Human Attention in Digital Environments

by Claudia Roda (Editor)

Overview

Digital systems, such as phones, computers and PDAs, place continuous demands on our cognitive and perceptual systems. They offer information and interaction opportunities well above our processing abilities, and often interrupt our activity. Appropriate allocation of attention is one of the key factors determining the success of creative activities, learning, collaboration, and many other human pursuits. This book presents research related to human attention in digital environments. Original contributions by leading researchers cover the conceptual framework of research aimed at modelling and supporting human attentional processes, the theoretical and software tools currently available, and various application areas. The authors explore the idea that attention has a key role to play in the design of future technology and discuss how such technology may continue supporting human activity in environments where multiple devices compete for people's limited cognitive resources.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521765657
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	02/03/2011
Pages:	344
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Claudia Roda is Professor of Computer Science and Global Communication and Director of the Division of Arts and Sciences at the American University of Paris.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction Claudia Roda; Part I. Concepts: 2. Human attention and its implications for HCI Claudia Roda; 3. The management of visual attention in graphic displays Ronald A. Rensink; 4. Cognitive load theory, attentional processes and optimized learning outcomes in a digital environment Renae Low, Putai Jin and John Sweller; 5. Salience sensitive control, temporal attention and stimulus-rich reactive interfaces Howard Bowman, Li Su, Brad Wyble and Phil J. Barnard; Part II. Theoretical and Software Tools: 6. Attention-aware intelligent embodied agents Benoit Morel and Laurent Ach; 7. Tracking of visual attention and adaptive applications Kari-Jouko Räihä, Aulikki Hyrskykari and Päivi Majaranta; 8. Contextualised attention metadata Hans-Christian Schmitz, Martin Wolpers, Uwe Kirschenmann and Katja Niemann; 9. Modelling attention within a complete cognitive architecture Georgi Stojanov and Andrea Kulakov; Part III. Applications: 10. A display with two depth layers: attentional segregation and declutter Frank Kooi; 11. Attention management for self-regulated learning: AtGentSchool Inge Molenaar, Carla van Boxtel, Peter Sleegers and Claudia Roda; 12. Managing attention in the social web: the AtGentNet approach Thierry Nabeth and Nicolas Maisonneuve.

Editorial Reviews

"An illuminating and usually comprehensive contextualisation of attention in the field of computer system design. This book has the potential to change attention researchers’ perspective on what is important in their field."
—Anne Hillstrom, Department of Psychology, University of Portsmouth


"This book offers a timely and well-conceived response to a growing interest in how attention affects computer interaction and the problems this poses for designing systems, making a valuable, well-grounded contribution to this burgeoning area."
—Sharon Wood, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence, University of Sussex


"....This book attempts to bridge the divide between research in cognitive psychology and useful application in human-computer interaction. System designers will find the materials worthwhile.... Many developments are unfolding in applied attention theory, and this collection will stimulate the reader."
—Brad Reid, Computing Reviews Online


"For those developing digital systems, human attention and methods for maximizing human attention are vital. Attention-aware systems are designed to try to overcome attention barriers and increase human attentional processes. Here, editor Roda (American Univ. of Paris, France) has carefully assembled a collection of 12 chapters spanning the fields of human-computer interaction, cognitive psychology, and neuroscience. [...] This volume provides an effective overview of the topic, including its theoretical foundations and design considerations. [...] Summing Up: Highly recommended. *** Graduate students and above."
—D. D. Tritt, University of South Carolina Aiken, Choice


"Computers and interactive systems are everywhere – homes, schools, work … This book offers a broad yet focused overview of the psychological concepts of attention. It further points out the key elements that interactive system design needs. The book captures the reader’s attention throughout, with essays, both technical and theoretical, from psychology and computing experts. It starts by revealing the psychological concepts behind human attention, moving gracefully to software tools and applications that employ human attention research to enhance human attention. [...] Furthermore, internet lovers will be intrigued by the introduction of attention aware systems and how they can be used in practice for exploiting contextualized attention metadata. [...] this book provides a nice, neat and enjoyable journey to the fields of Psychology and Human Computer Interaction, and convinces the reader for the need to focus further on human attention research in relation to interactive systems design. "
—Genovefa Kefalidou, Lancaster University, The Psychologist


"Those of us interested in learning many of the latest developments of how information systems interact with users and how that knowledge can help to communicate more effectively should read this book. [...] Human attention in digital environments meets its goals and exceeds my personal expectations. [...]This book is an excellent primer for the uninitiated. It contains extensive bibliographies and exceptionally well documented theories. [...] Human Attention in Digital Environments is a significant contribution towards advancing an understanding of an important area of study and research."
—Journal of Technology in Human Services

From the Publisher