Task-Based Modeling of the User Population of a Complex Interactive System Domain

This paper reports an investigation into issues concerning the user population for a complex interactive system domain, namely image processing. A variety of image processing systems are available, attempting to provide broad applicability, but are often complicated to understand and hard to use. One difficulty in producing an image processing system is defining its user population. In the image processing domain, this is a challenge because image processing has a diverse population of users, with great variances in user expertise and expectations.

To better understand the process of classifying users of complex interactive systems, we conducted a study to define the user population of image processing systems, and to determine their common goals and tasks. First, we produced a task-based model of the user population of image processing systems, with levels in the model representing classes of tasks users perform with an image processing system. We then conducted a semi-structured interview and an ordering task to gather data to validate this model. Subjects were a broad variety of image processing users at Virginia Tech. We also had each subject complete a questionnaire to help identify common goals and tasks among image processing users.

Results indicate validity of the model for classifying image processing user populations. Results provide the basis for continued research in a domain that requires highly flexible and adaptable interfaces to functionally complex systems. Further development of the model can provide image processing system developers with requirements for baseline functionality of an image processing system.