University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila

Human Computer Interaction

Mid Paper

Reg No. 19-SE-26

From Muhammad Yousaf

Submitted to Dr. Hassan Dawood

Q1:

a) Explain STM and its design implications?

Answer:
The ability to store information which is called memory. Memory is further divided into some categories
based on various factors. Short term memory (STM) is one of these categories of memory.

Details of STM are as follows:

Short Term Memory

Short-term memory (STM) or working memory ormation that is the current focus of our conscious
attention is stored. The short-term memory typically stores sensory data from the sensory memories,
and other short-term information that is needed as mental tasks are carried out. Short-term memory
can be accessed rapidly, in the order of 70 ms. A brief period of time during which the STM can hold
information is between 15 and 30 seconds. After that, the information is either committed to LTM or
forgotten. Short-term memory also has a limited capacity. The average person can remember 7 ± 2
digits.

Design Implications

The understanding of how human memory works is very useful in design implications. So we try to
minimise situations where the user has to recall information from LTM as it takes time, cognitive load
and increases error occurrence probability. For example, if the user needs to makes use of selections
made earlier in a dialogue, then the choices made should be displayed so the user doesn't have to
remember them.

Some other design implications of STM are given below:

 The Self-Generation Effect

Information is better remembered when it is self-generated — not just passively consumed. If a

user can customize the layout of the interface, it is easier for him to become familiar with it and
remember the details.

 Layout of Screens

On the screen, don’t present users with many elements in one interface. It is not
necessary to restrain oneself to 7 elements as Miller’s Law would suggest, but the elements need to be
distinguished enough — perhaps by using visual hierarchy. Otherwise the interface will be a burden
 to the user’s STM. Choosing the correct way to continue in the flow will become more time-
consuming. If you need to use a lot of information, divide the journey into more steps.

 Consistent design system

Create a set of standards throughout the product. Adopt widely applied and tested design
patterns. Once you do that, users won’t have to constantly learn and remember new patterns, but
they can use the knowledge they already have. If a confirmation button in the product is green,
all other confirmation buttons should be green as well, easing the user’s cognitive burden.

 Design of Input

Use easy encoding. So that few memory units are needed and allows an easy rehearsal. Usage short
“sayable” codes and meaningful keywords. Users will remember our interface more clearly if we
feel emotions during its use.

Q1:

b) What are the advantages and disadvantages of touchscreen when used as interaction
media?

Answer:

Touchscreen is a special type of display that shows the output and also can take input as well. The
screen can detect the position of the point of touch. So Instead of using a pointing device such as a
mouse or light pen, you can use your finger to point directly to objects on the screen.

Some advantages and disadvantages of touchscreen are discussed below:

Advantages

 The touchscreen is very fast, and requires no specialized pointing device.

 It is especially good for selecting items from menus displayed on the screen.
 As the screen acts as an input device as well as an output device, there is no separate hardware to
become damaged or destroyed by dirt; this makes touchscreens suitable for use in hostile
environments.
 Touchscreens are also relatively intuitive to use and have been used successfully as an interface
to information systems for the general public.
 It ensures that no space is wasted as the input device is completely integrated into monitor.
Disadvantages

 Using the finger to point is not always suitable, as it can leave greasy marks on the screen.
 A touch screen system will cost about two or three times of the amount of an existing keyboard
display.
 Being a fairly blunt instrument, it is quite inaccurate. This means that the selection of small
regions is very difficult, as is accurate drawing.
 Lifting the arm to point to a vertical screen is very tiring, and also means that the screen has to be
within about a meter of the user to enable it to be reached, which can make it too close for
comfort.
 It is very sensitive interface and hence can also be activated due to stray touches.
 Battery operated touch screen devices consume more power.

Q2:

Data visualization techniques have often increased our comprehension of phenomena:

consider the effect that 3D has had on looking at complex models such as those of the
atmosphere or the ocean, or in understanding the structure of molecules. What do you
consider to be the areas that may benefit most from virtual reality visualization techniques?

Answer:
Virtual reality (VR) refers to the computer-generated simulation of a world, or a subset of it, in which the
user is immersed. It represents the state of the art in multimedia systems, but concentrates on the visual
senses. VR allows the user to experience situations that are too dangerous or expensive to enter ‘in the
flesh’. Users may explore the real world at a different scale and with hidden features made visible.

With new breakthroughs in motion tracking and display technologies, coupled with computing power that
can handle the rendering, this era of VR is much more than just a fad.

Here are some areas which may benefit most from virtual reality visualization techniques.

1. Finance

Imagine that instead of diving into data sheets and statistics, analysts could wade through interactive
visual representations of financial information and trends. Data would become more easily digestible, and
experts could make better and faster decisions based on split-second reviews of complex information.
This is precisely what companies like Salesforce and Fidelity investments are after. They currently use
Oculus Rift VR headsets to create immersive 3D data representations that allow them to visualize the
ebbs and flows of their investment portfolios. They can see changes in real time and make important
decisions quickly, which before would have required much more analysis and interpretation.

According to the Millennial Disruption Index, 73% of millennials consider tech companies like Google,
Amazon, Apple, PayPal, or Square as their main source for new financial offerings. This means that their
reliance on traditional banks is diminishing, and that could spell trouble for those institutions in the long-
term.

By adopting exciting new VR experiences that change how people think of traditional banking, and
modernize the entire process, banking institutions could convince millennials that they are worth another
look.

2. Entertainment

The entertainment industry has been a key driver in this new VR revolution. If they are able to capture
the public’s interest and grow VR to a point of mainstream acceptance, that could herald widespread VR
adoption across every other industry.

For gaming, VR offers immersive 3D experiences that are changing the definition of what a video game
can be. Users are often wowed by the physical and emotional response they have when VR is done right.
High-end consumer headsets like the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and PSVR are competing alongside more
affordable offerings like the Oculus Go, Gear VR, and Google Cardboard. Whatever your price point,
there is a VR headset available for you.

Immersion is key, and new tech like the Vive Tracker can help programmers transform real world objects
into virtual avatars. Say you bought a fancy new VR golf game, but you would rather use a real club than
the Vive game controller. The developers could have you attach a Vive Tracker to a real golf club,
allowing it to be recognized in the virtual world.

There are also a wide range of multimedia possibilities for VR outside of gaming. With VR, every living
room or office could be transformed into a movie theater complete with stadium seating. This isn’t any
ordinary theater, though, as you can watch the latest shows through your Netflix account, or scroll
through your YouTube feed and watch them on the big screen.

3. Hospitality

How many times have you booked a room in a hotel, only to be disappointed with the offerings when you
arrive? The room looked bigger in the pictures, the view more spectacular, and the amenities more
current.
With VR, some hotels and resorts are giving their customers the ability to take a virtual tour before they
book. 3D photo-realistic environments can be explored around the property to give you an idea of exactly
what you are getting for your money.

The future of VR in the hospitality industry lies in the virtual booking process. A survey of hoteliers and
consumers by oracle.com shows that 52% of respondents believe that VR will be an integral part of hotel
booking by the year 2025, and a majority believe that this will create a better experience.

Many hoteliers are also looking to VR to create unique experiences that draw in guests and help give
them fill out their stay. VR entertainment will likely become ubiquitous in hotels and resorts over the
next few years, essentially changing how we view in-room entertainment.

4. Automotive

VR is a great way to add value to a customer’s experience, and auto companies around the world are
taking advantage of the tech’s novelty and immersive nature.

With VR, car companies have the ability to bring their unique car driving experience directly to you.
BMW uses VR as a way to experience detailed photo-realistic renderings of their cars. For instance, at
the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, BMW debuted their new crossover SUV through an
entirely virtual driving experience that allowed users to explore the interior of the car and take it out for a
test drive. This same experience will soon be available at BMW dealers worldwide. Ford, Mitsubishi and
Infiniti are all making similar moves to offer VR driving and marketing experiences intended to capture
more of the Gen Z and Millennial markets.

In addition, Toyota has developed a program for the Oculus Rift called TeenDrive365. This virtual
driving program is intended to educate younger drivers about how to drive more safely without the
inherent risk of taking them out to busy streets and intersections.

The same tech can also teach kids about the dangers of distracted driving, and how easy it can be to have
a life-threatening accident because of distractions like texting or talking.

5. Military

The military in the UK and the US have both adopted the use of virtual reality in their training as it
allows them to undertake a huge range of simulations. VR is used in all branches of service: the army,
navy, air force, marines and coast guard. In a world where technology is adopted from an early age and
children are accustomed to video games and computers, VR proves an effect method of training. VR can
transport a trainee into a number of different situations, places and environments for a range of training
purposes. The military uses it for flight simulations, battlefield simulations, medic training, vehicle
simulation and virtual boot camp, among other things. VR is a completely immersive, visual and sound-
based experience, which can safely replicate dangerous training situations to prepare and train soldiers,
without putting them at risk until they are ready for combat. Likewise, it can also be used to teach
soldiers some softer skills, including communication with local civilians or international counterparts
when out in the field. Another of its uses includes treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for
soldiers who have returned from combat and need help adjusting to normal life situations; this is known
as Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET). A key benefit for using virtual reality technology in the
military is the reduction in costs for training.

Conclusion

Although there are a lot of aspects yet to be discovered about VR, with virtual reality industrial
applications making new waves, one thing that seems certain is, it is on the "up-and-up". Usage and sales
are estimated to soar in the years to come, with consumers becoming comfortable using VR devices.