DIRA: A model of the user interface

Joanna Bergström*, Kasper Hornbæk

*Corresponding author af dette arbejde

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftTidsskriftartikelForskningpeer review

Abstract

The user interface is a central concept in human–computer interaction, but peculiarly fuzzy. This affects discussions of the fundamentals of our discipline and the positioning of our work. We propose a model of the user interface that consists of four elements: Devices, Interaction Techniques, Representations, and Assemblies (DIRA). We explain their roles in the user interface and discuss some associated concerns about evaluation and design. We then show how to use the model to describe the elements of user interfaces (with examples that include a menu, a fisheye interface, and notifications) and to analyze the central characteristics of user interface paradigms (including tangible user interfaces and mixed reality). Finally, we discuss how describing user interfaces with the model can drive their design and evaluation.

OriginalsprogEngelsk
Artikelnummer103381
TidsskriftInternational Journal of Human Computer Studies
Vol/bind193
ISSN1071-5819
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 2025

Bibliografisk note

Funding Information:
We thank Clemens Klokmose and Henning Pohl for their feedback and comments on this work. This work was supported by the Pioneer Centre for AI, DNRF, Denmark grant number P1.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 The Authors

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