University of Glamorgan

Human Computer Interaction

HRU activities include several applications of work in Human Computer Interaction. Jim Moon's research has investigated the application of multi-agent systems to marine navigation simulation. Use of agents allows more realistic motion for instructor controlled target ships and has implications for more realistic and responsive simulations when significant human interaction is required.

Another strand concerns qualitative methods and Participatory Design. One project observed the searching behaviour of test users in the FACET project. An ESRC funded project, in collaboration with the Open University in Wales, investigated the use of prototyping in commercial information systems development. Qualitative semi-structured interviews with commercial practitioners were followed by a series of mini case studies employing an ethnographic approach. This line of research continues with work in collaboration with the Pontypridd College School of Basic Skills, applying Activity Theory to support the development of technological fluency in novice users. The development of more engaging and enduring interactions between users and hypermedia products is being investigated in the Systematically Engineered Hypermedia Seduction project. The project is developing methods and tools that support the principled evaluation and creation of more engaging and seductive web based hypermedia products. It further aims to provide an integrative framework to support emerging approaches in the field of Human Computer Interaction.

Research Projects