ContextSensitive Interactive Systems Design A Framework for Representation of Context.pdfVIP

Context Sensitive Interactive Systems Design: A Framework for Representation of contexts Keiichi Sato Illinois Institute of Technology 350 N. LaSalle Street Chicago, Illinois 60610 USA sato@id.iit.edu Abstract The performance of interactive systems is determined in relation to the context in which the system and users interact for task execution. It is obvious that the significance and complexity of contextual information require systemic approaches for managing it in the design process. As the system complexity and diversity of types and ranges of use context increase, context sensitivity becomes a critical mechanism to enhance system performance and interactive qualities. This research attempts to introduce a representation framework for contextual information critical for developing a methodological foundation for user-centered design practice. First, this paper explains what compose contexts, how contexts are structured, and how they can be described. Then, strategies and methods to incorporate context sensitivity are discussed from the perspective of system development in relation to types of system architecture that can effectively implement context-sensitivity in design are discussed. 1 Introduction The term context has been loosely defined and used in interactive systems design practice to represent various factors and conditions surrounding and influencing the use of the system. The performance of interactive systems is determined in relation to the context in which the system performs its intended roles. The system that performs well in one context may not necessarily perform well in other contexts. While the context dynamically changes, systems are usually designed to remain