The Application of a Behavioral Categorization Technique in the Development of User Models

• Published in: Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting 1998, Vol.42 (4), p.434-438
• Main Authors: Bushey, Robert, Mauney, Jennifer Mitchell, Deelman, Tom
• Format: Review
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1541-9312; 1071-1813; 2169-5067
• DOI: 10.1177/154193129804200407

This paper examines a method for the development of new user interfaces for computer systems. The CDM method (Categorizing, Describing, and Modeling method) enhances the requirements gathering phase of user interface design by capitalizing on the concept that the user population has a variety of distinguishable strategies that affect performance. In the CDM method, the user population is first categorized into a reasonable number of groups. The behaviors for each group are described and then this described behavior is qualitatively and quantitatively modeled. These models are used during the system design and operational process to optimize performance for all users. This paper focuses on the first part of the CDM method, namely categorizing users into behaviorally similar groups. Users are categorized based on cognitive measures and sales performance measures. The grouping methodology is then validated based on behavioral data. The CDM method was developed to more accurately determine system requirements for the development of a telecommunications system.