Lecture 1: Introduction

Question 1

Define the term ‘Digitization’

Answer 1

The technical process of converting analogue information into a digital format

Question 2

Define the term ‘Digitalization’

Answer 2

Leveraging digital technologies to improve existing processes in organizations

Question 3

What does ‘Digital Transformation’ mean?

Answer 3

The consequences of digitalization on individuals and society in terms of
new business models, consumption patterns, socio- economic structures,
legal and policy measures, organizational patterns, cultural barriers.

Question 4

Please give an example of a revolution which is comparable with the digital transformation.

Answer 4

Industrial Revolution (especially the steam engine)

Question 5

Describe the influences of the digital transformation regarding Ubiquitous Media (especially production, distribution and access)

Answer 5

Production is simplified and largely automated

Distribution is global, unfiltered, and immediate

Access for everyone, anytime, and everywhere

Long existing temporal and spatial boundaries are overcome

Question 6

What are consequences from Ubiquitous Media?

Answer 6

Ubiquitous Media function as knowledge accelerator

It follows a fundamental transformation of our knowledge and information culture

It is a transformation that is more radical and much faster that the transition from oral traditions to societies based on writing

Question 7

Give an example of a major revolution in HCI that would have a long lasting impact.

When were the first approaches for such technology?

Answer 7

Brain-Computer-Interface

Atari Mindlink (intended for release in 1984)

Current developments: Neuralink (Elon Musk) or Facebook with a ‘mind-reading’ startup.

Question 8

Briefly sketch the evolution of interfaces in HCI

Answer 8

50s - Interface at the hardware level for engineers - switch panels

60-70s - interface at the programming level - COBOL, FORTRAN

70-90s - Interface at the terminal level - command languages

80s - Interface at the interaction dialogue level - GUIs, multimedia

90s - Interface at the work setting - networked systems, groupware

00s - Interface becomes pervasive
- RF tags, Bluetooth technology, mobile devices, consumer electronics, interactive screens, embedded technology

Question 9

What is the Zuse’s Z3?

Answer 9

In 1943:

first working programmable, fully automatic digital computer

• 22-bit word length
• clock frequency of 4-5 Hz
• program code on punched film
• developed solve wing flutter problems
• denied funding because it was “nicht kriegswichtig”

Question 10

Describe how the communication (Input/Output) between human and computer has changed from past till today. What can we predict for the future?

Answer 10

Past (Human to Computer):
- by design / electronics-
- wires and switches
- punch cards, teletype

Past (Computer to Human):
- lamps, led
- printer, paper
- Screens (tubes)

Today (Human to Computer):
- keyboard
- mouse/touch pad

Today (Computer to Human):
- TFT Screens
- Speaker

The Future (Human to Computer):
- speech
- gestures
- touch
- eye-gaze
- EEG, EMG
- implicit observation/ubicomp - emotions

The Future (Computer to Human):
- haptic output
- changing physical environments/ubicomp
- smell output
- Direct muscle and nerve
connection
- emotions

Question 11

Describe what was the vision behind MEMEX? Who was the visionary?

Answer 11

Vannevar Bush

MEMEX:
- Extending human memory
- Concept of links and annotations
- Focus on search and indexing
- Many ideas for the WWW

Question 12

Name two inventions from Ivan Sutherland

Answer 12

SketchPad (1963):
- Drawing package
- User interface included:
* icons,
* copying,
* light-peninput

3D Head-mounted Display (1965-1970):
- 3D “visualization” (very basic)
- Large apparatus

Question 13

What do you know about Douglas Engelbart? What interaction technologies had he invented?

Answer 13

Invented:
- Mouse as pointing device (1964)
- Hi-res video conferencing, shared applications, window- concept (1968)

He understand the need of collaborative (also distributed people) and immediate problem solving

Question 14

Briefly explain “Programming as User Interface”. Are there disadvantages?

Answer 14

Programming as User Interface:
Assumes User = Programmer! Configuration and functionality is hard coded into the program. Users can exactly do what they want, but there is a significant overhead in learning how to program is required.

Disadvantage:
Solutions are very specific and can be typically well used by the
programmer but it is hard for others to use it

Summary:
It is an option for specific targeted solutions and provides great freedom.

Question 15

What does VisiCalc?

Answer 15

It instantly calculating electronic spreadsheet and formed a significant value to non-technical users

Question 16

Name three hardware features and three software features from Xerox Alto

Answer 16

Hardware:
Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor (GUI)

Software:
GUI, raster-graphics, bit block transfer

Question 17

What was special about the Xerox Star? How does it look at Apple Macintosh?

Answer 17

Xerox Star:
First commercial personal computer (using GUI, Folder, Icons,..)

Apple Macintosh:
Had the first commercially successful GUI

Question 18

Name characteristics of GUIs

Answer 18

• Replacement of command-language
• Direct manipulation of the objects of interest
• Continuous visibility of objects and actions of interest
• Graphical metaphors (desktop, trash can)
• Windows, icons, menus and pointers
• Rapid, reversible, incremental actions

Question 19

Name several input or output modalities to provide a Multimodal Interaction

Answer 19

• Seeing
• Hearing
• Haptic (Touch, sense of pressure)
• Proprioception (body awareness)
• Taste and Smell
• Thermoception

Question 20

What was the Everywhere Displays Project? List the used basic technologies behind it.

Answer 20

The Everywhere Displays project aims to develop systems that allow the transformation of every surface in a space into a projected “touch screen”.

Technologies:
- LCD projector
- pan/tilt mirror
- Camera