A User by any Other Name - Looking for shared interpretation of HCI´s most basic agent : Workshop Theoretical perspectives in Human-Computer Interaction , 3rd Septermber 2002, IPLab-KTH
G. R. Davies · 2001
When regarding the concept of the in the context of HCI there appears to be consensus on what a user is. Is this consensus real agreement or is it just apparent? This paper examines the concept of user from four theoretical or abstract perspectives that are used in the field of HCI, in relation to a benchmark definition. This definition derives from analysis of a basic dictionary definition. This manner of comparison was chosen in order to reveal digressions omissions or extensions made by theorists to a basic universally accepted concept of user. The result shows that the concept of a �user�, pervasive as it is, recieves selective interpretation within the perspectives that employ it. Consensus emerges as real at a basic level and apparent at refined levels. From the analytical results some consequences for designers are also discusse