systems from the standpoint of both the designer and the user. Highlights of the book include:
• a thorough survey of the issues, problems and methods of user interface design.
• a wealth of case studies illustrating practical and creative design issues involved in building interactive systems.
• a wide variety of design ideas and principles throughout the book.
The author, Harold Thimbleby, is Professor of Information Technology at the University of Stirling. He has considerable experience providing industry-based HCI courses, as well as teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students.
“User interface design is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that makes it worthwhile to have visited this planet. Thimbleby combines wit and a wry sense of humor with penetrating insights into user interface issues and practical suggestions for improved designs. This is the human-computer interaction that computers deserve.” Brian Gaines, University of Calgary
“From apocatastasis to WYSIWYG, from Eliza to Oz, from metacircularity to counterfinality… a whirlwind of fresh ideas and grand philosophies.” Ben Shneiderman, University of Maryland Bibtex@book{uid,
title = {User Interface Design},
author = {Harold Thimbleby},
year = {1990},
aftertitle = {ACM Press Frontier Series},
note = {470pp. Reprinted 1991},
isbn = {0--201--41618--2},
publisher = {Addison-Wesley},
enclosingSection = {Other publications}
}
1
H. Thimbleby, “Experiences with Literate Programming Using CWEB (A Variant of Knuth’s WEB),” Awarded British Computer Society Wilkes Medal, Computer Journal, 29(3), pp.201–211, DOI: 10.1093/comjnl/29.3.201, 1986.
AbstractCweb is a literate programming system for the programming language C. Experience developing and using it forms the basis of this paper, the purpose of which is to:
• support Knuth’s enthusiasm for literate programming
• discuss developments in literate programming support, both within the current framework of cweb and to interactive graphics support
• discuss the implementation issues, considering cweb as part of a simple IPSE (Integrated Project Support Environment); the conclusions for IPSEs appear pessimistic. PDF Bibtex@article{cweb-cj,
title = {Experiences with Literate Programming Using CWEB (A Variant of Knuth's WEB)},
author = {Harold Thimbleby},
year = {1986},
pages = {201--211},
journal = {Computer Journal},
volume = {29},
highlight = {Awarded British Computer Society Wilkes Medal},
doi = {10.1093/comjnl/29.3.201},
number = {3},
enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}