Chapter 10: Chipped
Summary:
Lobotomy was the first breakthrough in helping severly ill mental patients but was questioned ethically due to the way patients were selected and the side effects. After drugs were created that would help mentally ill people lobotomies lost the hype. The procedure has been greatly refined but is now extremely hard to get due to ethical matters. The end of the chapter discusses a person who is permitted to get a lobotomy because he has exhausted all other options and comes out of the surgery cured.
Discussion:
I think its kind of shocking how many aspects of what doctors are doing to our brains is unkown. People take drugs rather than surgery because it feels like they have control and know exactly what is happening, when in fact the doctors don`t even fully understand. One quote that stuck out to me in this chapter was "Our cure is only as good as our courage".
Monday, March 7, 2011
Paper Reading #14: Sensing Foot Gestures from the Pocket
Comments:
1
2
Reference Information:
Title: Multitoe: Sensing Foot Gestures from the Pocket
Authors: Jeremy Scott, David Dearman, Koji Yatani, and Khai N. Truong
Presentation Venue: UIST’10, October 3–6, 2010, New Yomrk, New York, USA
Summary:
This paper discusses an interface for mobile phones. The interface is hands-free because input is taken from movement in the user's foot. The interface also allows an eyes-free environment by not demanding the user's attention to the mobile devices scree. This is done by giving feedback through vibrating the phone or making noises.
A study was done to see what kind of movements worked best for the user in terms of accuracy and what was the most comfortable. It showed that the plantar flexion movement was the most accurate movement but selection error had consistant error for all movements. The users preffered gestures which involved lifting or rotating the toe, however this was the least accurate. From this data a follow up was done with an accelerometer in a mobile phone in the user's pocket or holster. This follow up showed that they could get the accelerometer to be 86% accurate when tracking these movements.
The paper goes on compare the different axis of rotation and how accurate and comparable they are.
Discussion:
I got a weird feeling from this paper when I thought about who would sacrifice the accuracy that you get from your fingers for the accuracy you get from your foot. This also includes the fact that on mobile phones when you hit a button you are physically putting force on the button which gives you a better sense of what is being pressed. I'm also not sure what kind of applications this kind of idea could be used for. However, I do feel that this paper was written not to promote the interface but to promote the study of thinking of new ways to interact with mobile devices, which is interesting. I like the idea of having more feedback from a device so the user would not have to give 100% of their attention to the task they are doing. I think this will be interesting and useful in small tasks that don't have any importance. This is because I believe the user would much rather devote full attention to the device in these times.
1
2
Reference Information:
Title: Multitoe: Sensing Foot Gestures from the Pocket
Authors: Jeremy Scott, David Dearman, Koji Yatani, and Khai N. Truong
Presentation Venue: UIST’10, October 3–6, 2010, New Yomrk, New York, USA
Summary:
This paper discusses an interface for mobile phones. The interface is hands-free because input is taken from movement in the user's foot. The interface also allows an eyes-free environment by not demanding the user's attention to the mobile devices scree. This is done by giving feedback through vibrating the phone or making noises.
 |
| Ways the user could have there phone while interacting |
The paper goes on compare the different axis of rotation and how accurate and comparable they are.
 |
| Different ranges of motions and shows that each item selection was 10 degrees apart. |
Discussion:
I got a weird feeling from this paper when I thought about who would sacrifice the accuracy that you get from your fingers for the accuracy you get from your foot. This also includes the fact that on mobile phones when you hit a button you are physically putting force on the button which gives you a better sense of what is being pressed. I'm also not sure what kind of applications this kind of idea could be used for. However, I do feel that this paper was written not to promote the interface but to promote the study of thinking of new ways to interact with mobile devices, which is interesting. I like the idea of having more feedback from a device so the user would not have to give 100% of their attention to the task they are doing. I think this will be interesting and useful in small tasks that don't have any importance. This is because I believe the user would much rather devote full attention to the device in these times.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Book Reading #32 - Opening Skinner's Box
Chapter 9: Memory Inc.
Summary:
This chapter started with discussion about how a man, Dr. Scoville, removed a man's(H.M) hippocampus. This unknowingly removed his short term memory. Eric Kandal, took this knowledge to study memory inside the brain of slugs (he used slugs because they don't have as many neurons). From his studies he discoved a drug that enhances memory called CREB. He also discovered a CREB repressor. It was also discussed how a man being studied in a different place had an unbelievable memory and could recite pages and pages of text after only viewing it for a brief time. This man could not comprehend what the words meant though. The author questions if we become the same way will we lose what it is to be human?
Discussion:
I think this chapter was interesting because a totally botched experiment turned into something much greater. What this shows to me from the studies done by Kandal is that the way memories work is starting to be unfolded. It is interesting that he chose slugs as his subjects to me. If his work is 100% credible I'm not for sure but what I am sure of is it has probably had a great impact on the study of memory.
Summary:
This chapter started with discussion about how a man, Dr. Scoville, removed a man's(H.M) hippocampus. This unknowingly removed his short term memory. Eric Kandal, took this knowledge to study memory inside the brain of slugs (he used slugs because they don't have as many neurons). From his studies he discoved a drug that enhances memory called CREB. He also discovered a CREB repressor. It was also discussed how a man being studied in a different place had an unbelievable memory and could recite pages and pages of text after only viewing it for a brief time. This man could not comprehend what the words meant though. The author questions if we become the same way will we lose what it is to be human?
Discussion:
I think this chapter was interesting because a totally botched experiment turned into something much greater. What this shows to me from the studies done by Kandal is that the way memories work is starting to be unfolded. It is interesting that he chose slugs as his subjects to me. If his work is 100% credible I'm not for sure but what I am sure of is it has probably had a great impact on the study of memory.
Book Reading #31 - Coming of Age in Samoa
Chapter 10: The Experience and Individuality of the Average Girl
Summary:
The beginning of this chapter explains why children could not speak the courtesy language and how they mix up terms that we would think odd.
Most of the children had seen life and death, the culture didn't feel the need to hide them from these things.
The Samoan children have complete knowledge on the human body and its functions. They also understand the nature of sex.
The differences between small household children and larger households is then discussed. In smaller households the children learn responsibility and initiative much quicker.
The difference between girls living in the pastor's house is that they had no love affairs and lived a "more orderly" existence. However, their interest in salacious material was stronger than the girls who could actually experiment. Other differences include they trust other girls more, worked better in groups, and were less concious of their place in their own households.
Discussion:
The experiences the girls go through is important to note. I don't really know what to think about this chapter other than it was interesting to read about the average girl and some experiences. The examples made me better understand what was meant by the author. I do feel like I've read this material before in previous chapters but without as much detail and analysis.
Summary:
The beginning of this chapter explains why children could not speak the courtesy language and how they mix up terms that we would think odd.
Most of the children had seen life and death, the culture didn't feel the need to hide them from these things.
The Samoan children have complete knowledge on the human body and its functions. They also understand the nature of sex.
The differences between small household children and larger households is then discussed. In smaller households the children learn responsibility and initiative much quicker.
The difference between girls living in the pastor's house is that they had no love affairs and lived a "more orderly" existence. However, their interest in salacious material was stronger than the girls who could actually experiment. Other differences include they trust other girls more, worked better in groups, and were less concious of their place in their own households.
Discussion:
The experiences the girls go through is important to note. I don't really know what to think about this chapter other than it was interesting to read about the average girl and some experiences. The examples made me better understand what was meant by the author. I do feel like I've read this material before in previous chapters but without as much detail and analysis.
Book Reading #30 - Emotional Design
Chapter 3: Three Levels of Design: Visceral, Behavioral, and Reflective
Summary:
This chapter discusses the ideas behind using the visceral, behavioral, and reflective senses in design. Visceral design is dominated by look, feel, and sound. Behaviroal design is about use and performance, appearance doesn't matter. It is important in behavioral design to make sure the system image of the final design matches the right user model. Reflective design is more about what message the product sends. This can vary between cultures but is always important. The example about the motorola headset shows how all of these factors can be used in design.
Discussion:
This chapter repeats itself some more but at least this time it dives a little into how visceral, behavioral, and reflective design are used through example. I thought the motorola example was rather helpful but the example about the clothing stores was not.
Summary:
This chapter discusses the ideas behind using the visceral, behavioral, and reflective senses in design. Visceral design is dominated by look, feel, and sound. Behaviroal design is about use and performance, appearance doesn't matter. It is important in behavioral design to make sure the system image of the final design matches the right user model. Reflective design is more about what message the product sends. This can vary between cultures but is always important. The example about the motorola headset shows how all of these factors can be used in design.
Discussion:
This chapter repeats itself some more but at least this time it dives a little into how visceral, behavioral, and reflective design are used through example. I thought the motorola example was rather helpful but the example about the clothing stores was not.
Paper Reading #13: Multitoe: High-Precision Interaction with Back-Projected Floors Based on High-Resolution Multi-Touch Input
Comments:
Vince Kocks
Shena Hoffmann
Reference Information:
Title: Multitoe: High-Precision Interaction with Back-Projected Floors Based on High-Resolution Multi-Touch Input
Authors: Thomas Augsten, Konstantin Kaefer, René Meusel, Caroline Fetzer, Dorian Kanitz, Thomas Stoff, Torsten Becker, Christian Holz, and Patrick Baudisch
Presentation Venue: UIST’10, October 3–6, 2010, New York, New York, USA
Summary:
Most multi-touch systems today are limited to what the user can reach in arm's length. This paper discusses a floor with high-resolution that a user can use their shoes to perform actions with the interface.
Many factors had to be studied to make this as user friendly as possible. User studies for this project were conducted to make design decisions. A study was done to see what actions users preffered to interact with the floor. From this study the action of tapping, stomping, jumping, and double tapping were seen to be the most recurring. To select an option on the interface the user taps their foot. To invoke a menu the user must jump .A separate study was done to decide what most users considered to be the target area of their shoe. The study showed that most users used the projection of their shoe. The point of having a large display is to have more room for material. What if there are many buttons and they need to be scaled down to fit in the desired area? A last study was done to see what users considered to be a hotspot for their shoe. This is one little pressure spot that can be used for more precision. From the study it was decided to allow the user to personalize the hotspot used.
Different algorithms were discussed on how to identify users and how to distinguish walking vs tapping. A database of soles are kept to try and identify users who use the system. To check whether the user is walking or interacting the system compares pressure points to a "time line". If somebody is walking there is a general pattern for pressure on the foot. This can be seen in the picture below.
If the user is tapping then the time line would look like nothing, pressure on the ball, nothing.
Discussion:
This paper was cool to read and I enjoyed it because there wasn't too much technical involved. The idea of this kind of large scale multi-touch system sounds really cool but I'm not quite sure when it will be extremely useful. I think in certain environments, like a large corporation, this could be useful in some cases but for me to use this would take a lot of getting used to.
However, this system is not about trying to instantly get everybody to switch to a foot based multi-touch system. I feel its about trying to evolve the idea into something useful and more practical.
Vince Kocks
Shena Hoffmann
Reference Information:
Title: Multitoe: High-Precision Interaction with Back-Projected Floors Based on High-Resolution Multi-Touch Input
Authors: Thomas Augsten, Konstantin Kaefer, René Meusel, Caroline Fetzer, Dorian Kanitz, Thomas Stoff, Torsten Becker, Christian Holz, and Patrick Baudisch
Presentation Venue: UIST’10, October 3–6, 2010, New York, New York, USA
Summary:
Most multi-touch systems today are limited to what the user can reach in arm's length. This paper discusses a floor with high-resolution that a user can use their shoes to perform actions with the interface.
 |
| Hotspot example |
 |
| identifying a user |
 |
| Pressure on somebodies foot as they walk |
If the user is tapping then the time line would look like nothing, pressure on the ball, nothing.
Discussion:
This paper was cool to read and I enjoyed it because there wasn't too much technical involved. The idea of this kind of large scale multi-touch system sounds really cool but I'm not quite sure when it will be extremely useful. I think in certain environments, like a large corporation, this could be useful in some cases but for me to use this would take a lot of getting used to.
However, this system is not about trying to instantly get everybody to switch to a foot based multi-touch system. I feel its about trying to evolve the idea into something useful and more practical.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Ethnography Results, Week 4
Week 4:
For this weeks study I had the idea to do a short user study that would look into how users commented on scientific material and what other categories they post in. On the science front page nothing looked extreme or out of place. The topics included technology, biology, medical, climate, and space articles. What I did was selected some of the more popular front page articles and viewed the comments. If the user had a popular comment that had a good rating I looked further into that user's profile to see what other topics were commented on.
I picked a total of five users because I wasn't sure what to expect. From each users profile I viewed the last ten comments made to see what category it was in and if the comment was relevant to the subject. I'm sure its not like this for everybody but I got consistent results from all five users.
User 1:
Discussion:
From these five users it seems pictures and short videos are favored to comment on rather than the lengthy science articles. This also says to me that these users tend to stay in one category for a period of time and read several articles.
Not all of the comments made in the science section from the five users were really relevant to the topic, but the comment were still up-voted and popular. These results are interesting to me because it seems like most of the discussion in the science section is very involved and intelligent. Maybe this happens because the actual population that the a specific science article greatly appeals to is small. Many people probably think the article is interesting but like these witty, short comments better than a more scientific comment.
I think for next week I will continue observing the same five users but also choose five new users to monitor to see if any of the claims I made above remain consistent. Along with this I will do a study on the topics that users post about rather than comment on. The study will probably be done in the same manner as the user comment study.
For this weeks study I had the idea to do a short user study that would look into how users commented on scientific material and what other categories they post in. On the science front page nothing looked extreme or out of place. The topics included technology, biology, medical, climate, and space articles. What I did was selected some of the more popular front page articles and viewed the comments. If the user had a popular comment that had a good rating I looked further into that user's profile to see what other topics were commented on.
I picked a total of five users because I wasn't sure what to expect. From each users profile I viewed the last ten comments made to see what category it was in and if the comment was relevant to the subject. I'm sure its not like this for everybody but I got consistent results from all five users.
User 1:
- Funny x 4
- Pics x 3
- Politics
- WTF
- Science
- Minecraft x 4
- Science x 2
- Videos x 3
- Funny x 4
- Gaming x 2
- Funny
- Videos
- Starcraft x 2
- WTF x 2
- Pics x 4
- Science
- Science x 2
- Funny x 8
- Videos x 3
- Politics x 2
- Science
- Funny x 3
- Pics x 3
Discussion:
From these five users it seems pictures and short videos are favored to comment on rather than the lengthy science articles. This also says to me that these users tend to stay in one category for a period of time and read several articles.
Not all of the comments made in the science section from the five users were really relevant to the topic, but the comment were still up-voted and popular. These results are interesting to me because it seems like most of the discussion in the science section is very involved and intelligent. Maybe this happens because the actual population that the a specific science article greatly appeals to is small. Many people probably think the article is interesting but like these witty, short comments better than a more scientific comment.
I think for next week I will continue observing the same five users but also choose five new users to monitor to see if any of the claims I made above remain consistent. Along with this I will do a study on the topics that users post about rather than comment on. The study will probably be done in the same manner as the user comment study.
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