Human Computer Interaction Research in the MIS Discipline

Human Computer Interaction Research in the MIS Discipline HCI Panel, AMCIS 2002 Diane M. Strong Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Q 1: An MIS Perspective on HCI (vs. CS or Psychology) A Task-Technology Fit Perspective • Fitness for use of a technology – the ability of software to support a task – the matching of the capabilities of the technology to the demands of the task • in the context of differing individual abilities

HCI Model

TTF Model

Q 2: HCI in my TTF Research Task –important for understanding fit Dimensions of Fit – different from HCI – organizational fit dimensions

Dimensions of FIT Both: • Production Fit – work tasks performed by individuals • Coordination Fit – communication and coordination (relationship) tasks Tradeoffs among: • Individual Fit – supporting individuals • Organizational Fit – supporting the organization, e. g. , enterprise systems

Q 3: Journal Acceptability Problems with Task focus • Generic tasks, e. g. , decision making or problem-solving, are too general • Specific organizational tasks are difficult to characterize with generalizable parameters, e. g. , complexity • Need a task model

Journal Acceptability Problems Organizational Fit focus • Difficult to Measure • Difficult to obtain significant results for organizational performance due to other factors affecting organizational performance

Q 4: HCI Research as an MIS Discipline Develop a Task Focus • Fit of computer systems to organizational tasks, subject to individual abilities • Develop models of organizational tasks • Example: Software Maintenance – Production tasks: Diagnosis, Planning, Knowledge building, Modification – Coordination tasks: Cooperation, Control

HCI Research as an MIS Discipline Develop an Organizational Focus for FIT • Develop organizational fit dimensions • Examples: – Coordination fit – Interdependence fit (enterprise systems)