User:Laurier Rochon/readingnotes/bootstrapping

Thierry Bardin > Inventing the Virtual User > Bootstrapping

• On the subject (interesting, although not exactly objective) : media:Being_Human.pdf

• Bootstrapping: "Bootstrapping or booting refers to a group of metaphors that share a common meaning: a self-sustaining process that proceeds without external help." http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&defl=en&q=define:Bootstrapping&sa=X&ei=ZpDETNSaCIOfOvL6kOUL&ved=0CBIQkAE

• The fourth chapter of this book discusses the invention of the soon-to-be user in the field of HCI (human-computer interaction) and how the choices made at this part of the process has a major impact on the resulting 'innovative' technology.

• "Technological innovators such as Douglas Engelbart also invent the kind of people they expect to use their innovations."

• Interfacing (naive) : how we perceive the computer VS how the computer perceives us

• 3 different models of interfaces - from very pragmatic to adaptive

• The last one : "The interface is that which joins humans and computer, conforming to the needs of each."

• "If the narrative's plot is convincing, the medium becomes transparent". I.e., when a new technology becomes ubiquitous, it is then effective and meaningful.

• Creating metaphors vs creating illusions.

• Designing a 'virtual user' is always hypothetical, and contains a certain amount of risk.

• Engelbart's archetypal user was the computer programmer. He explains this with 9 reasons that can be separated into two subgroups : experimental reasons and fundamental reasons. He assumes that they are both autonomous and creative (sounds a bit strange to me), and can spearhead his "crusade".

• Potential differences between the imagined user and the actual user = uncertainty of development. This is the 'black-boxing' process.

• Many, many, many different tools were tested with different parts of the body in trying to get an optimal 'pointing device'.

• Interesting note : in many cases, the drawbacks of the device for experienced subjects were more important than its advantages.

• Why only 3 buttons? No more room!

• "Front-end things should be universal things...to serve multiple (or all) applications for the user."

• "Engelbart was not interested in accommodating people's existing work practices in his conception of the virtual user."