Extending the Design Boundaries of Human-Computer Interaction

Abstract

The field of human-computer interaction is developing rapidly on a number of fronts. The three papers that comprise this report are an attempt to broaden the scope of the kinds of issues the field might encompass. The first paper is a brief note that argues for social responsibility in the design process. The second paper discusses the importance of the social environment in the development and use of computing systems, and argues for the provision of computer support specifically related to this social dimension of computer use. The third paper provides an overview of ways in which the computer can be used to facilitate communication and collaboration. An underlying goal is to emphasize the importance of supporting users by providing links to other users as sources of information. My primary concern, in all three papers, is to explore ways to provide more useful and usable computer systems.