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Refereed publications

  345

H. Thimbleby, “Critical Systems,” Wiley Handbook of Human-Computer Interaction, edited by K. Norman, John Wiley & Sons, in press. Bibtex@inbook{HT54,
   title = {Critical Systems},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {in press},
   booktitle = {Wiley Handbook of Human-Computer Interaction},
   editor = {Kent L. Norman},
   publisher = {John Wiley {\&} Sons},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
344

P. Eslambolchilar, G. Niezen and H. Thimbleby, “Open-source Hardware for Medical Devices,” British Medical Journal Innovations, DOI: 10.1136/bmjinnov-2015-000080, in press. AbstractOpen-source hardware is hardware whose design is made publicly available so anyone can study, modify, distribute, make and sell the design or the hardware based on that design. Some open-source hardware projects can potentially be used as active medical devices. The open-source approach offers a unique combination of advantages, including reducing costs and faster innovation. This article compares 10 of open-source healthcare projects in terms of how easy it is to obtain the required components and build the device. Bibtex@article{HT2,
   title = {Open-source Hardware for Medical Devices},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Gerrit Niezen and Parisa Eslambolchilar},
   year = {in press},
   journal = {British Medical Journal Innovations},
   doi = {10.1136/bmjinnov-2015-000080},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
343

H. Thimbleby, “Social network analysis and applications for designing better systems and doing better research,” International Conference on Engineering & MIS 2016, Keynote, Agadir, Morocco, 2016. Bibtex@presentation{HT334,
   title = {Social network analysis and applications for designing better systems and doing better research},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2016},
   booktitle = {International Conference on Engineering {\&} {MIS} 2016},
   aftertitle = {Keynote},
   location = {Agadir, Morocco},
   enclosingSection = {Presentations}
}
342

H. Thimbleby, “Your invitation to fix IT in healthcare,” International Conference on Engineering & MIS 2016, Keynote, Agadir, Morocco, 2016. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT333,
   title = {Your invitation to fix {IT} in healthcare},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2016},
   booktitle = {International Conference on Engineering {\&} {MIS} 2016},
   aftertitle = {Keynote},
   location = {Agadir, Morocco},
   enclosingSection = {Presentations}
}
341

H. Thimbleby, “Creativity, innovation and risk,” ACM CORI (International Conference on Computing Research and Innovations), Keynote, Ibadan, Nigeria, 2016. Bibtex@presentation{HT335,
   title = {Creativity, innovation and risk},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2016},
   booktitle = {ACM CORI (International Conference on Computing Research and Innovations)},
   aftertitle = {Keynote},
   location = {Ibadan, Nigeria},
   enclosingSection = {Presentations}
}
340

P. Masci, H. Thimbleby, H. Tu and C. Vincent, “IWC Special Issue in Human Factors and Interaction Design for Critical Systems,” Interacting with Computers, 28(2), pp.149–150, DOI: 10.1093/iwc/iwv038, 2016. Bibtex@article{HT161,
   title = {{IWC} Special Issue in Human Factors and Interaction Design for Critical Systems},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Huawei Tu and Paolo Masci and Chris Vincent},
   year = {2016},
   pages = {149--150},
   journal = {Interacting with Computers},
   volume = {28},
   doi = {10.1093/iwc/iwv038},
   number = {2},
   enclosingSection = {Invited publications: not refereed}
}
339

H. Thimbleby, “Human Error in Safety-Critical Programming,” Developing Safe Systems, Proceedings of the 24th Safety-Critical Systems Symposium, Keynote, pp.183–202, edited by T. Anderson and M. Parsons, Brighton, UK, Center for Software Reliability, Safety-Critical Systems Club, ISBN 9781519420077, 2016. Bibtex@inproceedings{scsc2016,
   title = {Human Error in Safety-Critical Programming},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2016},
   booktitle = {Developing Safe Systems, Proceedings of the 24th Safety-Critical Systems Symposium},
   aftertitle = {Keynote},
   pages = {183--202},
   isbn = {9781519420077},
   location = {Brighton, UK},
   publisher = {Center for Software Reliability, Safety-Critical Systems Club},
   editor = {Mike Parsons and Tom Anderson},
   enclosingSection = {Invited publications: not refereed}
}
338

H. Thimbleby, “Human Factors and missed solutions to Enigma design weaknesses,” Cryptologia, 40(2), pp.177–202, DOI: 10.1080/01611194.2015.1028680, 2016. Bibtex@article{HT4,
   title = {Human Factors and missed solutions to {Enigma} design weaknesses},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2016},
   pages = {177--202},
   journal = {Cryptologia},
   volume = {40},
   doi = {10.1080/01611194.2015.1028680},
   number = {2},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
337

P. Cairns, G. Niezen, P. Oladimeji, H. Thimbleby, H. Tu and S. Wiseman, “Employing Number-based Graphical Representations to Enhance the Effects of Visual Check on Entry Error,” Interacting with Computers, 28(2), pp.194–207, DOI: 10.1093/iwc/iwv020, 2016. Bibtex@article{huawei-iwc,
   title = {Employing Number-based Graphical Representations to Enhance the Effects of Visual Check on Entry Error},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Huawei Tu and Patrick Oladimeji and Sarah Wiseman and Paul Cairns and Gerrit Niezen},
   year = {2016},
   pages = {194--207},
   journal = {Interacting with Computers},
   volume = {28},
   doi = {10.1093/iwc/iwv020},
   number = {2},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
336

P. Curzon, P. Masci, P. Oladimeji and H. Thimbleby, “Issues in number entry user interface styles: Recommendations for mitigation,” Proceedings 5th EAI International Conference on Wireless Mobile Communication and Healthcare, London, DOI: 10.4108/eai.14-10-2015.2261763, 2015. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT75,
   title = {Issues in number entry user interface styles: Recommendations for mitigation},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Patrick Oladimeji and Paolo Masci and Paul Curzon},
   year = {2015},
   booktitle = {Proceedings 5th EAI International Conference on Wireless Mobile Communication and Healthcare},
   doi = {10.4108/eai.14-10-2015.2261763},
   location = {London},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
335

Y. Li, P. Oladimeji and H. Thimbleby, “Exploring the Effect of Pre-operational Priming Intervention on Number Entry Errors,” Proceedings ACM Conference on Computer-Human Interaction — CHI 2015, pp.1335–1344, Seoul, Republic of Korea, ACM, 2015. Bibtex@inproceedings{priming-chi,
   title = {Exploring the Effect of Pre-operational Priming Intervention on Number Entry Errors},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Yunqui Li and Patrick Oladimeji},
   year = {2015},
   booktitle = {Proceedings ACM Conference on Computer-Human Interaction --- CHI 2015},
   pages = {1335--1344},
   location = {Seoul, Republic of Korea},
   publisher = {ACM},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
334

P. Curzon, P. Masci and H. Thimbleby, “Early identification of software causes of use-related hazards in medical devices,” Proceedings 5th EAI International Conference on Wireless Mobile Communication and Healthcare, London, 2015. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT74,
   title = {Early identification of software causes of use-related hazards in medical devices},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Paolo Masci and Paul Curzon},
   year = {2015},
   booktitle = {Proceedings 5th EAI International Conference on Wireless Mobile Communication and Healthcare},
   location = {London},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
333

A. Blandford, A. Cox, P. Curzon, H. Thimbleby and H. Thimbleby, “Safer Interactive Medical Device Design: Insights from the CHI+MED Project,” Proceedings 5th EAI International Conference on Wireless Mobile Communication and Healthcare, London, 2015. Bibtex@inproceedings{pvsioweb-b,
   title = {Safer Interactive Medical Device Design: Insights from the CHI+MED Project},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Paul Curzon and Ann Blandford and Harold Thimbleby and Anna Cox},
   year = {2015},
   booktitle = {Proceedings 5th EAI International Conference on Wireless Mobile Communication and Healthcare},
   location = {London},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
332

P. Curzon, P. Mallozzi, P. Masci, P. Oladimeji and H. Thimbleby, “PVSio-web: Mathematically based tool support for the design of interactive and interoperable medical systems,” Proceedings 5th EAI International Conference on Wireless Mobile Communication and Healthcare, London, 2015. Bibtex@inproceedings{pvsioweb-a,
   title = {PVSio-web: Mathematically based tool support for the design of interactive and interoperable medical systems},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Paolo Masci and Patrick Oladimeji and Piergiuseppe Mallozzi and Paul Curzon},
   year = {2015},
   booktitle = {Proceedings 5th EAI International Conference on Wireless Mobile Communication and Healthcare},
   location = {London},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
331

P. Curzon, P. Jones, P. Masci, P. Oladimeji, H. Thimbleby and Y. Zhang, “PVSio-web 2.0: Joining PVS to HCI,” Proceedings 27th International Conference on Computer Aided Verification, CAV 2015, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 9206, pp.470–478, edited by D. Kroening and C. Puasuareanu, San Francisco, California, Springer Verlag, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-21690-4_30, 2015. Website AbstractPVSio-web is a graphical environment for facilitating interactive (human-computer) systems. Using PVSio-web, one can generate and evaluate realistic interactive prototypes from formal models. PVSio-web has been successfully used over the last two years for analyzing commercial, safety-critical medical devices, and has been used to create training material for device developers and device users. It has also been used for medical device design, by both formal methods experts and non-technical end users (including doctors and nurses).
          This paper presents the latest release of the tool, PVSio-web 2.0, which will be part of the next PVS distribution. The new tool architecture is discussed, and the rationale behind its design choices are presented. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT76,
   title = {PVSio-web 2.0: Joining PVS to HCI},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Paolo Masci and Patrick Oladimeji and Yi Zhang and Paul Jones and Paul Curzon},
   year = {2015},
   booktitle = {Proceedings 27th International Conference on Computer Aided Verification, CAV 2015},
   pages = {470--478},
   url = {http://www.pvsioweb.org},
   volume = {9206},
   doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-21690-4_30},
   series = {Lecture Notes in Computer Science},
   location = {San Francisco, California},
   publisher = {Springer Verlag},
   editor = {Daniel Kroening and Corina S. P{\u{a}}s{\u{a}}reanu},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
330

X. Bi, A. Howes, P. Kristensson, R. Murray-Smith, A. Oulasvirta, H. Thimbleby, J. Williamson and S. Zhai, “Principles, Techniques and Perspectives on Optimization and HCI,” Proceedings ACM Conference on Computer-Human Interaction — CHI 2015, CHI EA’15, pp.2441–2444, Seoul, Republic of Korea, ACM, ISBN 978–1–4503–3146–3, DOI: 10.1145/2702613.2702662, 2015. Website Bibtex@inproceedings{Kristensson-chi,
   title = {Principles, Techniques and Perspectives on Optimization and HCI},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Per Ola Kristensson and Xiaojun Bi and Andrew Howes and Antti Oulasvirta and Roderick Murray-Smith and John Williamson and Shumin Zhai},
   year = {2015},
   booktitle = {Proceedings ACM Conference on Computer-Human Interaction --- CHI 2015},
   pages = {2441--2444},
   isbn = {978--1--4503--3146--3},
   url = {http://doi.acm.org/10.1145/2702613.2702662},
   doi = {10.1145/2702613.2702662},
   series = {CHI EA'15},
   location = {Seoul, Republic of Korea},
   numpages = {4},
   acmid = {2702662},
   publisher = {ACM},
   address = {New York, NY, USA},
   keywords = {inference, machine learning, modeling, optimization},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
329

H. Thimbleby and A. Wu, “Safety Hazards in Clinical Calculators and Apps,” Poster, 2015 USENIX Summit on Information Technologies for Health, HealthTech, Washington, DC, USA, 2015. Bibtex@unpublished{wu-washington,
   title = {Safety Hazards in Clinical Calculators and Apps},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Albert Wu},
   year = {2015},
   booktitle = {2015 USENIX Summit on Information Technologies for Health, HealthTech},
   location = {Washington, DC, USA},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
328

P. Oladimeji and H. Thimbleby, “Open Metrics for Evaluating and Designing Safer Interactive Health Systems: A Case Study in Procuring Infusion Pumps,” Poster, 2015 USENIX Summit on Information Technologies for Health, HealthTech, Washington, DC, USA, 2015. Bibtex@unpublished{metrics-poster,
   title = {Open Metrics for Evaluating and Designing Safer Interactive Health Systems: A Case Study in Procuring Infusion Pumps},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Patrick Oladimeji},
   year = {2015},
   booktitle = {2015 USENIX Summit on Information Technologies for Health, HealthTech},
   location = {Washington, DC, USA},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
327

A. Darlington, J. Halcox, S. Lindsay, K. Li, J. Rance, M. Seager and H. Thimbleby, “Exploring Design Principles for Hypertension Mobile Interventions,” Poster, 2015 USENIX Summit on Information Technologies for Health, HealthTech, Washington, DC, USA, 2015. Bibtex@unpublished{HT154,
   title = {Exploring Design Principles for Hypertension Mobile Interventions},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Karen Yunqiu Li}} and Stephen Lindsay and Matthew Seager and Alyson Darlington and Julian Halcox and Jaynie Rance},
   year = {2015},
   booktitle = {2015 USENIX Summit on Information Technologies for Health, HealthTech},
   location = {Washington, DC, USA},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
326

A. Cauchi, P. Curzon, A. Gimblett, Y. Li, P. Masci, P. Oladimeji, R. Ruksenas and H. Thimbleby, “The Benefits of Formalising Design Guidelines: A Case Study on the Predictability of Drug Infusion Pumps,” Innovations in Systems and Software Engineering, 11(2), pp.73–93, DOI: 10.1007/s11334-013-0200-4, 2015. AbstractA demonstration is presented of how automated reasoning tools can be used to check the predictability of a user interface. Predictability concerns the ability of a user to determine the outcomes of their actions reliably. It is especially important in situations such as a hospital ward where medical devices are assumed to be reliable devices by their expert users (clinicians) who are frequently interrupted and need to quickly and accurately continue a task. There are several forms of predictability. A definition is considered where information is only inferred from the current perceptible output of the system. In this definition, the user is not required to remember the history of actions that led to the current state. Higher-order logic is used to specify predictability, and the Symbolic Analysis Laboratory (SAL) is used to automatically verify predictability on real interactive number entry systems of two commercial drug infusion pumps — devices used in the healthcare domain to deliver fluids (e.g., medications, nutrients) into a patient’s body in controlled amounts. Areas of unpredictability are precisely identified with the analysis. Verified solutions that make an unpredictable system predictable are presented through design modifications and verified user strategies that mitigate against the identified issues. PDF Bibtex@article{abi-predict,
   title = {The Benefits of Formalising Design Guidelines: {A} Case Study on the Predictability of Drug Infusion Pumps},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Paolo Masci and Rimvydas {Ruk\v{s}\.{e}nas} and Patrick Oladimeji and Abigail Cauchi and Andy Gimblett and Yunqiu Li and Paul Curzon},
   year = {2015},
   pages = {73--93},
   journal = {Innovations in Systems and Software Engineering},
   volume = {11},
   doi = {10.1007/s11334-013-0200-4},
   number = {2},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
325

A. Lewis, H. Thimbleby and J. Williams, “Making Healthcare Safer by Understanding, Designing and Buying Better IT,” Clinical Medicine, 15(3), pp.258–262, DOI: 10.7861/clinmedicine.15-3-258, 2015. Bibtex@article{clinmed,
   title = {Making Healthcare Safer by Understanding, Designing and Buying Better {IT}},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Alexis Lewis and John Williams},
   year = {2015},
   pages = {258--262},
   journal = {Clinical Medicine},
   volume = {15},
   doi = {10.7861/clinmedicine.15-3-258},
   number = {3},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
324

P. Cairns, P. Oladimeji and H. Thimbleby, “Unreliable numbers: Error and harm induced by bad design can be reduced by better design,” Journal Royal Society Interface, 12(110), p.20150685, DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2015.0685, 2015. AbstractNumber entry is an ubiquitous activity, and is often performed in safety and mission critical procedures, in healthcare, science, finance, aviation and in many other areas.
          We show that Monte Carlo methods can quickly and easily compare the reliability of different number entry systems. A surprising finding is that many common, widely-used systems are defective, and induce unnecessary error.
          We show that Monte Carlo methods enable designers to explore the implications of normal and unexpected operator behaviour, and to design systems to be more resilient to use error.
          We demonstrate novel designs with improved resilience, implying that the common problems identified and the errors they induce are avoidable. Bibtex@article{rsnew,
   title = {Unreliable numbers: Error and harm induced by bad design can be reduced by better design},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Paul Cairns and Patrick Oladimeji},
   year = {2015},
   pages = {20150685},
   journal = {Journal Royal Society Interface},
   volume = {12},
   doi = {10.1098/rsif.2015.0685},
   number = {110},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
323

H. Thimbleby, “Safer User Interfaces: A Case Study in Improving Number Entry,” IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering, 41(7), pp.711–729, DOI: 10.1109/TSE.2014.2383396, 2015. Bibtex@article{ieeetse,
   title = {Safer User Interfaces: A Case Study in Improving Number Entry},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2015},
   pages = {711--729},
   journal = {IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering},
   volume = {41},
   doi = {10.1109/TSE.2014.2383396},
   number = {7},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
322

J. Hoogewerf, P. Rastall, H. Thimbleby, J. Williams, D. Wooldridge and J. Wyatt, “What makes a good clinical app? Introducing the RCP Health Informatics Unit Checklist,” Clinical Medicine, 15(6), pp.519–521, 2015. Bibtex@article{HT3,
   title = {What makes a good clinical app? Introducing the {RCP} {Health Informatics Unit} Checklist},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Jeremy C. Wyatt and Paul Rastall and Jan Hoogewerf and Darren Wooldridge and John Williams},
   year = {2015},
   pages = {519--521},
   journal = {Clinical Medicine},
   volume = {15},
   number = {6},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
321

P. Curzon, P. Jones, P. Masci, H. Thimbleby and Y. Zhang, “A Generic User Interface Architecture for Analyzing Use Hazards in Infusion Pump Software,” 5th Workshop on Medical Cyber-Physical Systems, OpenAccess Series in Informatics (OASIcs), 36, pp.1–14, edited by M. Kwiatkowska, R. Mangharam, V. Turau and C. Weyer, Schloss Dagstuhl–Leibniz–Zentrum für Informatik, ISBN 978-3-939897-66-8, DOI: 10.4230/OASIcs.MCPS.2014.1, 2014. Website AbstractThis paper presents a generic infusion pump user interface (GIP-UI) architecture that intends to capture the common characteristics and functionalities of interactive software incorporated in broad classes of infusion pumps. It is designed to facilitate the identification of use hazards and their causes in infusion pump designs. This architecture constitutes our first effort at establishing a model-based risk analysis methodology that helps manufacturers identify and mitigate use hazards in their products at early stages of the development life-cycle. The applicability of the GIP-UI architecture has been confirmed in a hazard analysis focusing on the number entry software of existing infusion pumps, in which the GIP-UI architecture is used to identify a substantial set of user interface design errors that may contribute to use hazards found in infusion pump incidents. Bibtex@inproceedings{masci:OASIcs:2014:4518,
   title = {A Generic User Interface Architecture for Analyzing Use Hazards in Infusion Pump Software},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Paolo Masci and Yi Zhang and Paul Jones and Paul Curzon},
   year = {2014},
   booktitle = {5th Workshop on Medical Cyber-Physical Systems},
   pages = {1--14},
   isbn = {978-3-939897-66-8},
   url = {http://drops.dagstuhl.de/opus/volltexte/2014/4518},
   volume = {36},
   doi = {10.4230/OASIcs.MCPS.2014.1},
   series = {OpenAccess Series in Informatics (OASIcs)},
   issn = {2190-6807},
   editor = {Volker Turau and Marta Kwiatkowska and Rahul Mangharam and Christoph Weyer},
   publisher = {Schloss Dagstuhl--Leibniz--Zentrum f{\"u}r Informatik},
   address = {Dagstuhl, Germany},
   urn = {urn:nbn:de:0030-drops-45185},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
320

A. Cauchi, G. Niezen, P. Oladimeji and H. Thimbleby, “Triangulating Empirical and Analytic Techniques for Improving Number Entry User Interfaces,” EICS204, 6th ACM SIGCHI Symposium on Engineering Interactive Computing Systems, pp.243–252, Rome, Italy, ACM, ISBN 978–1–4503–2725–1, DOI: 10.1145/2607023.2607025, 2014. Website AbstractEmpirical methods and analytic methods have been used independently to analyse and improve number entry system designs. This paper identifies key differences in exploring number entry errors combining laboratory studies and analytic methods and discusses the implications of triangulating methods to more thoroughly analyse safety critical design. Additionally, a previously presented analytic method used to analyse number entry interfaces is generalised to analyse more types of number entry systems.
          This paper takes number entry to mean interactively entering a numeric value, as opposed to entering a numeric identifier such as a phone number or ISBN. Many applications of number entry are safety critical, and this paper is particularly motivated by user interfaces in healthcare, for instance for specifying drug dosage. Bibtex@inproceedings{tri-eics,
   title = {Triangulating Empirical and Analytic Techniques for Improving Number Entry User Interfaces},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Abigail Cauchi and Patrick Oladimeji and Gerrit Niezen},
   year = {2014},
   booktitle = {EICS204, 6th ACM SIGCHI Symposium on Engineering Interactive Computing Systems},
   pages = {243--252},
   isbn = {978--1--4503--2725--1},
   url = {http://doi.acm.org/10.1145/2607023.2607025},
   doi = {10.1145/2607023.2607025},
   location = {Rome, Italy},
   acmid = {2607025},
   publisher = {ACM},
   address = {New York, NY, USA},
   keywords = {differential formal analysis, empirical trials, medical devices, number entry},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
319

P. Curzon, P. Masci, P. Oladimeji and H. Thimbleby, “Tool demo: Using PVSio-web to demonstrate software issues in medical user interfaces,” 4th International Symposium on Foundations of Healthcare Information Engineering and Systems (FHIES2014), Washington DC, USA, 2014. AbstractWe have used formal methods technology to investigate software design issues that may cause use error in medical devices. Our analysis approach is based on mathematical models that capture safety concerns related to the use of the device. We analysed 9 commercial medical devices from six different manufacturers with our approach, and identified 30 software design issues precisely. All identified issues can cause use errors that could lead to severe clinical consequences. In this demo paper, we use our tool PVSio-web to demonstrate the identified issues. PVSio-web allows us to generate realistic user interface prototypes from the same mathematical models used for analysis. Users can explore the behaviour of the prototypes by pressing buttons on a realistic user interface that reproduces the functionalities and visual aspect of the real device, and watching the device behaviour resulting from the interaction. Specific input key sequences identified with our analysis can be used to explore and demonstrate the identified issues. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT77,
   title = {Tool demo: Using PVSio-web to demonstrate software issues in medical user interfaces},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and P. Masci and P. Oladimeji and P. Curzon},
   year = {2014},
   booktitle = {4th International Symposium on Foundations of Healthcare Information Engineering and Systems (FHIES2014)},
   location = {Washington DC, USA},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
318

A. Chamberlain, M. Davies, P. Lee and H. Thimbleby, “Managing Gravity Infusion using a Mobile Application,” Proceedings BCS Conference on HCI, pp.299–304, 2014. AbstractGravity infusion, also known as “the drip,” is a common and basic method for delivering fluids to a patient, without the use of any complex medical devices, such as an infusion pump or a syringe driver. Nevertheless there are many quite complex and error-prone steps involved in setting up a gravity infusion for the correct dose, and since there is no computer or similar technology involved to assist with the procedure, it can be difficult to guarantee the accuracy and consistency of the fluid delivery.
          This paper presents a new method for accurately setting gravity infusion drug delivery, based on a handheld mobile application that includes a novel approach to help estimate flow rate and double-check the steps involved in setting it up. We demonstrate how simple visual interfaces can play an important role in the healthcare setting, and we explain safety features that have been implemented to catch common errors and slips that can occur. Bibtex@inproceedings{gravity-bcs,
   title = {Managing Gravity Infusion using a Mobile Application},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Mark Davies and Paul Lee and Alan Chamberlain},
   year = {2014},
   booktitle = {Proceedings BCS Conference on HCI},
   pages = {299--304},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
317

Y. Li, P. Oladimeji, H. Thimbleby, H. Tu and C. Vincent, “The Effects of Number-related Factors on Entry Performance,” Proceedings BCS Conference on HCI, pp.246–251, DOI: 10.14236/ewic/hci2014.31, 2014. AbstractNumber entry is ubiquitous in user interface (UI) design, and in many applications — such as finance, aviation, healthcare — here, mitigating errors is critical. This paper examines the effects of factors such as the type of number (e.g., integer or decimal), number length (i.e., short or long) and display position (i.e., near or far) on entry errors. Until now, these factors have not been explored together. Using a touch-based numeric keypad, we found that number length influenced the probability of committing errors, while the position of presentation did not. Number type impacted user-corrected errors but not uncorrected errors. Number length, number type and display position affected input timings. The findings provide implications for the design of both number representations (e.g., decimal point appearance) and the sociotechnical systems that surround them (e.g., training practice). Bibtex@inproceedings{tu-bcs,
   title = {The Effects of Number-related Factors on Entry Performance},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Huawei Tu and Patrick Oladimeji and Yunqiu Li and Chris Vincent},
   year = {2014},
   booktitle = {Proceedings BCS Conference on HCI},
   pages = {246--251},
   doi = {10.14236/ewic/hci2014.31},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
316

P. Curzon, E. D’Urso, P. Masci, P. Oladimeji, R. Ruksenas and H. Thimbleby, “Human-Computer Interaction and the Formal Certification and Assurance of Medical Devices: The CHI+MED Project,” VeriSure: Verification and Assurance, Vienna, 2014. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT78,
   title = {Human-Computer Interaction and the Formal Certification and Assurance of Medical Devices: The {CHI+MED} Project},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Paul Curzon and Paolo Masci and Patrick Oladimeji and Rimvydas {Ruk\v{s}\.{e}nas} and Enrico {D'Urso}},
   year = {2014},
   booktitle = {VeriSure: Verification and Assurance},
   location = {Vienna},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
315

A. Aggarwal, G. Niezen and H. Thimbleby, “User Experience Evaluation Through the Brain’s Electrical Activity,” Proceedings of the 8th Nordic Conference on Human-Computer Interaction: Fun, Fast, Foundational, ACM NordiCHI’14, pp.491–500, Helsinki, Finland, ACM, ISBN 978–1–4503–2542–4, DOI: 10.1145/2639189.2639236, 2014. Website AbstractA novel system for measuring the user experience of any user interface by measuring the feedback directly from the brain through Electroencephalography (EEG) is described. We developed an application that records data for different emotions of the user while using any interface and visualises the data for any interval during the task, as well as presenting various statistics and insight about the data. The application also provides the points of mouse movement on any interface as different coloured dots, where the colour represents the mental load at those points. This makes it easier to identify the user experience based on emotions at exact points on the user interface.
          In experiments, the brain activity of participants was recorded while they performed tasks on both a well-designed and poorly designed user interface. Screen and mouse cursor position were recorded, along with the values of several facial expressions and emotions extracted from the EEG. Users were interviewed after the study to share their experiences. For each study session analysis was done by comparing EEG, screen recording and interview data. Results showed that frustration, furrow and excitement values reflect user experience. Bibtex@inproceedings{akshay-nordichi,
   title = {User Experience Evaluation Through the Brain's Electrical Activity},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Akshay Aggarwal and Gerrit Niezen},
   year = {2014},
   booktitle = {Proceedings of the 8th Nordic Conference on Human-Computer Interaction: Fun, Fast, Foundational},
   pages = {491--500},
   isbn = {978--1--4503--2542--4},
   url = {http://doi.acm.org/10.1145/2639189.2639236},
   doi = {10.1145/2639189.2639236},
   series = {ACM NordiCHI'14},
   location = {Helsinki, Finland},
   publisher = {ACM},
   address = {New York, NY, USA},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
314

C. Bernardeschi, P. Curzon, E. D’Urso, P. Jones, P. Masci, P. Oladimeji, H. Thimbleby and Y. Zhang, “Combining PVSio with Stateflow,” Proceedings of the NASA Formal Methods 6th International Symposium, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 8430, pp.209–214, edited by J. Badger and K. Rozier, Houston, USA, Springer Verlag, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-06200-6, 2014. AbstractAn approach is presented to integrate PVS executable specifications and Stateflow models. It uses web services to enable a seamless exchange of simulation events and data between PVSio and Stateflow. The approach’s effectiveness is demonstrated on a medical device prototype. The prototype’s user interface is a PVS specification with its software controller implemented in Stateflow. Using the web services approach, a simulation is run over the prototype, during which simulation data produced in PVSio and Stateflow are exchanged properly and smoothly. Such integration allows the wide range of applications developed in Stateflow to be complemented with the rigor of PVS verification. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{pvs-stateflow,
   title = {Combining {PVSio} with {Stateflow}},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Paolo Masci and Yi Zhang and Patrick Oladimeji and Enrico D'Urso and Paul Jones and Paul Curzon and Cinzia Bernardeschi},
   year = {2014},
   booktitle = {Proceedings of the {NASA} Formal Methods 6th International Symposium},
   pages = {209--214},
   volume = {8430},
   doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-06200-6},
   series = {Lecture Notes in Computer Science},
   location = {Houston, USA},
   editor = {Julia M. Badger and Kristin Yvonne Rozier},
   publisher = {Springer Verlag},
   address = {Berlin, Germany},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
313

. Herskovic and H. Thimbleby, “SYSFA Framework for Systematic Yet Flexible Analysis,” Better EHR: Usability, workflow & cognitive support in electronic health records, pp.57–88, edited by M. Walji and J. Zhang, National Center for Cognitive Informatics and Decision Making in Healthcare (NCCD), ISBN 978-0692-26296-2, 2014. Bibtex@inbook{HT55,
   title = {{SYSFA} Framework for Systematic Yet Flexible Analysis},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and \main{T. R. Johnson}, E. Markowitz, E. M. V. Bernstam, J. R. Herskovic},
   year = {2014},
   booktitle = {Better {EHR}: Usability, workflow {\&} cognitive support in electronic health records},
   pages = {57--88},
   isbn = {978-0692-26296-2},
   editor = {J. Zhang and M. Walji},
   publisher = {National Center for Cognitive Informatics and Decision Making in Healthcare ({NCCD})},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
312

P. Curzon, P. Jones, P. Masci, H. Thimbleby and Y. Zhang, “Formal Verification of Medical Device User Interfaces using PVS,” Proceedings 17th International Conference on Fundamental Approaches to Software Engineering — FASE, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 8411, pp.200–214, Grenoble, France, Springer-Verlag, ISBN 978-3-642-54803-1, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-54804-8_14, 2014. AbstractWe present a formal verification approach for detecting design issues related to user interaction, with a focus on user interface of medical devices. The approach makes a novel use of configuration diagrams proposed by Rushby to formally verify important human factors properties of user interface implementation. In particular, it first translates the software implementation of user interface into an equivalent formal specification, from which a behavioral model is constructed using theorem proving; human factors properties are then verified against the behavioral model; lastly, a comprehensive set of test inputs are produced by exploring the behavioral model, which can be used to challenge the real interface implementation and to ensure that the issues detected in the behavior model do apply to the implementation.
          We have prototyped the approach based on the PVS proof system, and applied it to analyze the user interface of a real medical device. The analysis detected several interaction design issues in the device, which may potentially lead to severe consequences. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{fase,
   title = {Formal Verification of Medical Device User Interfaces using {PVS}},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Paolo Masci and Yi Zhang and Paul Jones and Paul Curzon},
   year = {2014},
   booktitle = {Proceedings 17th International Conference on Fundamental Approaches to Software Engineering --- FASE},
   pages = {200--214},
   isbn = {978-3-642-54803-1},
   volume = {8411},
   doi = {10.1007/978-3-642-54804-8_14},
   series = {Lecture Notes in Computer Science},
   editors = {S. Gnesi and A. Rensink},
   publisher = {Springer-Verlag},
   address = {Berlin, Heidelberg},
   location = {Grenoble, France},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
311

C. Acharya, A. Lewis, V. Manchaiah and H. Thimbleby, “Hearing Aid Battery Ingestion: Medical Error or Poor Design?” BAA Magazine, British Academy of Audiology, (31), pp.27–28, 2014. PDF Bibtex@article{HT7,
   title = {Hearing Aid Battery Ingestion: Medical Error or Poor Design?},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Chitra Acharya}} and Vinaya K. C. Manchaiah and Alexis Lewis},
   year = {2014},
   pages = {27--28},
   journal = {BAA Magazine, British Academy of Audiology},
   number = {31},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
310

K. Li and H. Thimbleby, “Hot Cheese: A Processed Swiss Cheese Model,” Journal of the Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh, 44(2), pp.116–21, DOI: 10.4997/JRCPE.2014.205, 2014. AbstractJames Reason’s classic Swiss cheese model is a vivid and memorable way to visualise how patient harm happens only when all system defences fail. Although Reason’s model has been criticised for its simplicity and static portrait of complex systems, its use has been growing, largely because of the direct clarity of its simple and memorable metaphor. A more general, more flexible and equally memorable model of accident causation in complex systems is needed. We present the hot cheese model, which is more realistic, particularly in portraying defence layers as dynamic and active — more defences may cause more hazards. The hot cheese model, being more flexible, encourages deeper discussion of incidents than the simpler Swiss cheese model permits. PDF Bibtex@article{HT5,
   title = {Hot Cheese: {A} Processed {Swiss} Cheese Model},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and K. Li},
   year = {2014},
   pages = {116--21},
   journal = {Journal of the Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh},
   volume = {44},
   doi = {10.4997/JRCPE.2014.205},
   number = {2},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
309

H. Thimbleby, “Safety versus Security in Healthcare IT,” Addressing Systems Safety Challenges, Proceedings of the 22nd Safety-Critical Systems Symposium, Keynote, pp.133–146, edited by T. Anderson and C. Dale, Brighton, UK, Safety-Critical Systems Club, ISBN 978–1–4912–6364–8, 2014. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{scsc,
   title = {Safety versus Security in Healthcare {IT}},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2014},
   booktitle = {Addressing Systems Safety Challenges, Proceedings of the 22nd Safety-Critical Systems Symposium},
   aftertitle = {Keynote},
   pages = {133--146},
   isbn = {978--1--4912--6364--8},
   location = {Brighton, UK},
   publisher = {Safety-Critical Systems Club},
   editor = {Chris Dale and Tom Anderson},
   enclosingSection = {Invited publications: not refereed}
}
308

H. Thimbleby, “Processing Storage and Display of Physiological Measurements,” Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, 15(7), pp.340–343, DOI: 10.1016/j.mpaic.2014.04.021, 2014. AbstractCore issues in physiological measurement are explained using temperature and thermistors as running examples. Modern issues in display, such as adequate resolution and patient identification, are also covered for correct interpretation of physiological data. Bibtex@article{HT6,
   title = {Processing Storage and Display of Physiological Measurements},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2014},
   pages = {340--343},
   journal = {Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine},
   volume = {15},
   doi = {10.1016/j.mpaic.2014.04.021},
   number = {7},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
307

Y. Li and H. Thimbleby, “ViM: Vital Signs in Music,” Proceedings IEEE International Conference on Healthcare Informatics — ICHI 2013, p.480, Philadelphia, USA, IEEE, DOI: 10.1109/ICHI.2013.68, 2013. AbstractThe effectiveness of telehealth and mHealth technologies in long-term wellbeing management relies on their acceptability with users. Factors such as low self-efficacy and poor peer support are frequently noted barriers that inhibit users from taking an active part in self-management. Here we report a work-in-progress research project, Vital signs in Music (ViM), using automatically-generated short music pieces from vital sign readings as an additional personalised data format to encourage sharing and to help establish peer support amongst users. Bibtex@inproceedings{vim-ichi,
   title = {{ViM}: Vital Signs in Music},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Yunqui Li},
   year = {2013},
   booktitle = {Proceedings {IEEE} International Conference on Healthcare Informatics --- {ICHI} 2013},
   pages = {480},
   doi = {10.1109/ICHI.2013.68},
   location = {Philadelphia, USA},
   publisher = {IEEE},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
306

H. Thimbleby and D. Williams, “Using Nomograms to Reduce Harm from Clinical Calculations,” Proceedings IEEE International Conference on Healthcare Informatics — ICHI 2013, pp.461–470, Philadelphia, USA, IEEE, DOI: 10.1109/ICHI.2013.62, 2013. Website AbstractHandheld calculators and computer spreadsheets are ubiquitous and taken for granted. However in hospitals, errors in routine calculations frequently occur — for instance after making an unnoticed typing slip, such as omitting a decimal point in a drug dose calculation — and can result in patient harm. This paper is concerned with dependable calculation, and examines user tasks and technologies for safer calculations in the clinical environment. We demonstrate significant differences in complexity, speed and accuracy between alternative methods of performing calculations.
          The recent raised awareness of latent coding errors in applications designed to perfom medical dosage calculations has resulted in the introduction of national regulations that require all medical apps to meet similar standards of safety and reliability as other items of medical equipment. This paper provides evidence that general purpose calculators are also unnecessarily hazardous in the clinical environment, and should be subject to similar regulation. This paper contributes to the current debate about the use of computer systems to improve healthcare, and argues that “the latest IT” does not automatically confer benefit: its effectiveness should be empirically evaluated like any other medical intervention.
          The combination of simple reliable low technology graphical calculation aids and high technology computers with touch screen interfaces offers potential for improvement in patient safety; however further development and stringent evaluation are required before deployment in safety critical environments. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{nomo-ichi,
   title = {Using Nomograms to Reduce Harm from Clinical Calculations},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and David Williams},
   year = {2013},
   booktitle = {Proceedings {IEEE} International Conference on Healthcare Informatics --- {ICHI} 2013},
   pages = {461--470},
   url = {http://www.harold.thimbleby.net/cv/files/nomoposter.pdf},
   doi = {10.1109/ICHI.2013.62},
   location = {Philadelphia, USA},
   publisher = {IEEE},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
305

A. Cauchi, M. Harrison, P. Oladimeji and H. Thimbleby, “Using Medical Device Logs for Improving Medical Device Design,” Proceedings IEEE International Conference on Healthcare Informatics — ICHI 2013, pp.56–65, Philadelphia, IEEE, DOI: 10.1109/ICHI.2013.14, 2013. AbstractUser interfaces that employ the same display and buttons may look the same but can work very differently depending on exactly how they are implemented. In healthcare, it is critical that interfaces that look the same are the same. Hospitals typically have many types of visually similar infusion pumps, but with different software versions and variation between pump behavior, and this may lead to unexpected adverse events. For example, when entering drug doses into infusion pumps different results may arise when pushing identical sequences of buttons. These differences arise as a result of subtle implementation differences and may lead to large errors users do not notice. Bibtex@inproceedings{logs-ichi,
   title = {Using Medical Device Logs for Improving Medical Device Design},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Abigail Cauchi and Michael Harrison and Patrick Oladimeji},
   year = {2013},
   booktitle = {Proceedings {IEEE} International Conference on Healthcare Informatics --- {ICHI} 2013},
   pages = {56--65},
   doi = {10.1109/ICHI.2013.14},
   location = {Philadelphia},
   publisher = {IEEE},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
304

A. Ayoub, P. Curzon, M. Harrison, I. Lee, P. Masci and H. Thimbleby, “Verification of Interactive Software for Medical Devices: PCA Infusion Pumps and FDA Regulation as an Example,” EICS2013, 5th ACM SIGCHI Symposium on Engineering Interactive Computing Systems, pp.81–90, London, ACM, DOI: 10.1145/2494603.2480302, 2013. AbstractMedical device regulators such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) aim to make sure that medical devices are reasonably safe before entering the market. To expedite the approval process and make it more uniform and rigorous, regulators are considering the development of reference models that encapsulate safety requirements against which software incorporated in to medical devices must be verified. Safety, insofar as it relates to interactive systems and its regulation, is generally a neglected topic, particularly in the context of medical systems. An example is presented here that illustrates how the interactive behaviour of a commercial Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) infusion pump can be verified against a reference model. Infusion pumps are medical devices used in healthcare to deliver drugs to patients, and PCA pumps are particular infusion pump devices that are often used to provide pain relief to patients on demand. The reference model encapsulates the Generic PCA safety requirements provided by the FDA, and the verification is performed using a refinement approach. The contribution of this work is that it demonstrates a concise and semantically unambiguous approach to representing what a regulator’s requirements for a particular interactive device might be, in this case focusing on user-interface requirements. It provides an inspectable and repeatable process for demonstrating that the requirements are satisfied. It has the potential to replace the considerable documentation produced at the moment by a succinct document that can be subjected to careful and systematic analysis. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{pca-verification,
   title = {Verification of Interactive Software for Medical Devices: {PCA} Infusion Pumps and {FDA} Regulation as an Example},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Paolo Masci and Anaheed Ayoub and Paul Curzon and Michael D. Harrison and Insup Lee},
   year = {2013},
   booktitle = {EICS2013, 5th ACM SIGCHI Symposium on Engineering Interactive Computing Systems},
   note = {eics2013},
   pages = {81--90},
   doi = {10.1145/2494603.2480302},
   publisher = {ACM},
   location = {London},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
303

A. Cauchi, J. Di, S. Ding, Z. Dong, A. Lewis, K. Li, E. Liu, P. Masci, L. Qin, S. Sun, H. Thimbleby, C. Vincent, J. Wang, M. Weich-Brady and S. Xing, “MediCHI: Safer Interaction in Medical Devices,” Proceedings ACM Conference on Computer-Human Interaction — CHI 2013, pp.3267–3270, Paris, France, ACM, ISBN 978-1-4503-1952-2, DOI: 10.1145/2468356.2479663, 2013. AbstractMedical devices embedded with computer systems have been widely adopted in many healthcare situations with the intention to deliver accurate and effective medication. However, due to the nature of medical devices, usability issues and the complexity of their context of use, designing and evaluating interactive medical devices from a human error management perspective has always being challenging, particularly in high-risk areas. This workshop sets out to bring together international researchers and designers working in relevant fields to discuss, review, compare and demonstrate effective practical approaches that can be adopted to improve the design of medical devices for safer interaction in the future. Bibtex@inproceedings{medi-chi,
   title = {{MediCHI}: Safer Interaction in Medical Devices},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Karen Yunqiu Li and Sharon Xianghua Ding and Zhanxun Dong and Liping Qin and Paolo Masci and Chris Vincent and Abigail Cauchi and Alexis Lewis and Sisy Baixi Xing and Shouqian Sun and Eric Liu and John Di and Jenson Wang and Mary Weich-Brady},
   year = {2013},
   booktitle = {Proceedings ACM Conference on Computer-Human Interaction --- CHI 2013},
   pages = {3267--3270},
   isbn = {978-1-4503-1952-2},
   doi = {10.1145/2468356.2479663},
   location = {Paris, France},
   publisher = {ACM},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
302

A. Gimblett and H. Thimbleby, “Applying Theorem Discovery to Automatically Find and Check Usability Heuristics,” Proceedings ACM Engineering Interactive Computer Systems — EICS 2013, pp.101–106, London, ACM, ISBN 978-1-4503-2138-9, DOI: 10.1145/2480296.2480320, 2013. Website AbstractTheorem discovery is a novel technique for the automatic analysis of statespace-based models of user interfaces, in which possible sequences of user actions are systematically computed and compared for equivalence, or close equivalence, of effect. Using this technique, we noticed a previously undetected problem with the behaviour of many widely-used inexpensive off-the-shelf interactive devices. Specifically, on many calculators, pressing the decimal point key has no effect on the display, thus unnecessarily breaking the well known usability heuristic that an interactive system should provide appropriate feedback to the user, and potentially causing unnecessary confusion that may lead to error. While this insight is interesting in itself, it is also of significance as a simple but nonetheless non-trivial example of the power and potential of theorem discovery as an analytical technique, not least because the problem — obvious once pointed out — has apparently remained undetected and unremarked upon for many years. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{discovery-fmis,
   title = {Applying Theorem Discovery to Automatically Find and Check Usability Heuristics},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Andy Gimblett},
   year = {2013},
   booktitle = {Proceedings {ACM} Engineering Interactive Computer Systems --- {EICS} 2013},
   pages = {101--106},
   isbn = {978-1-4503-2138-9},
   url = {http://doi.acm.org/10.1145/2480296.2480320},
   doi = {10.1145/2480296.2480320},
   publisher = {ACM},
   location = {London},
   numpages = {6},
   address = {New York, NY, USA},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
301

H. Thimbleby, “Tully Meetings,” Poster, Communicating Medical Error (COME), Ascona, Switzerland, 2013. Website PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT155,
   title = {Tully Meetings},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2013},
   booktitle = {Communicating Medical Error (COME)},
   url = {http://www.come.usi.ch},
   location = {Ascona, Switzerland},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
300

H. Thimbleby, “Improving Safety in Medical Devices and Systems,” Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Healthcare Informatics 2013 (ICHI 2013), Keynote, pp.1–13, Philadelphia, USA, DOI: 10.1109/ICHI.2013.91, 2013. AbstractWe need to improve healthcare technologies — electronic patient records, medical devices — by reducing use error and, in particular, unnoticed errors, since unnoticed errors cannot be managed by clinicians to reduce patient harm. Every system we have examined has multiple opportunities for safer design, suggesting a safety scoring system.
          Making safety scores visible will enable all stakeholders (regulators, procurers, clinicians, incident investigators, journalists, and of course patients) to be more informed, and hence put pressure on manufacturers to improve design safety. In the longer run, safety scores will need to evolve, both to accommodate manufacturers improving device safety and to accommodate insights from further research in design-induced error. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{ichi-keynote,
   title = {Improving Safety in Medical Devices and Systems},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2013},
   booktitle = {Proceedings of the {IEEE} International Conference on Healthcare Informatics 2013 ({ICHI} 2013)},
   aftertitle = {Keynote},
   pages = {1--13},
   doi = {10.1109/ICHI.2013.91},
   location = {Philadelphia, USA},
   enclosingSection = {Invited publications: not refereed}
}
299

H. Thimbleby, “Reasons to Question Seven Segment Displays,” Proceedings ACM Conference on Computer-Human Interaction — CHI 2013, Best Paper Award, pp.1431–1440, Paris, France, ACM, DOI: 10.1145/2470654.2466190, 2013. Video AbstractSeven segment number displays are ubiquitous and popular. They are simple and familiar. They seem to make economic sense, and with only seven segments they require little wiring and electronics to support. They are cheap to buy and cheap to use; they make seemingly effective and unproblematic products.
          This paper illustrates many examples of problematic uses of seven segment displays that could have been better managed or even avoided. More generally, the paper raises design questions and some solutions to be considered when designing numerical displays, and certainly before uncritically using seven segment displays. Although there are markets and applications where cost may be an overriding consideration, for safety critical and other dependable types of use (including general purpose devices that may sometimes be used for critical tasks) more legible alternatives than standard seven segment displays should be preferred. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{sevenseg-chi,
   title = {Reasons to Question Seven Segment Displays},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2013},
   booktitle = {Proceedings ACM Conference on Computer-Human Interaction --- CHI 2013},
   pages = {1431--1440},
   highlight = {Best Paper Award},
   doi = {10.1145/2470654.2466190},
   location = {Paris, France},
   publisher = {ACM},
   video = {http://youtu.be/eK3oIYU060g},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
298

P. Curzon, P. Masci, P. Oladimeji and H. Thimbleby, “PVSio-web: A Tool for Rapid Prototyping Device User Interfaces in PVS,” Electronic Communications of the EASST, X, pp.1/8–8/8, edited by J. Bowen and S. Reeves, 2013. Website AbstractWe present PVSio-web which extends the simulation component of the PVS proof system with functionalities for rapid prototyping device user interfaces. The tool presents itself as a classic image-editing environment with functionalities such as area selection and hyperlink creation, thus reducing the barriers that prevent non-experts in formal methods from using PVS. Designers load a picture of the layout of the device user interface under development, specify interactive areas over the layout, and link them to a PVS specification. They can then explore the behaviour of the formal user interface specification through point-and-click interactions. The architecture of the tool is general, and can be used as the basis for extending other verification tools. A demonstration of the capabilities of PVSio-web is presented through an example based on a commercial medical device user interface. Our ultimate aim is to promote and facilitate the use of formal verification tools when developing device user interfaces. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{pvs-tool,
   title = {{PVSio-web}: {A} Tool for Rapid Prototyping Device User Interfaces in {PVS}},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Patrick Oladimeji and {\main{Paolo Masci}} and Paul Curzon},
   year = {2013},
   booktitle = {Electronic Communications of the EASST},
   pages = {1/8--8/8},
   url = {http://thehogfather.github.io/pvsio-web},
   volume = {X},
   editor = {Judy Bowen and Steve Reeves},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
297

A. Cox, P. Oladimeji and H. Thimbleby, “A Performance Review of Number Entry Interfaces,” Proceedings of IFIP Conference on Human-Computer Interaction — Interact 2013, Designing for Diversity, pp.365–382, edited by P. Kotzé, G. Lindgaard, G. Marsden, J. Wesson and M. Winckler, Cape Town, South Africa, IFIP, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-40483-2_26, 2013. AbstractNumber entry is ubiquitous and there are several ways a number entry interface can be designed. Until recently, research has been focused mainly on one type of number entry interface: the numeric keypad. Various factors such as the range of values, and the space available for the design allows for several alternative interfaces to be used for number entry. In the design of medical devices such as those used for controlled drug delivery, accurate and timely entry of numbers are required in order to reduce any risk of harm to patients. This paper reviews five number entry interface styles and reports the result of an experiment conducted to evaluate the performance differences of the interfaces based on numbers used in infusion therapy in a hospital. The result shows a significant effect of interface style on speed and accuracy. Bibtex@inproceedings{OladimejiINTERACT2013,
   title = {A Performance Review of Number Entry Interfaces},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Patrick Oladimeji}} and Anna L. Cox},
   year = {2013},
   booktitle = {Proceedings of IFIP Conference on Human-Computer Interaction --- Interact 2013, Designing for Diversity},
   pages = {365--382},
   doi = {10.1007/978-3-642-40483-2_26},
   editor = {Paula Kotz{\'e} and Gary Marsden and Gitte Lindgaard and Janet Wesson and Marco Winckler},
   location = {Cape Town, South Africa},
   publisher = {IFIP},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
296

A. Ayoub, P. Curzon, I. Lee, P. Masci, O. Sokolsky and H. Thimbleby, “Model-based Development of the Generic PCA Infusion Pump User Interface Prototype in PVS,” Computer Safety, Reliability, and Security, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 8153, pp.228–240, Toulouse, France, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-40793-2_21, 2013. AbstractA realistic user interface is rigorously developed for the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Generic Patient Controlled Analgesia (GPCA) pump prototype. The GPCA pump prototype is intended as a realistic workbench for trialling development methods and techniques for improving the safety of such devices. A model-based approach based on the use of formal methods is illustrated and implemented within the Prototype Verification System (PVS) verification system. The user interface behaviour is formally specified as an executable PVS model. The specification is verified with the PVS theorem prover against relevant safety requirements provided by the FDA for the GPCA pump. The same specification is automatically translated into executable code through the PVS code generator, and hence a high fidelity prototype is then developed that incorporates the generated executable code. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{gpca-verification,
   title = {Model-based Development of the Generic {PCA} Infusion Pump User Interface Prototype in {PVS}},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Paolo Masci}} and Anaheed Ayoub and Paul Curzon and Insup Lee and Oleg Sokolsky},
   year = {2013},
   booktitle = {Computer Safety, Reliability, and Security},
   pages = {228--240},
   volume = {8153},
   doi = {10.1007/978-3-642-40793-2_21},
   series = {Lecture Notes in Computer Science},
   location = {Toulouse, France},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
295

H. Thimbleby, “Causes, Symptoms and Solutions to Poor Health IT,” Third Annual All-Wales Medical and Dental Education Conference, “Future Directions”, p.10, 2013. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT79,
   title = {Causes, Symptoms and Solutions to Poor Health IT},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2013},
   booktitle = {Third Annual All-Wales Medical and Dental Education Conference, ``Future Directions''},
   pages = {10},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
294

E. Bernstam, J. Herskovicd, T. Johnson, E. Markowitza and H. Thimbleby, “SYFSA: A Framework for Systematic Yet Flexible Systems Analysis,” Journal of Biomedical Informatics, 46(4), pp.665–675, DOI: 10.1016/j.jbi.2013.05.003, 2013. Website AbstractAlthough technological or organizational systems that enforce systematic procedures and best practices can lead to improvements in quality, these systems must also be designed to allow users to adapt to the inherent uncertainty, complexity, and variations in healthcare. We present a framework, called Systematic Yet Flexible Systems Analysis (SYFSA) that supports the design and analysis of Systematic Yet Flexible (SYF) systems (whether organizational or technical) by formally considering the tradeoffs between systematicity and flexibility. SYFSA is based on analyzing a task using three related problem spaces: the idealized space, the natural space, and the system space. The idealized space represents the best practice — how the task is to be accomplished under ideal conditions. The natural space captures the task actions and constraints on how the task is currently done. The system space specifies how the task is done in a redesigned system, including how it may deviate from the idealized space, and how the system supports or enforces task constraints. The goal of the framework is to support the design of systems that allow graceful degradation from the idealized space to the natural space. We demonstrate the application of SYFSA for the analysis of a simplified central line insertion task. We also describe several information-theoretic measures of flexibility that can be used to compare alternative designs, and to measure how efficiently a system supports a given task, the relative cognitive workload, and learnability. Bibtex@article{HT10,
   title = {{SYFSA}: {A} Framework for Systematic Yet Flexible Systems Analysis},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Todd R. Johnson and Eliz Markowitza and Elmer V. Bernstam and Jorge R. Herskovicd},
   year = {2013},
   pages = {665--675},
   journal = {Journal of Biomedical Informatics},
   url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1532046413000695},
   volume = {46},
   doi = {10.1016/j.jbi.2013.05.003},
   issn = {1532--0464},
   number = {4},
   keys = {sysfa},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
293

H. Thimbleby, “Action Graphs and User Performance Analysis,” International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 71(3), pp.276–302, DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhcs.2012.10.014, 2013. Website AbstractA user operating an interactive system performs actions such as “pressing a button” and these actions cause state transitions in the system. However to perform an action, a user has to do what amounts to a state transition themselves, from the state of having completed the previous action to the state of starting to perform the next action; this user transition is out of step with the system’s transition. This paper introduces action graphs, an elegant way of making user transitions explicit in the arcs of a graph derived from the system specification. Essentially, a conventional transition system has arcs labeled in the form “user performs action A” whereas an action graph has arcs labelled in the form “having performed action P, the user performs Q.” Action graphs support many modelling techniques (such as GOMS, KLM or shortest paths) that could have been applied to the user’s actions or to the system graph, but because it combines both, the modelling techniques can be used more powerfully.
          Action graphs can be used to directly apply user performance metrics and hence perform formal evaluations of interactive systems. The Fitts Law is one of the simplest and most robust of such user modelling techniques, and is used as an illustration of the value of action graphs in this paper. Action graphs can help analyze particular tasks, any sample of tasks, or all possible tasks a device supports — which would be impractical for empirical evaluations. This is an important result for analyzing safety critical interactive systems, where it is important to cover all possible tasks in testing even when doing so is not feasible using human participants because of the complexity of the system.
          An algorithm is presented for the construction of action graphs. Action graphs are then used to study devices (a consumer device, a digital multimeter, an infusion pump) and results suggest that: optimal time is correlated with keystroke count, and that keyboard layout has little impact on optimal times. Many other applications of action graphs are suggested. PDF Bibtex@article{HT11,
   title = {Action Graphs and User Performance Analysis},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2013},
   pages = {276--302},
   journal = {International Journal of Human-Computer Studies},
   url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1071581912001668},
   volume = {71},
   doi = {10.1016/j.ijhcs.2012.10.014},
   number = {3},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
292

H. Thimbleby, “Targeting The Fitts Law,” ACM Interactions, XX(1), pp.12–13, DOI: 10.1145/2405716.2405720, 2013. Website PDF Bibtex@article{HT9,
   title = {Targeting The Fitts Law},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2013},
   pages = {12--13},
   journal = {ACM Interactions},
   url = {http://interactions.acm.org/archive/view/january-february-2013/targeting-the-fitts-law},
   volume = {XX},
   doi = {10.1145/2405716.2405720},
   number = {1},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
291

Y. Li, T. Owen, P. Rau, N. Sun and H. Thimbleby, “A Design to Empower Patients in Long Term Wellbeing Monitoring and Chronic Disease Management in mHealth,” Context Sensitive Health Informatics: Human and Sociotechnical Approaches, Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 194, pp.82–87, edited by J. Aarts, M. Beuscart-Zéphir, M. Jaspers, C. Kuziemsky and C. Nohr, IOS Press, DOI: 10.3233/978-1-61499-293-6-82, 2013. Bibtex@inbook{HT56,
   title = {A Design to Empower Patients in Long Term Wellbeing Monitoring and Chronic Disease Management in mHealth},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Yunqiu Li and Tom Owen and Na Sun and Pei-Luen Patrick Rau},
   year = {2013},
   booktitle = {Context Sensitive Health Informatics: Human and Sociotechnical Approaches},
   pages = {82--87},
   volume = {194},
   doi = {10.3233/978-1-61499-293-6-82},
   series = {Studies in Health Technology and Informatics},
   publisher = {IOS Press},
   editor = {Marie-Catherine Beuscart-Z{\'e}phir and Monique Jaspers and Craig Kuziemsky and Christian N{\o}hr and Jos Aarts},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
290

H. Thimbleby, “Improve Safety by Looking for ‘Wheel Nut Indicators’,” Journal of the Institute of Decontamination Sciences: Medical Device Decontamination, 18(1), pp.42–43, 2013. PDF Bibtex@article{ThimblebyDecon2013,
   title = {Improve Safety by Looking for `Wheel Nut Indicators'},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2013},
   pages = {42--43},
   journal = {Journal of the Institute of Decontamination Sciences: Medical Device Decontamination},
   volume = {18},
   number = {1},
   cmtheme = {Blame to learning, tools},
   cmoutput = {journal},
   issn = {1753-4356},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
289

P. Lee, C. Monroy Aceves, P. Oladimeji and H. Thimbleby, “Are Prescribed Infusions Running as Intended? Quantitative Analysis of Log Files from Infusion Pumps Used in a Large Acute NHS Hospital,” British Journal of Nursing, CareFusion Supplement(July), pp.15–21, 2013. Bibtex@article{HT8,
   title = {Are Prescribed Infusions Running as Intended? Quantitative Analysis of Log Files from Infusion Pumps Used in a Large Acute NHS Hospital},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Carlos Monroy~Aceves and Patrick Oladimeji and Paul Lee},
   year = {2013},
   pages = {15--21},
   journal = {British Journal of Nursing},
   volume = {CareFusion Supplement},
   number = {July},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
288

H. Thimbleby, “Technology and the Future of Healthcare,” Journal of Public Health Research, 2(e28), pp.160–167, DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2013.e28, 2013. AbstractHealthcare changes dramatically because of technological developments, from anesthetics and antibiotics to magnetic resonance imaging scanners and radiotherapy. Future technological innovation is going to keep transforming healthcare, yet while technologies (new drugs and treatments, new devices, new social media support for healthcare, etc) will drive innovation, human factors will remain one of the stable limitations of breakthroughs. No predictions can satisfy everybody; instead, this article explores fragments of the future to see how to think more clearly about how to get where we want to go. PDF Bibtex@article{comej,
   title = {Technology and the Future of Healthcare},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2013},
   pages = {160--167},
   journal = {Journal of Public Health Research},
   volume = {2},
   doi = {10.4081/jphr.2013.e28},
   number = {e28},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
287

P. Lee, C. Monroy Aceves, P. Oladimeji and H. Thimbleby, “Are Prescribed Infusions Running as Intended?” Poster, Third National Infusion and Vascular Access Society Conference, London, 2012. AbstractQuantitative analysis of data log files from infusion pumps used in a large acute NHS hospital. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT156,
   title = {Are Prescribed Infusions Running as Intended?},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Paul Lee and Carlos Monroy~Aceves and Patrick Oladimeji},
   year = {2012},
   booktitle = {Third National Infusion and Vascular Access Society Conference},
   location = {London},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
286

P. Eslambolchilar, H. Thimbleby and J. Webster, “From Rotary Telephones to Universal Number Entry Systems: Can the Past Re-shape the Future?” Poster, 14th ACM International Conference on Ubiquitous Computing, UbiComp’2012, 2012. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT157,
   title = {From Rotary Telephones to Universal Number Entry Systems: Can the Past Re-shape the Future?},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Julie Webster}} and Parisa Eslambolchilar},
   year = {2012},
   booktitle = {14th ACM International Conference on Ubiquitous Computing, UbiComp'2012},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
285

P. Lee, H. Thimbleby and F. Thompson, “Analysis of Infusion Pump Error Logs and Their Significance for Healthcare,” British Journal of Nursing, 21(8), pp.S12–S22, 2012. AbstractInfusion therapy is one of the largest practised therapies in any healthcare organisation, and infusion pumps are used to deliver millions of infusions every year in the NHS. The aircraft industry downloads information from ‘black boxes’ to help design better systems and reduce risk; however, the same cannot be said about error logs and data logs from infusion pumps. This study downloaded and analysed approximately 360,000 hours of infusion pump error logs from 131 infusion pumps used for up to 2 years in one large acute hospital. Staff had to manage 260,129 alarms; this accounted for approximately 5% of total infusion time, costing about £1,000 per pump per year. This paper describes many such insights, including numerous technical errors, propensity for certain alarms in clinical conditions, logistical issues and how infrastructure problems can lead to an increase in alarm conditions. Routine use of error log analysis, combined with appropriate management of pumps to help identify improved device design, use and application is recommended. PDF Bibtex@article{lee-bjn,
   title = {Analysis of Infusion Pump Error Logs and Their Significance for Healthcare},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Paul Lee and Frankie Thompson},
   year = {2012},
   pages = {S12--S22},
   journal = {British Journal of Nursing},
   volume = {21},
   number = {8},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
284

P. Cairns and H. Thimbleby, “How Good is this Conference? Evaluating Conference Reviewing and Selectivity,” Proceedings BCS Conference on HCI, XXVI, pp.410–415, Birmingham, UK, Oxford University Press, 2012. AbstractPeer reviewing of papers is the mainstay of modern academic publishing but it has well known problems. In this paper, we take a statistical modelling view to show a particular problem in the use of selectivity measures to indicate the quality of a conference. One key problem with the process of conference reviewing is the failure to make a useful feedback loop between the referees of the papers accepted at the conference and their importance, acceptance and relevance to the audience. In addition, we make some new criticisms of selectivity as a measure of quality.
          This paper is literally a work in progress because the 2012 BCS HCI itself conference will be used to close the feedback loop by making the connection between the reviews provided on papers and your (audience) perceptions of the papers. At the conference, participants will generate the results of this work. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{howgood-bcs,
   title = {How Good is this Conference? Evaluating Conference Reviewing and Selectivity},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Paul Cairns},
   year = {2012},
   booktitle = {Proceedings BCS Conference on HCI},
   pages = {410--415},
   volume = {XXVI},
   publisher = {Oxford University Press},
   location = {Birmingham, UK},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
283

D. Brumby, P. Cairns, A. Cox and H. Thimbleby, “Teaching HCI students to be researchers,” The Contextualised Curriculum: A CHI 2012 workshop, ACM, 2012. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT81,
   title = {Teaching {HCI} students to be researchers},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and P. Cairns and A. Cox and D. Brumby},
   year = {2012},
   booktitle = {The Contextualised Curriculum: A CHI 2012 workshop},
   publisher = {ACM},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
282

G. Buchanan, J. Pearson and H. Thimbleby, “Investigating Collaborative Annotation on Slate PCs,” MobileHCI’12: 14th International Conference on Human Computer Interaction with Mobile Devices and Services, ACM SIGCHI Honorable Mention, pp.413–416, San Francisco, California, USA, ACM, ISBN 978-1-4503-1105-2, DOI: 10.1145/2371574.2371637, 2012. Website Bibtex@inproceedings{HT80,
   title = {Investigating Collaborative Annotation on Slate PCs},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Jennifer Pearson and George Buchanan},
   year = {2012},
   booktitle = {MobileHCI'12: 14th International Conference on Human Computer Interaction with Mobile Devices and Services},
   pages = {413--416},
   isbn = {978-1-4503-1105-2},
   url = {http://doi.acm.org/10.1145/2371574.2371637},
   highlight = {ACM SIGCHI Honorable Mention},
   doi = {10.1145/2371574.2371637},
   location = {San Francisco, California, USA},
   publisher = {ACM},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
281

G. Buchanan, J. Pearson and H. Thimbleby, “The Digital Reading Desk: A Lightweight Approach to Digital Note-taking,” Interacting with Computers, 24(5), pp.327–338, DOI: 10.1016/j.intcom.2012.03.001, 2012. AbstractAttentive reading is a complex and cognitively demanding task that uses note-taking and annotation to support the reader’s interpretation of the document. When reading on paper, extensive use of highlighting and other activities are conducted to support attentive reading, but this rich behaviour is not used with digital documents. Many users therefore print digital documents and then interact with them in physical form.
          This paper presents the “Digital Reading Desk,” an enhanced digital reading environment that provides support for attentive reading, providing a large working space for notes that mimics the use of desk space in a conventional physical environment. The Reading Desk uses a single tool to support both annotation and bookmarking, simplifying both the user’s learning of the system and their use of tools. Evaluation of the Reading Desk indicates preference for it, as well as considerable behavioural differences between our approach and traditional digital reading tools. PDF Bibtex@article{jen-iwc,
   title = {The {Digital Reading Desk}: {A} Lightweight Approach to Digital Note-taking},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Jennifer Pearson}} and George Buchanan},
   year = {2012},
   pages = {327--338},
   journal = {Interacting with Computers},
   volume = {24},
   doi = {10.1016/j.intcom.2012.03.001},
   number = {5},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
280

H. Thimbleby, “Heedless Programming: Ignoring Detectable Error is a Widespread Hazard,” Software — Practice & Experience, 42(11), pp.1393–1407, DOI: 10.1002/spe.1141, 2012. AbstractSoftware should be correct and robust. This paper suggests that we need forthright words for the failure of not being robust — heedless and heedlessness — and of recursively creating software (such as a compiler or virtual machine) that itself does not support dependable software development. Heedless programming is common, particularly affecting “trivial” operations such as on numbers, and extends deep into programming language design and into the use of computers more widely, thus making robust, dependable applications of all sorts unnecessarily problematic. The paper defines the problem and presents a call to action to start addressing the problems identified. PDF Bibtex@article{heedless-spae,
   title = {Heedless Programming: {I}gnoring Detectable Error is a Widespread Hazard},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2012},
   pages = {1393--1407},
   journal = {Software --- Practice {\&} Experience},
   volume = {42},
   doi = {10.1002/spe.1141},
   number = {11},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
279

A. Cauchi, A. Gimblett and H. Thimbleby, “Simulation to Evaluate Alternative Approaches to Blocking Use Errors,” Proceedings Design of Medical Devices Conference, Transactions of the ASME: Journal of Medical Devices, 6(1), pp.017502-1, DOI: 10.1115/1.4026680, 2012. AbstractUnnoticed user slips may contribute to adverse events, but medical devices can be designed to help detect and block some slips, thus enabling the user to take corrective action. Obviously different designs achieve this with greater or lesser success. This paper shows how comparison of alternative design features for a “5-key” user interface can help reduce number entry errors. 5-key interfaces are widely-used because they look intuitive and require very little physical space. PDF Bibtex@article{dmd-block,
   title = {Simulation to Evaluate Alternative Approaches to Blocking Use Errors},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Abigail Cauchi and Andy Gimblett},
   year = {2012},
   booktitle = {Proceedings Design of Medical Devices Conference},
   pages = {017502-1},
   journal = {Transactions of the {ASME}: Journal of Medical Devices},
   volume = {6},
   doi = {10.1115/1.4026680},
   number = {1},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
278

G. Buchanan, T. Owen and H. Thimbleby, “Understanding User Requirements in Take-Home Diabetes Management,” Proceedings BCS Conference on HCI, XXVI, pp.268–273, Birmingham, UK, Oxford University Press, 2012. AbstractPeople who suffer from Diabetes are required to make frequent decisions on their personal treatment based on results from glucose monitors. Yet the results returned from the devices form only a part of the decision-making process. We seek to understand the role that glucose monitors have in patient’s management practices and how technology could support patients’ management further. From a series of interviews, we arrive at the hypothesis that the capture of the contextual information will both aid the understanding of results, and allow for enhanced support during non-routine occurrences. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{owen-bcs,
   title = {Understanding User Requirements in Take-Home Diabetes Management},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Tom Owen}} and George Buchanan},
   year = {2012},
   booktitle = {Proceedings BCS Conference on HCI},
   pages = {268--273},
   volume = {XXVI},
   publisher = {Oxford University Press},
   location = {Birmingham, UK},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
277

A. Cauchi, P. Curzon, A. Gimblett, P. Masci and H. Thimbleby, “Safer “5-key” Number Entry User Interfaces using Differential Formal Analysis,” Proceedings BCS Conference on HCI, XXVI, pp.29–38, Birmingham, UK, Oxford University Press, 2012. AbstractDifferential formal analysis is a new user interface analytic evaluation method based on stochastic user simulation. The method is particularly valuable for evaluating safety critical user interfaces, which often have subtle programming issues. The approach starts with the identification of operational design features that define the design space to be explored. Two or more analysts are required to analyse all combinations of design features by simulating keystroke sequences containing keying slip errors. Each simulation produces numerical values that rank the design combinations on the basis of their sensitivity to keying slip errors. A systematic discussion of the simulation results is performed for assessing the causes of any discrepancy, either in numerical values or rankings. The process is iterated until outcomes are agreed upon. In short, the approach combines rigorous simulation of user slip errors with diversity in modelling and analysis methods.
          Although the method can be applied to other types of user interface, it is demonstrated through a case study of 5-key number entry systems, which are a common safety critical user interface style found in many medical infusion pumps and elsewhere. The results uncover critical design issues, and are an important contribution of this paper since the results provide device manufacturers guidelines to update their device firmware to make their devices safer. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{abi-bcs,
   title = {Safer ``5-key'' Number Entry User Interfaces using Differential Formal Analysis},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Abigail Cauchi and Andy Gimblett and Paul Curzon and Paolo Masci},
   year = {2012},
   booktitle = {Proceedings BCS Conference on HCI},
   pages = {29--38},
   volume = {XXVI},
   publisher = {Oxford University Press},
   location = {Birmingham, UK},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
276

G. Buchanan, T. Owen, J. Pearson and H. Thimbleby, “Co-Reading: Investigating Collaborative Group Reading,” 12th ACM+IEEE Joint Conference on Digital Libraries, JCDL, pp.325–334, Washington, DC, USA, ACM, ISBN 978-1-4503-1154-0, DOI: 10.1145/2232817.2232876, 2012. Website Bibtex@inproceedings{HT83,
   title = {Co-Reading: Investigating Collaborative Group Reading},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{J. Pearson}} and George Buchanan and Tom Owen},
   year = {2012},
   booktitle = {12th {ACM+IEEE} Joint Conference on Digital Libraries, {JCDL}},
   pages = {325--334},
   isbn = {978-1-4503-1154-0},
   url = {http://doi.acm.org/10.1145/2232817.2232876},
   doi = {10.1145/2232817.2232876},
   location = {Washington, DC, USA},
   publisher = {ACM},
   address = {New York, NY, USA},
   keywords = {co-reading, collaboration, slate PCs},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
275

A. Cauchi, A. Gimblett and H. Thimbleby, “Buffer Automata: A UI Architecture Prioritising HCI Concerns for Interactive Devices,” Proceedings ACM Engineering Interactive Computer Systems — EICS 2011, pp.73–78, Pisa, Italy, ACM, 2011. AbstractWe introduce an architectural software formalism, buffer automata, for the specification, implementation and analysis of a particular class of discrete interactive systems and devices. The approach defines a layer between the physical user interface and the application (if any) and provides a clear framework for highlighting a number of interaction design issues. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{buffer-eics,
   title = {{Buffer} {Automata}: A {UI} Architecture Prioritising {HCI} Concerns for Interactive Devices},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Andy Gimblett and Abigail Cauchi},
   year = {2011},
   booktitle = {Proceedings {ACM} Engineering Interactive Computer Systems --- {EICS} 2011},
   pages = {73--78},
   publisher = {ACM},
   location = {Pisa, Italy},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
274

A. Cauchi, P. Curzon, A. Gimblett, Y. Li, P. Masci, P. Oladimeji, R. Ruksenas and H. Thimbleby, “On Formalising Interactive Number Entry on Infusion Pumps,” FMIS 2011, 4th International Workshop on Formal Methods for Interactive Systems, Electronic Communications of the EASST, 45, pp.1/14–14/14, Limerick, Ireland, 2011. Website AbstractWe define predictability of a user interface as the property that a user can predict with sufficient certainty the effect of any action in a given state in a system, where state information is inferred from the perceptible output of the system. In our definition, the user is not required to have full knowledge of a history of actions from an initial state to the current state. A predicting user relies on cognitive and knowledge assumptions; in this paper we explore the notion in the situation where the user is an expert and understands perfectly how the device works. In this situation predictability concerns whether the user can tell what state the device is in and accurately predict the consequences of an action from that state simply by looking at the device. We give a formal definition of predictability in higher order logic and explore how real systems can be verified against the property. We specify two real number entry interfaces in the medical domain as case studies of predictable and unpredictable user interfaces. We analyse the specifications with respect to our formal definition of predictability and thus show how to make unpredictable systems predictable. PDF Bibtex@article{number-fmis,
   title = {On Formalising Interactive Number Entry on Infusion Pumps},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Andy Gimblett and Rimvydas {Ruk\v{s}\.{e}nas} and Patrick Oladimeji and Abigail Cauchi and Y. Li and P. Curzon and Paolo Masci},
   year = {2011},
   booktitle = {{FMIS} 2011, 4th International Workshop on Formal Methods for Interactive Systems},
   pages = {1/14--14/14},
   journal = {Electronic Communications of the EASST},
   url = {http://journal.ub.tu-berlin.de/eceasst/article/view/654},
   volume = {45},
   issn = {1863-2122},
   location = {Limerick, Ireland},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
273

A. Gimblett and H. Thimbleby, “Dependable Keyed Data Entry for Interactive Systems,” FMIS 2011, 4th International Workshop on Formal Methods for Interactive Systems, Electronic Communications of the EASST, 45, pp.1/16–16/16, Limerick, Ireland, DOI: 10.1145/1996461.1996497, 2011. Website AbstractKeyed data entry is fundamental and ubiquitous, occurring when filling data fields in web forms, entering burglar alarm pass-codes, using calculators, entering drug delivery rates in infusion pumps, making cash withdrawals from cash machines, setting destinations for GPS navigation, to name but a few of its applications. Unfortunately data entry is often implemented poorly.
          We introduce divergence, a loss of predictability in a user interface, and show that it is in general unavoidable in data entry, and therefore a systematic approach is called for. This paper presents one such an approach. Many inter-related ideas “fall into place”—e.g., autocompletion, prompting, automatic color coding—through the approach. The approach contrasts with conventional systems that are generally inconsistent and unhelpful to users, particularly after errors. PDF Bibtex@article{regex-fmis,
   title = {Dependable Keyed Data Entry for Interactive Systems},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Andy Gimblett},
   year = {2011},
   booktitle = {{FMIS} 2011, 4th International Workshop on Formal Methods for Interactive Systems},
   pages = {1/16--16/16},
   journal = {Electronic Communications of the EASST},
   url = {http://harold.thimbleby.net/regex},
   volume = {45},
   doi = {10.1145/1996461.1996497},
   issn = {1863-2122},
   location = {Limerick, Ireland},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
272

A. Cox, P. Oladimeji and H. Thimbleby, “Number Entry Interfaces and their Effects on Errors and Number Perception,” Proceedings IFIP Conference on Human-Computer Interaction — Interact 2011, IV, pp.178–185, Lisbon, Portugal, Springer-Verlag, ISBN 978-3-642-23767-6, 2011. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{numbers-interact,
   title = {Number Entry Interfaces and their Effects on Errors and Number Perception},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Patrick Oladimeji}} and Anna Cox},
   year = {2011},
   booktitle = {Proceedings IFIP Conference on Human-Computer Interaction --- Interact 2011},
   pages = {178--185},
   isbn = {978-3-642-23767-6},
   volume = {IV},
   location = {Lisbon, Portugal},
   publisher = {Springer-Verlag},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
271

H. Thimbleby, “Don’t Use 7-segment Displays,” Proceedings BCS Conference on HCI, pp.3C:1–6, Newcastle, England, Oxford University Press, 2011. AbstractSeven segment number displays are ubiquitous and popular. They make economic sense: they are simple, and with only seven on/off segments, they require very little wiring and electronics to support. They are cheap to buy and cheap to use; they make cheap and seemingly effective products.
          We show how seven segment may be more or less dependable, and suggest some improvements to standard designs. However, we argue that for dependable domains (healthcare, avionics, etc) and for handheld devices that may be used in dependable domains, seven segment displays should not be used.
          The paper includes many recommendations for developers and purchasers. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{7-hci,
   title = {Don't Use 7-segment Displays},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2011},
   booktitle = {Proceedings BCS Conference on HCI},
   pages = {3C:1--6},
   publisher = {Oxford University Press},
   location = {Newcastle, England},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
270

A. Blandford, L. Gallo, A. Gimblett, P. Oladimeji, G. Pietro and H. Thimbleby, “Engineering Interactive Computer Systems for Medicine and Healthcare, EICS4Med,” Proceedings ACM SIGCHI Symposium on Engineering Interactive Computing Systems — EICS2011, pp.341–342, Pisa, Italy, ACM, 2011. AbstractThis workshop brings together and develops the community of researchers and practitioners concerned with the design and evaluation of interactive medical devices (infusion pumps, etc) and systems (electronic patient records, etc), to deliver a roadmap for future research in this area. The workshop involves researchers and practitioners designing and evaluating dependable systems in a variety of contexts, and those developing innovative interactive computer systems for healthcare. These pose particular challenges because of the inherent variability — of patients, system configurations, and so on. Participants will represent a range of perspectives, including safety engineering and innovative design. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT86,
   title = {Engineering Interactive Computer Systems for Medicine and Healthcare, {EICS4Med}},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Ann Blandford and Giuseppe De Pietro and Luigi Gallo and Andy Gimblett and Patrick Oladimeji},
   year = {2011},
   booktitle = {Proceedings {ACM SIGCHI} Symposium on Engineering Interactive Computing Systems --- {EICS2011}},
   pages = {341--342},
   publisher = {ACM},
   location = {Pisa, Italy},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
269

G. Hayes, J. Kientz, H. Mentis, M. Reddy and H. Thimbleby, “Interactive Technologies for Health Special Interest Group,” Proceedings ACM Conference on Computer-Human Interaction — CHI 2011, pp.519–522, ACM, DOI: 10.1145/1979742.1979535, 2011. AbstractHealth and how to support it with interactive computer systems, networks, and devices is a global and, for many countries, an explicit national priority. Significant interest in issues related to interactive systems for health has been demonstrated repeatedly within SIGCHI. A community focused on health started in 2010, fostering collaboration and dissemination of research findings as well as bridging with practitioners. As part of this community’s on-going efforts, we will hold a special interest group session during ACM CHI 2011 to discuss, prioritize, and promote some of these most pressing issues facing the community. Bibtex@inproceedings{healthsig-chi11,
   title = {Interactive Technologies for Health Special Interest Group},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Helena Mentis and Julie A. Kientz and Gillian R. Hayes and Madhu Reddy},
   year = {2011},
   booktitle = {Proceedings ACM Conference on Computer-Human Interaction --- CHI 2011},
   pages = {519--522},
   doi = {10.1145/1979742.1979535},
   publisher = {ACM},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
268

A. Blandford, A. Cauchi, P. Curzon, P. Eslambolchilar, D. Furniss, A. Gimblett, H. Huang, P. Lee, Y. Li, P. Masci, P. Oladimeji, A. Rjakomar, R. Ruksenas and H. Thimbleby, “Comparing Actual Practice and User Manuals: A Case Study Based on Programmable Infusion Pumps,” Proceedings ACM SIGCHI Symposium on Engineering Interactive Computing Systems (EICS): Engineering Interactive Computing Systems for Medicine and Health Care, pp.59–64, Pisa, Italy, ACM, 2011. AbstractWe report on a case study investigating current practice in the use of a programmable infusion pump. We start by formalising an existing description of the procedure followed by nurses for setting up a commercial infusion pump obtained via observation and interview. We then compare and contrast this procedure with a formal description of the sequence of actions reported in the pump’s user manual. Mismatches were validated by a training manager. The aim of this comparison is to point out how minor mismatches between the two descriptions can be used to reveal major safety issues. Our contributions are: first, we analyse a real-world system and show the importance of having a clear and consistent specification of the procedures; second, we show how a graph-based notation can be conveniently used as the basis for building non-ambiguous and intuitive specifications in higher-order logic. We argue that this can provide support to an investigator when building a description of actual practice in that it can help focus attention on areas to observe more closely and on questions to ask to understand why procedures, as followed, are the way they are. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT88,
   title = {Comparing Actual Practice and User Manuals: A Case Study Based on Programmable Infusion Pumps},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Ann Blandford and Abigail Cauchi and Paul Curzon and Parisa Eslambolchilar and Dominic Furniss and Andy Gimblett and Huayi Huang and Paul Lee and Yunqiu Li and {\main{Paolo Masci}} and Patrick Oladimeji and Atish Rjakomar and Rimvydas {Ruk\v{s}\.{e}nas}},
   year = {2011},
   booktitle = {Proceedings {ACM SIGCHI} Symposium on Engineering Interactive Computing Systems ({EICS}): Engineering Interactive Computing Systems for Medicine and Health Care},
   pages = {59--64},
   publisher = {ACM},
   location = {Pisa, Italy},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
267

A. Cauchi, P. Curzon, P. Eslambolchilar, A. Gimblett, H. Huang, P. Lee, Y. Li, P. Masci, P. Oladimeji, R. Ruksenas and H. Thimbleby, “Towards Dependable Number Entry for Medical Devices,” Proceedings ACM SIGCHI Symposium on Engineering Interactive Computing Systems (EICS): Engineering Interactive Computing Systems for Medicine and Health Care, pp.53–58, Pisa, Italy, ACM, 2011. AbstractNumber entry is an ubiquitous task in medical devices, but is implemented in many different ways, from decimal keypads to seemingly simple up/down buttons. Operator manuals often do not give clear and complete explanations, and all approaches have subtle variations, with details varying from device to device. This paper explores the design issues, critiques designs, and shows that methods have advantages and disadvantages, particularly in terms of undetected error rates. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT87,
   title = {Towards Dependable Number Entry for Medical Devices},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Abigail Cauchi and Paul Curzon and Parisa Eslambolchilar and Andy Gimblett and Huayi Huang and Paul Lee and Yunqiu Li and Paolo Masci and Patrick Oladimeji and Rimvydas {Ruk\v{s}\.{e}nas}},
   year = {2011},
   booktitle = {Proceedings {ACM SIGCHI} Symposium on Engineering Interactive Computing Systems ({EICS}): Engineering Interactive Computing Systems for Medicine and Health Care},
   pages = {53--58},
   publisher = {ACM},
   location = {Pisa, Italy},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
266

G. Buchanan, J. Pearson and H. Thimbleby, “The Reading Desk: Supporting Lightweight Note-taking in Digital Documents,” Proceedings of the 15th international conference on Theory and practice of digital libraries: Research and advanced technology for digital libraries, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 6966, pp.438–441, Berlin, Germany, Springer-Verlag, ISBN 978-3-642-24468-1, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-24469-8_44, 2011. Website Bibtex@inproceedings{HT85,
   title = {The Reading Desk: Supporting Lightweight Note-taking in Digital Documents},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Jennifer Pearson and George Buchanan},
   year = {2011},
   booktitle = {Proceedings of the 15th international conference on Theory and practice of digital libraries: Research and advanced technology for digital libraries},
   note = {Pearson2011ReadingDesk},
   pages = {438--441},
   isbn = {978-3-642-24468-1},
   url = {http://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=2042536.2042594},
   volume = {6966},
   doi = {10.1007/978-3-642-24469-8_44},
   series = {Lecture Notes in Computer Science},
   location = {Berlin, Germany},
   numpages = {4},
   publisher = {Springer-Verlag},
   address = {Berlin, Heidelberg},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
265

A. Cauchi, P. Eslambolchilar, A. Gimblett, P. Lee, Y. Li, P. Oladimeji and H. Thimbleby, “Visualising Medical Device Logs,” Proceedings first BCS Health Wales/ehi2 Joint Workshop, pp.23–26, Wrexham, BCS, 2011. AbstractMedical device logs are currently used for incident investigation, technical support, monitoring patterns of usage and so on. This paper explores issues on visualizing device logs to discover how devices are used or misused in practice. This paper includes an analysis of logs from 58 infusion pumps of the same model. We give examples of presenting logs graphically, which makes them more prominent. Making logs visible should raise awareness of incidents that occur everyday, as well as the general value of logs. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{lee-logs,
   title = {Visualising Medical Device Logs},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Patrick Oladimeji and Yunqiu Li and Abigail Cauchi and Parisa Eslambolchilar and Andy Gimblett and Paul Lee},
   year = {2011},
   booktitle = {Proceedings first BCS Health Wales/ehi2 Joint Workshop},
   pages = {23--26},
   location = {Wrexham},
   publisher = {BCS},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
264

A. Blandford, A. Cauchi, D. Furniss, Y. Li, C. Monroy Aceves, P. Oladimeji, H. Thimbleby and C. Vincent, “Design of Interactive Medical Devices: Feedback and Its Improvement,” Proceedings IEEE International Symposium on IT in Medicine & Education — ITME 2011, pp.204–208, China, DOI: 10.1109/ITiME.2011.6132022, 2011. AbstractThe design of medical devices directly affects the way healthcare practitioners carry out their daily tasks. Users welcome design that takes into account the clinical environment, in which the device is operated and is compatible with their workflow. However, if the design fails to fit, the likelihood of errors increases, which will put patient safety at risk. In this paper, we report current practice related to UCD (User Centred Design) in the context of medical device, focusing on end user feedback mechanisms deployed in pre-market and post-market phases of the device lifecycle. The results of an interview and workshop study are reported, revealing shortcomings in current feedback channels. In reaction to these shortcomings, we discuss the advantages and feasibility of enabling automatic feedback channel in medical device design, to ensure the quality and the effectiveness of feedback. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT84,
   title = {Design of Interactive Medical Devices: Feedback and Its Improvement},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Yunqiu Li}} and Patrick Oladimeji and Carlos Monroy~Aceves and Abigail Cauchi and Dominic Furniss and Chris Vincent and Ann Blandford},
   year = {2011},
   booktitle = {Proceedings IEEE International Symposium on IT in Medicine {\&} Education --- ITME 2011},
   pages = {204--208},
   doi = {10.1109/ITiME.2011.6132022},
   location = {China},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
263

G. Buchanan, J. Pearson and H. Thimbleby, “The Reading Desk: Applying Physical Interactions to Digital Documents,” Proceedings ACM Conference on Computer-Human Interaction — CHI’2011, pp.3199–3202, Vancouver, BC, Canada, ACM, 2011. AbstractReading is increasingly being performed interactively on-screen; for instance, new novels are now routinely released in electronic format for viewing on PCs and mobile devices. Unfortunately, on-screen reading loses many of the natural features of conventional physical media, such as the ability to annotate, slip in bookmarks, turn page corners, and so on. How best should these features be represented electronically? Can computerized representations give benefits that excel the conventional benefits of paper? We describe the design and implementation of a novel reading system that mimics key properties of paper and surpasses them by incorporating digital techniques. A comparative user study evaluating the system confirmed the effectiveness of the features and the value of the system as a whole. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{book-chi,
   title = {The Reading Desk: Applying Physical Interactions to Digital Documents},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Jennifer Pearson}} and George Buchanan},
   year = {2011},
   booktitle = {Proceedings ACM Conference on Computer-Human Interaction --- CHI'2011},
   pages = {3199--3202},
   publisher = {ACM},
   location = {Vancouver, BC, Canada},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
262

P. Cairns, A. Cauchi, A. Cox, A. Gimblett and H. Thimbleby, “Goal-based Design Improves Interaction Dependability,” Poster, Digital Engagement 2011, Newcastle, 2011. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT158,
   title = {Goal-based Design Improves Interaction Dependability},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Abigail Cauchi and Andy Gimblett and Paul Cairns and Anna Cox},
   year = {2011},
   booktitle = {Digital Engagement 2011},
   location = {Newcastle},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
261

A. Blandford, L. Gallo, A. Gimblett, P. Oladimeji, G. Pietro and H. Thimbleby, “The biggest challenges are the social ones: Workshop report from EICS4Med 2011,” Proceedings of the 1st International Workshop on Engineering Interactive Computing Systems for Medicine and Health Care, pp.81–82, Pisa, Italy, ACM, 2011. AbstractSummary report of the 1st International Workshop on Engineering Interactive Computing Systems for Medicine and Health Care (EICS4Med 2011) PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT177,
   title = {The biggest challenges are the social ones: Workshop report from {EICS4Med 2011}},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Ann Blandford and Giuseppe De Pietro and Luigi Gallo and Andy Gimblett and Patrick Oladimeji},
   year = {2011},
   booktitle = {Proceedings of the 1st International Workshop on Engineering Interactive Computing Systems for Medicine and Health Care},
   pages = {81--82},
   publisher = {ACM},
   location = {Pisa, Italy},
   enclosingSection = {Invited publications: not refereed}
}
260

H. Thimbleby, “Interactive Numbers — A Grand Challenge,” Proceedings of IHCI 2011: IADIS International Conference Interfaces and Human Computer Interaction 2011, Keynote, pp.xxviii–xxxv, edited by K. Blashki, Rome, Italy, International Association for the Development of the Information Society, ISBN 978-972-8939-52-6, 2011. AbstractNumbers are used everywhere, but today numbers are mostly created and used interactively; they are not just passive written objects. People interact with numbers in almost every area of life. However, different styles of interactive number have different design trade-offs, particularly when human error is considered. To date, human error in interactive numbers has hardly been explored, resulting in most computer support for interactive numbers (from calculators to medical devices) being mediocre. Interactive number systems should be usable (effective, efficient, etc), free of idiosyncrasies and be demonstrably free from unacceptable levels of risk, particularly in environments where there are several different interactive number entry systems. We argue that defining “good” interactive number systems is indeed a serious challenge, but that substantial progress is being and can continue to be made, perhaps eventually resulting in an international standard for interactive numbers with solid empirical evidence of its value. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{grand-challenge,
   title = {Interactive Numbers --- {A} Grand Challenge},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2011},
   booktitle = {Proceedings of {IHCI} 2011: {IADIS} International Conference Interfaces and Human Computer Interaction 2011},
   aftertitle = {Keynote},
   pages = {xxviii--xxxv},
   isbn = {978-972-8939-52-6},
   editor = {K. Blashki},
   publisher = {International Association for the Development of the Information Society},
   location = {Rome, Italy},
   enclosingSection = {Invited publications: not refereed}
}
259

R. Beale, A. Holzinger and H. Thimbleby, “Human-Computer Interaction for Medicine and Health Care (HCI4MED): Towards making information usable,” International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 68(6), pp.325–327, DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhcs.2010.03.001, 2010. PDF Bibtex@article{hci4med-ijhcs,
   title = {Human-Computer Interaction for Medicine and Health Care (HCI4MED): Towards making information usable},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Andreas Holzinger}} and Russell Beale},
   year = {2010},
   pages = {325--327},
   journal = {International Journal of Human-Computer Studies},
   volume = {68},
   doi = {10.1016/j.ijhcs.2010.03.001},
   number = {6},
   enclosingSection = {Invited publications: not refereed}
}
258

H. Thimbleby, “Think! Interactive Systems Need Safety Locks,” Journal of Computing and Information Technology, 18(4), pp.349–360, DOI: 10.2498/cit.1001921, 2010. AbstractThis paper uses a simple analogy. A gun is designed to shoot bullets, but it is obvious that accidentally shooting is a danger one should avoid if at all possible. Thus guns have safety locks, which aim to protect users and bystanders.
          Interactive computer systems sometimes accidentally do bad things too, but something like “safety locks” are not often enough implemented to help protect user or bystanders from harm.
          Worse, user interfaces often behave quite unpredictably with erroneous input — rather than blocking errors and requiring the user to correct them. This is a bit like guns that misbehave.
          Computers and computers embedded in everyday devices are not always as dangerous as guns, although there are many cases where they can be as dangerous. Medical devices may give patients undetected overdoses. In-car entertainment devices, like radios, may, through their badly-designed user interfaces, cause a driver to have an accident. A slip in a spreadsheet may be the first step towards an organisation going bankrupt. And so on.
          The solution should include better design, including the concept of safety locks, that block some forms of user error. PDF Bibtex@article{think!,
   title = {Think! Interactive Systems Need Safety Locks},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2010},
   pages = {349--360},
   journal = {Journal of Computing and Information Technology},
   volume = {18},
   doi = {10.2498/cit.1001921},
   number = {4},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
257

H. Thimbleby, “Interactive Systems Need Safety Locks,” Proceedings of the IEEE ITI 2010 32nd International Conference on Information Technology Interfaces, Keynote, pp.29–36, edited by Z. Bekic, I. Jarec and V. Luzar-Stiffler, Cavtat, Croatia, ISBN 978–953–7138–18–9, 2010. AbstractUser interfaces often behave unpredictably on erroneous input — rather than blocking errors and requiring the user to correct them. The consequences of this in the context of medical devices, which may give patients undetected overdoses, can be unfortunate. The solution should include better design, including the concept of safety locks, that block some forms of user error. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{think-cavtat,
   title = {Interactive Systems Need Safety Locks},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2010},
   booktitle = {Proceedings of the IEEE ITI 2010 32nd International Conference on Information Technology Interfaces},
   aftertitle = {Keynote},
   pages = {29--36},
   isbn = {978--953--7138--18--9},
   editor = {V. Luzar-Stiffler and I. Jarec and Z. Bekic},
   location = {Cavtat, Croatia},
   enclosingSection = {Invited publications: not refereed}
}
256

P. Cairns and H. Thimbleby, “Reducing Number Entry Errors: Solving a Widespread, Serious Problem,” Journal Royal Society Interface, 7(51), pp.1429–1439, DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2010.0112, 2010. Website AbstractNumber entry is ubiquitous: it is required in many fields including science, healthcare, education, government, mathematics and finance. People entering numbers are to be expected to make errors, but shockingly few systems make any effort to detect, block or otherwise manage errors. Worse, errors may be ignored but processed in arbitrary ways, with unintended results.
          A standard class of error (defined in the paper) is an “out by ten error,” which is easily made by miskeying a decimal point or a zero. In safety-critical domains, such as drug delivery, out by ten errors generally have adverse consequences.
          Here we expose the extent of the problem of numeric errors in a very wide range of systems. An analysis of better error management is presented: under reasonable assumptions we show that the probability of out by ten errors can be halved by better user interface design. We provide a demonstration user interface to show that the approach is practical. PDF Bibtex@article{numbererrors,
   title = {Reducing Number Entry Errors: Solving a Widespread, Serious Problem},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Paul Cairns},
   year = {2010},
   pages = {1429--1439},
   journal = {Journal Royal Society Interface},
   url = {http://harold.thimbleby.net/interface/},
   volume = {7},
   doi = {10.1098/rsif.2010.0112},
   number = {51},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
255

C. Acharya, P. Oladimeji and H. Thimbleby, “Human Computer Interaction and Medical Devices,” Proceedings BCS Conference on HCI, Dundee, BCS, 2010. AbstractTo achieve dependable, usable, and well-engineered interactive devices in healthcare requires applied Human Computer Interaction (HCI) research and awareness of HCI issues throughout the lifecycle, from design through to procurement, training and use. This paper shows that some healthcare devices fall far short, and thus identifies a gap in applied HCI.
          We use a basic, interactive hospital bed as a case study, arguably so routine and simple enough that there should have been very few problems. However, the bed’s interactive control panel design violates standard HCI principles. It is also badly programmed by the manufacturer. Evidently, something has gone wrong, somewhere from design to procurement, and we argue most of the problems would have been managed or avoided by conventional HCI processes.
          Driven by the case study, this paper explores the problems and makes recommendations. There are many similarly poorly designed medical devices. Manufacturers and healthcare purchasing groups should adhere to HCI processes and guidelines, as well as those provided by regulatory agencies for the design, regulation, and procurement of devices, products, or systems that contribute to patient safety. The challenge is to make HCI knowledge and priorities available to and effective in this important domain in any places that can make a difference. Bibtex@inproceedings{chitra-bcs,
   title = {Human Computer Interaction and Medical Devices},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Chitra Acharya}} and Patrick Oladimeji},
   year = {2010},
   booktitle = {Proceedings BCS Conference on {HCI}},
   location = {Dundee},
   publisher = {BCS},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
254

G. Buchanan, J. Pearson and H. Thimbleby, “HCI Design Principles for eReaders,” Proceedings BooksOnline’10: Proceedings of the third workshop on research advances in large digital book repositories and complementary media, pp.15–24, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, ISBN 978-1-4503-0377-4, DOI: 10.1145/1871854.1871860, 2010. AbstractAs interactive digital documents are becoming more and more commonplace, we find ourselves searching for new ways to make good use of them. The fast delivery and large storage capacity that digital devices offer, make reading from bulky physical books seem obsolete, even nonsensical. EReaders, the latest craze in digital reading, follows from the introduction of eInk and promises paper-like reading capabilities with the added digital benefits. But is the excitement justified? Can you ‘curl up’ with an eReader in the same way as you can a physical book, or is the design of eReading devices hindering this process?.
          As of yet, no one has taken a scientific view of current eReader technology from the systematic standpoint of basic HCI principles. This paper discusses guidelines for good eReader design and illustrates them with examples of shortcomings of some of the more popular eReader devices on the market today. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT89,
   title = {{HCI} Design Principles for {eReaders}},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Jennifer Pearson}} and George Buchanan},
   year = {2010},
   booktitle = {Proceedings BooksOnline'10: Proceedings of the third workshop on research advances in large digital book repositories and complementary media},
   pages = {15--24},
   isbn = {978-1-4503-0377-4},
   doi = {10.1145/1871854.1871860},
   location = {Toronto, Ontario, Canada},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
253

A. Blandford, G. Buchanan, P. Curzon, D. Furniss and H. Thimbleby, “Few are Looking: Invisible Problems with Interactive Medical Devices,” Proceedings of the ACM Workshop on Interactive Systems in Healthcare (WISH) — CHI 2010, pp.9-12, edited by G. R. Hayes and D. S. Tan, Atlanta, ACM, 2010. AbstractThere is evidence that widely used interactive medical devices such as infusion pumps pose interaction difficulties. Yet this evidence is widely dispersed, and difficulties in programming, interaction and socio-technical design have rarely been a focus for study. Interaction difficulties are effectively invisible. To understand why, it is necessary to study the cultural and organizational contexts within which devices are designed, deployed and used. In this paper, we present examples illustrating interaction difficulties and outline features of the context that keep those difficulties invisible. Bibtex@inproceedings{few-chi,
   title = {Few are Looking: Invisible Problems with Interactive Medical Devices},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Ann Blandford and George Buchanan and Dominic Furniss and P. Curzon},
   year = {2010},
   booktitle = {Proceedings of the ACM Workshop on Interactive Systems in Healthcare ({WISH}) --- {CHI} 2010},
   pages = {9-12},
   location = {Atlanta},
   publisher = {ACM},
   editor = {G. R. Hayes and D. S. Tan},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
252

A. Gimblett and H. Thimbleby, “User Interface Model Discovery: Towards a Generic Approach,” Proceedings ACM SIGCHI Symposium on Engineering Interactive Computing Systems — EICS 2010, Best Paper Award, pp.145–154, edited by G. Doherty, M. Harrison and J. Nichols, Berlin, ACM, DOI: 10.1145/1822018.1822041, 2010. AbstractUI model discovery is a lightweight formal method in which a model of an interactive system is automatically discovered by exploring the system’s state space, simulating the actions of a user; such models are then amenable to automatic analysis targeting structural usability concerns. This paper specifies UI model discovery in some detail, providing a formal, generic and language-neutral API and discovery algorithm. The technique has been implemented in prototype systems on several programming platforms, yielding valuable usability insights. The API described here supports further development of these ideas in a systematic manner. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{discovery-eics,
   title = {User Interface Model Discovery: Towards a Generic Approach},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Andy Gimblett},
   year = {2010},
   booktitle = {Proceedings ACM SIGCHI Symposium on Engineering Interactive Computing Systems --- EICS 2010},
   pages = {145--154},
   highlight = {Best Paper Award},
   doi = {10.1145/1822018.1822041},
   editor = {G. Doherty and J. Nichols and Michael D. Harrison},
   location = {Berlin},
   publisher = {ACM},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
251

H. Thimbleby, “Signposting in Documents,” Computer Journal, 54(7), pp.1119–1135, OUP, DOI: 10.1093/comjnl/bxq061, 2010. AbstractSignposts make complex documents more flexible and easier to read; signposts exist in many forms, but are familiar as cross references and as hypertext links. Signposting systems need to be carefully designed, so that they are reliable, easy to use for readers yet convenient for authors to embed in their writing. There are fundamental problems in achieving good signposting, which this paper explores through cross referencing in the popular medium of LaT_EX, which is often the typesetting system of choice for heavily cross referenced documents.
          This paper provides an implementation of cross references for LaT_EX users. Problems with LaT_EX and T_EX arise, and are explored and mostly solved: some problems are due to the designs of these systems, but, crucially, some problems are unavoidable, an inevitable part of signposting in principle, whatever systems are used, even including the web. PDF Bibtex@article{signposts,
   title = {Signposting in Documents},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2010},
   pages = {1119--1135},
   journal = {Computer Journal},
   volume = {54},
   doi = {10.1093/comjnl/bxq061},
   publisher = {OUP},
   number = {7},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
250

H. Thimbleby, “Avoiding Latent Design Conditions Using UI Discovery Tools,” International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 26(2), pp.1–12, DOI: 10.1080/10447310903498692, 2010. AbstractMotivation — Designers make decisions that later influence how users work with the systems that they have designed. When errors occur in use, it is tempting to focus on the active errors rather than on the latent design decisions that framed the context of error, and fixing latent conditions can have a more general (and future) impact than addressing particular active failures. Research approach — A constructive computer science approach is used, and results from a simulation reported. Research limitations — Error is a complex multidisciplinary field; this paper makes a new contribution complimentary to human factors engineering. Take away message — This paper shows that latent design decisions cause serious problems (including fatalities) in safety critical applications; the paper proposes UI discovery tools to identify and manage latent errors. UI discovery enables human factors engineers and programmers to work together to help eliminate broad classes of latent design errors. PDF Bibtex@article{latent-ijhcs,
   title = {Avoiding Latent Design Conditions Using UI Discovery Tools},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2010},
   pages = {1--12},
   journal = {International Journal of Human-Computer Studies},
   volume = {26},
   doi = {10.1080/10447310903498692},
   number = {2},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
249

P. Oladimeji and H. Thimbleby, “Social Network Analysis and Interactive Device Design,” Proceedings ACM SIGCHI Symposium on Engineering Interactive Computing Systems — EICS’09, pp.91–100, edited by G. Calvary, T. C. N. Graham and P. Gray, Pittsburgh, ACM, DOI: 10.1145/1570433.1570453, 2009. AbstractWhat methods can we use to help understand why users adopt certain use strategies, and how can we evaluate designs to anticipate and perhaps positively modify how users are likely to behave? This paper proposes taking advantage of social network analysis (SNA) to identify features of interaction. There are plausible reasons why SNA should be relevant to interaction programming and design, but we also show that SNA has promise, identifies and explains interesting use phenomena, and can be used effectively on conventionally-programmed interactive devices. Social network analysis is a very rich field, practically and theoretically, and many further forms of application and analysis beyond the promising examples explored in this paper are possible. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{network-eics,
   title = {Social Network Analysis and Interactive Device Design},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Patrick Oladimeji},
   year = {2009},
   booktitle = {Proceedings {ACM} {SIGCHI} Symposium on Engineering Interactive Computing Systems --- {EICS}'09},
   pages = {91--100},
   doi = {10.1145/1570433.1570453},
   editor = {G. Calvary and T. C. N. Graham and P. Gray},
   location = {Pittsburgh},
   publisher = {ACM},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
248

H. Thimbleby, “Contributing to Safety and Due Diligence in Safety-critical Interactive Systems Development,” Proceedings ACM SIGCHI Symposium on Engineering Interactive Computing Systems — EICS’09, pp.221–230, edited by G. Calvary, T. C. N. Graham and P. Gray, Pittsburgh, ACM, DOI: 10.1145/1570433.1570474, 2009. AbstractInteraction programming bridges the gap between interaction design and programming, but it has not yet been related directly to mainstream user interface development practice. This paper presents UI model discovery tools to enable existing systems and traditional development processes to benefit from interaction programming tools and methods; in particular, to enable checking of safety-critical interaction properties, and to contribute to due diligence practices in safety-critical interactive systems design. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{safety-eics,
   title = {Contributing to Safety and Due Diligence in Safety-critical Interactive Systems Development},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2009},
   booktitle = {Proceedings {ACM} {SIGCHI} Symposium on Engineering Interactive Computing Systems --- {EICS}'09},
   pages = {221--230},
   doi = {10.1145/1570433.1570474},
   editor = {G. Calvary and T. C. N. Graham and P. Gray},
   location = {Pittsburgh},
   publisher = {ACM},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
247

G. Buchanan, J. Pearson and H. Thimbleby, “Creating Visualisations for Digital Document Indexing,” Proceedings of the 13th European conference on Research and advanced technology for digital libraries, ECDL’09, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, pp.87–93, edited by M. Agosti, J. Borbinha, S. Kapidakis, C. Papatheodorou and G. Tsakonas, Corfu, Greece, Springer Verlag, ISBN 3-642-04345-3, 978-3-642-04345-1, 2009. Website AbstractIndexes are a well established method of locating information in printed literature just as find is a popular technique when searching in digital documents. However, document reader software has seldom adopted the concept of an index in a systematic manner. This paper describes an implemented system that not only facilitates user created digital indexes but also uses colour and size as key factors in their visual presentation. We report a pilot study that was conducted to test the validity of each visualisation and analyses the results of both the quantitative analysis and subjective user reviews. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT91,
   title = {Creating Visualisations for Digital Document Indexing},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Jennifer Pearson}} and George Buchanan},
   year = {2009},
   booktitle = {Proceedings of the 13th European conference on Research and advanced technology for digital libraries, ECDL'09},
   pages = {87--93},
   isbn = {3-642-04345-3, 978-3-642-04345-1},
   url = {http://portal.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=1812799.1812813},
   series = {Lecture Notes in Computer Science},
   editor = {M. Agosti and J. Borbinha and S. Kapidakis and C. Papatheodorou and G. Tsakonas},
   location = {Corfu, Greece},
   acmid = {1812813},
   publisher = {Springer Verlag},
   address = {Berlin, Heidelberg},
   keywords = {document triage, indexing, information Visualisation},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
246

H. Thimbleby, “Teaching and Learning HCI,” Proceedings HCI International, Part I, Universal Access, HCII 2009, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 5614, pp.625–635, edited by C. Stephanidis, San Diego, Springer Verlag, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-02707-9_71, 2009. AbstractWe consider how to teach effectively with particular reference to HCI. HCI can be taught to explicitly empower students to engage with their own learning. Further, HCI motivates because HCI empowers students to make a valuable and lasting contribution to the world. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{learn-hcii,
   title = {Teaching and Learning {HCI}},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2009},
   booktitle = {Proceedings {HCI} International, Part I, Universal Access, {HCII} 2009},
   pages = {625--635},
   volume = {5614},
   doi = {10.1007/978-3-642-02707-9_71},
   series = {Lecture Notes in Computer Science},
   publisher = {Springer Verlag},
   location = {San Diego},
   editor = {C. Stephanidis},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
245

H. Thimbleby, “Interaction Programming: Next Steps,” Proceedings ACM CHI, pp.3811–3816, ACM, DOI: 10.1145/1520340.1520576, 2009. AbstractInteraction programming bridges the gap between interaction design and programming, but it has not yet been related directly to mainstream development practice. This paper presents UI model discovery tools to enable existing systems and traditional development processes to benefit from interaction programming tools and methods. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{interaction-chi,
   title = {Interaction Programming: Next Steps},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2009},
   booktitle = {Proceedings {ACM} {CHI}},
   pages = {3811--3816},
   doi = {10.1145/1520340.1520576},
   publisher = {ACM},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
244

H. Thimbleby, “Avoiding Latent Design Conditions Using UI Discovery Tools,” Proceedings 9th Naturalistic Decision Making, NDM9, Keynote, pp.20–27, edited by N. A. Stanton and B. L. W. Wong, London, DOI: 10.1080/10447310903498692, 2009. AbstractMotivation — Designers make decisions that later influence how users work with the systems that they have designed. When errors occur in use, it is tempting to focus on the active errors rather than on the latent design decisions that framed the context of error, and fixing latent conditions can have a more general (and future) impact than addressing particular active failures. Research approach — A constructive computer science approach is used, and results from a simulation reported. Research limitations — Error is a complex multidisciplinary field; this paper makes a new contribution complimentary to human factors engineering. Take away message — This paper shows that latent design decisions cause serious problems (including fatalities) in safety critical applications; the paper proposes UI discovery tools to identify and manage latent errors. UI discovery enables human factors engineers and programmers to work together to help eliminate broad classes of latent design errors. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{ndm-keynote,
   title = {Avoiding Latent Design Conditions Using UI Discovery Tools},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2009},
   booktitle = {Proceedings 9th Naturalistic Decision Making, NDM9},
   aftertitle = {Keynote},
   pages = {20--27},
   doi = {10.1080/10447310903498692},
   editor = {B. L. W. Wong and N. A. Stanton},
   location = {London},
   enclosingSection = {Invited publications: not refereed}
}
243

G. Buchanan, J. Pearson and H. Thimbleby, “Improving Annotations In Digital Documents,” Proceedings of the 13th European conference on Research and advanced technology for digital libraries — ECDL’09, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 5714, pp.429–432, edited by M. Agosti, J. Borbinha, S. Kapidakis, C. Papatheodorou and G. Tsakonas, Corfu, Greece, Springer Verlag, ISBN 978-3-642-04345-1, 2009. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT90,
   title = {Improving Annotations In Digital Documents},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Jennifer Pearson}} and George Buchanan},
   year = {2009},
   booktitle = {Proceedings of the 13th European conference on Research and advanced technology for digital libraries --- ECDL'09},
   pages = {429--432},
   isbn = {978-3-642-04345-1},
   volume = {5714},
   series = {Lecture Notes in Computer Science},
   editor = {M. Agosti and J. Borbinha and S. Kapidakis and C. Papatheodorou and G. Tsakonas},
   publisher = {Springer Verlag},
   location = {Corfu, Greece},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
242

H. Thimbleby, “Ignorance of Interaction Programming is Killing People,” ACM Interactions, pp.52–57, DOI: 10.1145/1390085.1390098, September+October, 2008. Website PDF Bibtex@article{interaction-programming-killing,
   title = {Ignorance of Interaction Programming is Killing People},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {September+October, 2008},
   pages = {52--57},
   journal = {ACM Interactions},
   url = {http://harold.thimbleby.net/health},
   doi = {10.1145/1390085.1390098},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
241

P. Cairns and H. Thimbleby, “Affordance and Symmetry in User Interfaces,” Computer Journal, 51(6), pp.650–661, DOI: 10.1093/comjnl/bxm102, 2008. AbstractAffordance is a widely-used term in human-computer interaction that, while familiar and attractive, does not have a clear operational definition. Using the mathematical concept of symmetry, this paper shows it is possible to begin developing an operational definition for significant aspects of affordance by forming the theoretical concept of symmetry-affordance. The proposed definition restricts symmetry-affordance to particular contexts but in doing so makes it more useful, as it is clear how to exploit symmetry to aid design. The definition is in standard mathematics (in fact, group theory and model theory) and requires little additional structure. In examining symmetry-affordance, it becomes clear that some other HCI notions can be similarly interpreted by symmetry. The paper provides examples and design insights.
          “Symmetry, as wide or as narrow as you may define its meaning, is one idea by which man through the ages has tried to comprehend and create order, beauty, and perfection.” Hermann Weyl PDF Bibtex@article{affordance-cj,
   title = {Affordance and Symmetry in User Interfaces},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Paul Cairns},
   year = {2008},
   pages = {650--661},
   journal = {Computer Journal},
   volume = {51},
   doi = {10.1093/comjnl/bxm102},
   number = {6},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
240

H. Thimbleby, “Understanding User Centered Design (UCD) for People with Special Needs,” 11th International Conference, ICCHP 2008, Computers Helping People with Special Needs, Keynote, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 5105, pp.1–17, edited by A. Karshmer, J. Klaus, K. Miesenberger and W. Zagler, Linz, Austria, Springer Verlag, ISBN 978-3-540-70539-0, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-540-70540-6, 2008. Website Abstract“User centred design” (UCD) has become a central, largely unquestioned, tenet of good practice for the design of interactive systems. With the increasing recognition of the importance of special needs in influencing design, UCD needs to be re-examined, in particular to be clear about the difference between using its methods, which may not suit special needs, and achieving its objectives. This paper introduces a simple two-category classification of special needs, to which UCD applies very differently and which are heavily affected by developments in technology; in other words, the role of UCD, particularly with respect to special needs, will continue to change and demand close scrutiny. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT164,
   title = {Understanding User Centered Design (UCD) for People with Special Needs},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2008},
   booktitle = {11th International Conference, ICCHP 2008, Computers Helping People with Special Needs},
   aftertitle = {Keynote},
   pages = {1--17},
   isbn = {978-3-540-70539-0},
   url = {http://www.icchp.org},
   volume = {5105},
   doi = {10.1007/978-3-540-70540-6},
   series = {Lecture Notes in Computer Science},
   editor = {K. Miesenberger and J. Klaus and W. Zagler and A Karshmer},
   publisher = {Springer Verlag},
   location = {Linz, Austria},
   enclosingSection = {Invited publications: not refereed}
}
239

H. Thimbleby, “Robot ethics? Not yet. A reflection on Whitby’s “Sometimes it’s hard to be a robot”,” Interacting with Computers, 20(3), pp.338–341, DOI: 10.1016/j.intcom.2008.02.006, 2008. AbstractScience fiction stories seductively portray robots as human. In present reality (early 21st century) robots are machines, even though they can do many things far better than humans (fly, swim, play chess to name a few). Any ethics for or of robots is therefore a seductive mix of fiction and reality. The key issue for rational discourse is to provide a rigorous framework for reasoning about the issues, including identifying flaws in the framework. We find such meta-reasoning in discussion about robot ethics to be ready for improvement. PDF Bibtex@article{robot-iwc,
   title = {Robot ethics? {Not} yet. {A} reflection on {Whitby's} ``{Sometimes} it's hard to be a robot''},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2008},
   pages = {338--341},
   journal = {Interacting with Computers},
   volume = {20},
   doi = {10.1016/j.intcom.2008.02.006},
   number = {3},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
238

H. Thimbleby and W. Thimbleby, “Weapons of Maths Construction,” Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition, TECHFEST, Mumbai, 2008. Website PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT52,
   title = {Weapons of Maths Construction},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Will Thimbleby},
   year = {2008},
   booktitle = {Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition},
   url = {http://cs.swan.ac.uk/calculators},
   location = {TECHFEST, Mumbai},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
237

H. Thimbleby, “Write Now!” Research Methods for Human-Computer Interaction, pp.196–211, edited by P. Cairns and A. Cox, Cambridge University Press, 2008. PDF Bibtex@inbook{HT57,
   title = {Write Now!},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2008},
   booktitle = {Research Methods for Human-Computer Interaction},
   pages = {196--211},
   editor = {Paul Cairns and Anna Cox},
   publisher = {Cambridge University Press},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
236

H. Thimbleby and W. Thimbleby, “Mathematical Mathematical User Interfaces,” Proceedings Engineering Interactive Computer Systems — EICS2007/DSVIS 2007, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 4940, pp.519–535, edited by J. Gulliksen, Salamanca, Spain, Springer Verlag, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-540-92698-6_31, 2008. Website AbstractWe can consider a calculator together with its user make a Turing Complete system; in this sense, all calculators are mathematically equivalent and therefore mathematical user interfaces need not innovate beyond what is absolutely necessary. Typically, user interfaces are character-based and imperative, with mice used to select windows, and modes used to control the hidden complexities of the system.
          Taking Mathematica and xThink as representatives of the state of the art in interactive mathematics, we show conventional mathematical user interfaces leave much to be desired, because they separate the mathematics from the context of the user interface, which remains as unmathematical as ever.
          We put the usability of such systems into mathematical perspective, and compare the conventional approach with our approach, as exemplified by True Calculator. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{math-dsvis,
   title = {Mathematical Mathematical User Interfaces},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Will Thimbleby},
   year = {2008},
   booktitle = {Proceedings Engineering Interactive Computer Systems --- EICS2007/{DSVIS} 2007},
   pages = {519--535},
   url = {http://harold.thimbleby.net/calculators/index.html},
   volume = {4940},
   doi = {10.1007/978-3-540-92698-6_31},
   series = {Lecture Notes in Computer Science},
   location = {Salamanca, Spain},
   publisher = {Springer Verlag},
   editor = {J. Gulliksen},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
235

R. Beale, A. Holzinger and H. Thimbleby, “Workshop on HCI for Medicine and Health Care (HCI4MED),” Proceedings BCS HCI Conference, People and Computers, XXII.2, pp.191–192, Liverpool, England, BCS, 2008. Bibtex@inproceedings{hci3med-bcs,
   title = {Workshop on {HCI} for Medicine and Health Care ({HCI4MED})},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Andreas Holzinger}} and Russell Beale},
   year = {2008},
   booktitle = {Proceedings BCS HCI Conference, People and Computers},
   pages = {191--192},
   volume = {XXII.2},
   location = {Liverpool, England},
   publisher = {BCS},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
234

P. Cairns, A. Cox, H. Thimbleby and N. Webb, “Research Methods for HCI,” Proceedings BCS HCI Conference, People and Computers, XXII.2, pp.221–222, Liverpool, England, BCS, 2008. Bibtex@inproceedings{research-bcs,
   title = {Research Methods for {HCI}},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Natalie Webb and {\main{Anna Cox}} and {\main{Paul Cairns}}},
   year = {2008},
   booktitle = {Proceedings BCS HCI Conference, People and Computers},
   pages = {221--222},
   volume = {XXII.2},
   location = {Liverpool, England},
   publisher = {BCS},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
233

J. Gow and H. Thimbleby, “Applying Graph Theory to Interaction Design,” Proceedings Engineering Interactive Computer Systems — EICS2007/DSVIS 2007, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 4940, pp.501–518, edited by J. Gulliksen, Salamanca, Spain, Springer Verlag, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-540-92698-6_30, 2008. AbstractGraph theory provides a very substantial resource for a diverse range of quantitative and qualitative usability measures, which may be used for evaluating recovery from error, informing design tradeoffs, probing topics for user training, and so on. This paper gives many concrete examples based on the analysis of a real non-trivial interactive device, a medical syringe pump, itself implemented as a graph.
          Graph theory is a straight-forward, practical and flexible way to implement and analyse real interactive systems. Hence, graph theory complements other approaches to formal HCI, such as theorem proving and model checking, which have a less direct relation to interaction. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{graph-dsvis,
   title = {Applying Graph Theory to Interaction Design},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Jeremy Gow},
   year = {2008},
   booktitle = {Proceedings Engineering Interactive Computer Systems --- EICS2007/DSVIS 2007},
   pages = {501--518},
   volume = {4940},
   doi = {10.1007/978-3-540-92698-6_30},
   series = {Lecture Notes in Computer Science},
   publisher = {Springer Verlag},
   editor = {J. Gulliksen},
   location = {Salamanca, Spain},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
232

H. Thimbleby, “Using the Fitts Law with State Transition Systems to Find Optimal Task Timings,” Proceedings 2nd International Workshop on Formal Methods for Interactive Systems (FMIS2007), pp.151–162, edited by A. Cerone and P. Curzon, Lancaster, England, 2007. Bibtex@inproceedings{fitts-fmis,
   title = {Using the Fitts Law with State Transition Systems to Find Optimal Task Timings},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2007},
   booktitle = {Proceedings 2nd International Workshop on Formal Methods for Interactive Systems ({FMIS2007})},
   pages = {151--162},
   editor = {P. Curzon and A. Cerone},
   location = {Lancaster, England},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
231

P. Cairns, L. Oshlyansky and H. Thimbleby, “Validating the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) tool cross-culturally,” Proceedings British Computer Society HCI 2007 Conference, 2, pp.83–86, 2007. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{utaut-bcs,
   title = {Validating the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology ({UTAUT}) tool cross-culturally},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Lidia Oshlyansky}} and Paul Cairns},
   year = {2007},
   booktitle = {Proceedings British Computer Society {HCI} 2007 Conference},
   pages = {83--86},
   volume = {2},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
230

H. Thimbleby and W. Thimbleby, “Internalist and Externalist HCI,” Proceedings British Computer Society HCI 2007 Conference, 2, pp.111–114, Lancaster, England, 2007. AbstractThe history of technology, as a discipline, supports alternate points of view termed internalist and externalist, which terms highlight an approximately similar division in points of view in HCI. Conventional HCI is externalist, rightly concerned with human-centered issues; but externalism risks ignoring important internalist issues. A successful human-computer system is better if it is successful from both perspectives. This discussion paper argues that the externalist view, while necessary and immensely useful, is not sufficient — and in the worst case, risks eclipsing innovation from internalist quarters. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{internalist-bcs,
   title = {Internalist and Externalist {HCI}},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Will Thimbleby},
   year = {2007},
   booktitle = {Proceedings British Computer Society {HCI} 2007 Conference},
   pages = {111--114},
   volume = {2},
   location = {Lancaster, England},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
229

H. Thimbleby, “User-centered Methods are Insufficient for Safety Critical Systems,” USAB’07 — Usability & HCI for Medicine and Health Care, Keynote, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 4799, pp.1–20, edited by A. Holzinger, Graz, Austria, Springer Verlag, 2007. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT165,
   title = {User-centered Methods are Insufficient for Safety Critical Systems},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2007},
   booktitle = {{USAB'07} --- Usability {\&} {HCI} for Medicine and Health Care},
   aftertitle = {Keynote},
   pages = {1--20},
   volume = {4799},
   series = {Lecture Notes in Computer Science},
   editor = {Andreas Holzinger},
   publisher = {Springer Verlag},
   location = {Graz, Austria},
   enclosingSection = {Invited publications: not refereed}
}
228

H. Thimbleby, “Interaction Walkthrough: Evaluation of Safety Critical Interactive Systems,” Proceedings The XIII International Workshop on Design, Specification and Verification of Interactive Systems — DSVIS 2006, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 4323, pp.52–66, edited by A. Blandford and G. Doherty, Dublin, Ireland, Springer Verlag, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-540-69554-7_5, 2007. AbstractUsability evaluation methods are a battery of techniques for assessing the usability of interactive systems or of proposed interactive systems. This paper describes a new evaluation method, particularly appropriate for evaluating safety critical and high quality user interfaces. The method can also be used for informing HCI research. The method is applied when a specification is available of an interactive system, or when a system (or prototype) is working. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{walkthrough-dsvis,
   title = {Interaction Walkthrough: Evaluation of Safety Critical Interactive Systems},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2007},
   booktitle = {Proceedings The {XIII} International Workshop on Design, Specification and Verification of Interactive Systems --- {DSVIS} 2006},
   pages = {52--66},
   volume = {4323},
   doi = {10.1007/978-3-540-69554-7_5},
   series = {Lecture Notes in Computer Science},
   publisher = {Springer Verlag},
   editor = {G. Doherty and Ann Blandford},
   location = {Dublin, Ireland},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
227

M. Harrison and H. Thimbleby, “Names and References in User Interfaces,” Proceedings British Computer Society HCI 2007 Conference, 2, pp.107–110, Lancaster, England, 2007. AbstractThis short paper argues that references in user interfaces, in particular names and the values they denote, are often designed in a way that is incomplete and inconsistent thereby causing problems for users. This paper explores names and values through illustrations in order to clear the way for a more systematic approach to the design of names and reference. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{names-bcs,
   title = {Names and References in User Interfaces},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Michael D. Harrison},
   year = {2007},
   booktitle = {Proceedings British Computer Society {HCI} 2007 Conference},
   pages = {107--110},
   volume = {2},
   location = {Lancaster, England},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
226

H. Thimbleby, “Validity and Cross-Validity in HCI Publications,” Proceedings The XIII International Workshop on Design, Specification and Verification of Interactive Systems — DSVIS 2006, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 4323, pp.11–24, edited by A. Blandford and G. Doherty, Dublin, Ireland, Springer Verlag, 2007. AbstractPapers in HCI play different roles, whether to inspire, solve industrial problems or further the science of HCI. There is a potential conflict between the different views, and a danger that different forms of validity are assumed by author and reader — deliberately or accidentally.
          This paper reviews some of the issues in this complex area and makes practical recommendations. In particular, the paper introduces the term “cross-validity” to help make explicit the issues, problems and means to tackle them. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{validity-dsvis,
   title = {Validity and Cross-Validity in {HCI} Publications},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2007},
   booktitle = {Proceedings The {XIII} International Workshop on Design, Specification and Verification of Interactive Systems --- {DSVIS} 2006},
   pages = {11--24},
   volume = {4323},
   series = {Lecture Notes in Computer Science},
   publisher = {Springer Verlag},
   editor = {G. Doherty and Ann Blandford},
   location = {Dublin, Ireland},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
225

P. Cairns, L. Oshlyansky and H. Thimbleby, “A Cautionary Tale: Hofstede’s VSM Revisited,” Proceedings of British Computer Society Human Computer Interaction Conference, 2, pp.11–15, Edinburgh, Scotland, 2006. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{hofstede-bcs,
   title = {A Cautionary Tale: {Hofstede's} {VSM} Revisited},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Lidia Oshlyansky}} and Paul Cairns},
   year = {2006},
   booktitle = {Proceedings of British Computer Society Human Computer Interaction Conference},
   pages = {11--15},
   volume = {2},
   location = {Edinburgh, Scotland},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
224

P. Cairns, J. Gow and H. Thimbleby, “Automatic Critiques of Interface Modes,” Proceedings 12th International Workshop on Design, Specification and Verification of Interactive Systems — DSVIS 2005, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 3941, pp.201–212, edited by S. W. Gilroy and M. Harrison, Newcastle, England, Springer Verlag, ISBN 978-3-540-34145-1, DOI: 10.1007/11752707_17, 2006. AbstractWe introduce a formal model of inconsistency-related mode confusion. This forms the basis of a heuristic methodology for critiquing user interfaces, using a matrix algebra approach to interface specification [12]. We also present a novel algorithm for automatically identifying modes in state-based interface designs, allowing a significant level of automated tool support for our methodology. The present paper generalises our previous work on improving state-based interface designs [5]. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{auto-dsvis,
   title = {Automatic Critiques of Interface Modes},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Jeremy Gow and Paul Cairns},
   year = {2006},
   booktitle = {Proceedings 12th International Workshop on Design, Specification and Verification of Interactive Systems --- {DSVIS} 2005},
   pages = {201--212},
   isbn = {978-3-540-34145-1},
   volume = {3941},
   doi = {10.1007/11752707_17},
   series = {Lecture Notes in Computer Science},
   publisher = {Springer Verlag},
   editor = {S. W. Gilroy and Michael D. Harrison},
   location = {Newcastle, England},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
223

H. Thimbleby and W. Thimbleby, “Weapons of Maths Construction,” Welsh National Eisteddfod 2005, Swansea, 2006. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT51,
   title = {Weapons of Maths Construction},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and W. Thimbleby},
   year = {2006},
   booktitle = {Welsh National Eisteddfod 2005},
   location = {Swansea},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
222

H. Thimbleby, “Applying Bohm’s Ideas in the Age of Intelligent Environments,” Proceedings International Symposium on Intelligent Environments, pp.27–33, Cambridge, England, 2006. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT92,
   title = {Applying Bohm's Ideas in the Age of Intelligent Environments},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2006},
   booktitle = {Proceedings International Symposium on Intelligent Environments},
   pages = {27--33},
   location = {Cambridge, England},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
221

L. Bannon, I. Boivie, J. Gulliksen, L. Oshlyansky and H. Thimbleby, “Lost — or Liberated? — Without Theory (panel),” Proceedings 19th. British Computer Society HCI Conference, 2, p.344, edited by O. Bertelsen, N. Bryan-Kinns and L. MacKinnon, Edinburgh, Scotland, British Computer Society, 2005. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{lost-bcs,
   title = {Lost --- or Liberated? --- Without Theory (panel)},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and J. Gulliksen and I. Boivie and L. Bannon and Lidia Oshlyansky},
   year = {2005},
   booktitle = {Proceedings 19th. British Computer Society {HCI} Conference},
   pages = {344},
   volume = {2},
   editor = {L. MacKinnon and O. Bertelsen and N. Bryan-Kinns},
   publisher = {British Computer Society},
   location = {Edinburgh, Scotland},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
220

H. Thimbleby and W. Thimbleby, “Weapons of Maths Construction,” Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition Guide, pp.6–7, London, 2005. Website Bibtex@inbook{HT53,
   title = {Weapons of Maths Construction},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and W.~Thimbleby},
   year = {2005},
   booktitle = {Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition Guide},
   pages = {6--7},
   url = {http://www.cs.swan.ac.uk/calculators},
   location = {London},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
219

H. Thimbleby and W. Thimbleby, “A Novel Gesture-Based Calculator and Its Design Principles,” Proceedings 19th. British Computer Society HCI Conference, 2, pp.27–32, edited by O. Bertelsen, N. Bryan-Kinns and L. MacKinnon, Edinburgh, Scotland, British Computer Society, 2005. Website PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{will-bcs,
   title = {A Novel Gesture-Based Calculator and Its Design Principles},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Will Thimbleby}}},
   year = {2005},
   booktitle = {Proceedings 19th. British Computer Society {HCI} Conference},
   pages = {27--32},
   url = {http://harold.thimbleby.net/calculators/index.html},
   volume = {2},
   editor = {L. MacKinnon and O. Bertelsen and N. Bryan-Kinns},
   publisher = {British Computer Society},
   location = {Edinburgh, Scotland},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
218

L. Bannon, I. Boivie, J. Gulliksen, L. Oshlyansky and H. Thimbleby, “Lost — or Liberated? — Without Theory (workshop),” Proceedings 19th. British Computer Society HCI Conference, 2, pp.299–301, edited by O. Bertelsen, N. Bryan-Kinns and L. MacKinnon, Edinburgh, Scotland, British Computer Society, 2005. Bibtex@inproceedings{lost2-bcs,
   title = {Lost --- or Liberated? --- Without Theory (workshop)},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and J. Gulliksen and I. Boivie and L. Bannon and Lidia Oshlyansky},
   year = {2005},
   booktitle = {Proceedings 19th. British Computer Society {HCI} Conference},
   pages = {299--301},
   volume = {2},
   editor = {L. MacKinnon and O. Bertelsen and N. Bryan-Kinns},
   publisher = {British Computer Society},
   location = {Edinburgh, Scotland},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
217

H. Thimbleby, “Supporting Diverse HCI Research,” Proceedings British Computer Society HCI Conference, 2, pp.125–128, edited by A. Dearden and L. Watts, Research Press International, 2004. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{diverse-bcs,
   title = {Supporting Diverse {HCI} Research},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2004},
   booktitle = {Proceedings British Computer Society {HCI} Conference},
   pages = {125--128},
   volume = {2},
   editor = {A. Dearden and L. Watts},
   publisher = {Research Press International},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
216

H. Thimbleby, “Effective and Enjoyable Research Careers in HCI,” Proceedings British Computer Society HCI Conference, 2, pp.125–128, edited by A. Dearden and L. Watts, Research Press International, 2004. Bibtex@inproceedings{careers-bcs,
   title = {Effective and Enjoyable Research Careers in {HCI}},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2004},
   booktitle = {Proceedings British Computer Society {HCI} Conference},
   pages = {125--128},
   volume = {2},
   editor = {A. Dearden and L. Watts},
   publisher = {Research Press International},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
215

P. Cairns, J. Gow and H. Thimbleby, “Misleading Behaviour in Interactive Systems,” Proceedings British Computer Society HCI Conference, 2, pp.33–36, edited by A. Dearden and L. Watts, Research Press International, 2004. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{misleading-bcs,
   title = {Misleading Behaviour in Interactive Systems},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Jeremy Gow and Paul Cairns},
   year = {2004},
   booktitle = {Proceedings British Computer Society {HCI} Conference},
   pages = {33--36},
   volume = {2},
   editor = {A. Dearden and L. Watts},
   publisher = {Research Press International},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
214

P. Cairns, H. Thimbleby and S. Wali, “Evaluating a Novel Calculator Interface,” Proceedings British Computer Society HCI Conference, 2, pp.9–12, edited by A. Dearden and L. Watts, Research Press International, 2004. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{wali-bcs,
   title = {Evaluating a Novel Calculator Interface},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Paul Cairns and {\main{S. Wali}}},
   year = {2004},
   booktitle = {Proceedings British Computer Society {HCI} Conference},
   pages = {9--12},
   volume = {2},
   editor = {A. Dearden and L. Watts},
   publisher = {Research Press International},
   cantfindthisdoi = {10.1.1.129.4337},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
213

A. Blandford, G. Buchanan, M. Jones and H. Thimbleby, “Supporting Information Structuring in a Digital Library,” Proceedings ECDL4, European Conference on Digital Libraries, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 3232, pp.464–475, edited by R. Heery and L. Lyon, Springer Verlag, 2004. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT94,
   title = {Supporting Information Structuring in a Digital Library},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{George Buchanan}} and Ann Blandford and M. Jones},
   year = {2004},
   booktitle = {Proceedings {ECDL4}, European Conference on Digital Libraries},
   pages = {464--475},
   volume = {3232},
   series = {Lecture Notes in Computer Science},
   publisher = {Springer Verlag},
   editor = {R. Heery and L. Lyon},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
212

A. Blandford, G. Buchanan, M. Jones and H. Thimbleby, “Integrating Information Seeking and Structuring: Exploring the Role of Spatial Hypertext in a Digital Library,” Proceedings Hypertext 2004, Fifteenth ACM Conference on Hypertext and Hypermedia — HT04, Winner of Ted Nelson Newcomer Award, pp.225–234, DOI: 10.1145/1012807.1012864, 2004. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{integrating,
   title = {Integrating Information Seeking and Structuring: Exploring the Role of Spatial Hypertext in a Digital Library},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{George Buchanan}} and Ann Blandford and M. Jones},
   year = {2004},
   booktitle = {Proceedings Hypertext 2004, Fifteenth {ACM} Conference on Hypertext and Hypermedia --- HT04},
   pages = {225--234},
   highlight = {Winner of Ted Nelson Newcomer Award},
   doi = {10.1145/1012807.1012864},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
211

J. Gow and H. Thimbleby, “MAUI: An Interface Design Tool Based on Matrix Algebra,” Proceedings of the Fifth ACM International Conference on Computer-Aided Design of User Interfaces IV — CADUI’2004, pp.81–94, edited by R. J. K. Jacob, Q. Limbourg and J. Vanderdonckt, Funchal, Maderia, Kluwer Aacedmic Publishers, ISBN 1–4020–3145–9, 2004. Website PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{gow-cadui,
   title = {{MAUI}: An Interface Design Tool Based on Matrix Algebra},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Jeremy Gow},
   year = {2004},
   booktitle = {Proceedings of the Fifth ACM International Conference on Computer-Aided Design of User Interfaces IV --- {CADUI}'2004},
   pages = {81--94},
   isbn = {1--4020--3145--9},
   url = {http://harold.thimbleby.net/matrixweb/index.html},
   editor = {R. J. K. Jacob and Q. Limbourg and J. Vanderdonckt},
   publisher = {Kluwer Aacedmic Publishers},
   location = {Funchal, Maderia},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
210

J. Gow and H. Thimbleby, “Computer Algebra in Interface Design Research,” Proceedings of the Fifth ACM International Conference on Computer-Aided Design of User Interfaces — CADUI’2004, Funchal, Madeira, 2004. Bibtex@inproceedings{gow-cadui2,
   title = {Computer Algebra in Interface Design Research},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Jeremy Gow},
   year = {2004},
   booktitle = {Proceedings of the Fifth ACM International Conference on Computer-Aided Design of User Interfaces --- {CADUI}'2004},
   location = {Funchal, Madeira},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
209

J. Gow and H. Thimbleby, “Computer Algebra in Interface Design Research,” Proceedings 2004 ACM/SIGCHI International Conference on Intelligent User Interfaces — IUI’04, pp.366–367, edited by N. J. Nunes and C. Rich, Funchal, Madeira, ISBN 1-58113-815-6, DOI: 10.1145/964442.964537, 2004. Website AbstractTools to design, analyse and evaluate user interfaces can be used in user interface design research and in interface modelling research. This demonstration shows two working systems: one in Mathematica that is mathematically sophisticated, and one as a ‘conventional’ rapid application development environment, where the mathematics is hidden, and which could form the basis of a professional design tool — but which is based rigorously on the same algebraic formalism. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{gow-cadui3,
   title = {Computer Algebra in Interface Design Research},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Jeremy Gow},
   year = {2004},
   booktitle = {Proceedings 2004 {ACM/SIGCHI} International Conference on Intelligent User Interfaces --- {IUI}'04},
   pages = {366--367},
   isbn = {1-58113-815-6},
   url = {http://doi.acm.org/10.1145/964442.964537},
   doi = {10.1145/964442.964537},
   editor = {N. J. Nunes and C. Rich},
   location = {Funchal, Madeira},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
208

A. Blandford, G. Buchanan, M. Jones and H. Thimbleby, “Integrating Information Seeking and Structuring: Exploring the Role of Spatial Hypertext in a Digital Library,” Proceedings of the fifteenth ACM Conference on Hypertext and Hypermedia — HT’04, Proceedings European Conference on Digital Libraries, pp.225–234, Santa Cruz, CA, USA, ACM Press, 2004. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT93,
   title = {Integrating Information Seeking and Structuring: Exploring the Role of Spatial Hypertext in a Digital Library},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{George Buchanan}} and M. Jones and Ann Blandford},
   year = {2004},
   booktitle = {Proceedings of the fifteenth ACM Conference on Hypertext and Hypermedia --- HT'04},
   pages = {225--234},
   journal = {Proceedings European Conference on Digital Libraries},
   location = {Santa Cruz, CA, USA},
   publisher = {ACM Press},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
207

H. Thimbleby, “Computer Algebra in User Interface Design Analysis,” Proceedings British Computer Society HCI Conference, 2, pp.121–124, edited by A. Dearden and L. Watts, Research Press International, 2004. Website AbstractFormal methods in HCI are important, especially for safety critical systems, and of course for providing theory to underpin research. But formal methods are notoriously difficult, and the complexity of interactive systems that can be rigorously handled is limited. This paper shows how modern computer algebra systems can do some impressive mathematics that helps enormously in certain relevant areas of formalisation, such as in task/action mapping. Apart from learning how to use a computer algebra system, there is negligible craft knowledge — a new formal technique, as such, does not have to be learnt. One of the breakthroughs is the ability to generate formal interaction specifications, explore and generate theorems, from straight-forwardly programmed runnable animations; conventional iterative design can modify these implementations, and we can then automatically re-run the formal analyses. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{ca-bcs,
   title = {Computer Algebra in User Interface Design Analysis},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2004},
   booktitle = {Proceedings British Computer Society {HCI} Conference},
   pages = {121--124},
   url = {http://harold.thimbleby.net/CA/index.html},
   volume = {2},
   editor = {A. Dearden and L. Watts},
   publisher = {Research Press International},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
206

P. Cairns, L. Oshlyansky and H. Thimbleby, “Breaking Affordance: Culture as Context,” Proceedings of 3rd. Nordic ACM Conference on Computer-Human Interaction — NordiChi 2004, pp.81–84, Tampere, Finland, DOI: 10.1145/1028014.1028025, October 23-27, 2004. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{affordance-nordichi,
   title = {Breaking Affordance: Culture as Context},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Lidia Oshlyansky}} and Paul Cairns},
   year = {October 23-27, 2004},
   booktitle = {Proceedings of 3rd. Nordic {ACM} Conference on Computer-Human Interaction --- NordiChi 2004},
   pages = {81--84},
   doi = {10.1145/1028014.1028025},
   location = {Tampere, Finland},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
205

H. Thimbleby, “User Interface Design with Matrix Algebra,” ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction, 11(2), pp.181–236, DOI: 10.1145/1005361.1005364, 2004. Website AbstractIt is usually very hard, both for designers and users, to reason reliably about user interfaces. This paper shows that ‘push button’ and ‘point and click’ user interfaces are algebraic structures. Users effectively do matrix algebra when they interact, and therefore we can be precise about some important issues of usability. Matrices, in particular, are useful for explicit calculation and for proof of various user interface properties.
          With matrix algebra, we are able to undertake with ease unusally thorough reviews of real user interfaces: this paper examines a mobile phone, a handheld calculator and a digital multimeter as case studies. All difficulties in applying the approach correspond to awkward or avoidable complexities in the user interfaces being modelled: using matrix algebra in design therefore encourages designers to avoid such user interface complexities. PDF, PS Bibtex@article{matrix-tochi,
   title = {User Interface Design with Matrix Algebra},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2004},
   pages = {181--236},
   journal = {ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction},
   url = {http://harold.thimbleby.net/matrixweb/index.html},
   volume = {11},
   doi = {10.1145/1005361.1005364},
   number = {2},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
204

G. Buchanan, M. Jones and H. Thimbleby, “Improving Web Search on Small Screen Devices,” Interacting with Computers, 15(4), pp.479–495, DOI: 10.1016/S0953-5438(03)00036-5, 2003. PDF Bibtex@article{web-iwc,
   title = {Improving Web Search on Small Screen Devices},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{M. Jones}} and George Buchanan},
   year = {2003},
   pages = {479--495},
   journal = {Interacting with Computers},
   volume = {15},
   doi = {10.1016/S0953-5438(03)00036-5},
   number = {4},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
203

O. Nevalainen, T. Raita and H. Thimbleby, “An Improved Insert Sort Algorithm,” Software — Practice & Experience, 33(10), pp.909–1001, DOI: 10.1002/spe.537, 2003. Website AbstractA simple and efficient insert sort algorithm is presented in Java.
          This paper uses warping (automatic code inclusion from actual program source) to ensure reliability of the published code; the code extracts in this paper are guaranteed compiled, run and tested. The preceding paper in this journal discusses both the tool warp and its rationale. PDF Bibtex@article{warpsort-spae,
   title = {An Improved Insert Sort Algorithm},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and O. Nevalainen and T. Raita},
   year = {2003},
   pages = {909--1001},
   journal = {Software --- Practice {\&} Experience},
   url = {http://harold.thimbleby.net/warp/index.html},
   volume = {33},
   doi = {10.1002/spe.537},
   number = {10},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
202

H. Thimbleby, “Explaining Code for Publication,” Software — Practice & Experience, 33(10), pp.975–1001, DOI: 10.1002/spe.537, 2003. Website AbstractEnsuring integrity between code and published papers so that algorithms can be written about reliably, whether for explaining them in scientific papers or books, requires automatic tool support. A versatile, light-weight approach that is easy to use is described.
          (A Java implementation is available that works with Java, C and similar languages, and provides support for explanations in LaT_EX, XML, HTML, etc.) PDF, PS Bibtex@article{warp-spae,
   title = {Explaining Code for Publication},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2003},
   pages = {975--1001},
   journal = {Software --- Practice {\&} Experience},
   url = {http://harold.thimbleby.net/warp/index.html},
   volume = {33},
   doi = {10.1002/spe.537},
   number = {10},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
201

T. Bell, M. Fellows, N. Koblitz, M. Powell, H. Thimbleby and I. Witten, “Explaining Cryptographic Systems,” Computers & Education, 40(3), pp.199–215, DOI: 10.1016/S0360-1315(02)00102-1, 2003. AbstractModern cryptography can achieve levels of security and authentication that non-specialists find literally incredible. Techniques including information-hiding protocols, zero-knowledge proofs and public key cryptosystems can be used to support applications like digital signatures, digital cash, on-line poker and secure voting in ways that are provably secure — far more secure than the traditional systems they replace. This paper describes simple versions of such applications that have been used to give school-children and the general public a broad understanding of what can be achieved, and how.
          The material has been extensively and successfully used by the authors in schools, science festivals and with undergraduates, and even postgraduate specialists. PDF Bibtex@article{HT12,
   title = {Explaining Cryptographic Systems},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and T. Bell and M. Fellows and I. Witten and N. Koblitz and M. Powell},
   year = {2003},
   pages = {199--215},
   journal = {Computers {\&} Education},
   volume = {40},
   doi = {10.1016/S0360-1315(02)00102-1},
   number = {3},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
200

H. Thimbleby, “The Reduced Enigma,” Computers & Security, 22(7), pp.624–642, DOI: 10.1016/S0167-4048(03)00712-0, 2003. Website AbstractThis article describes a simplified cryptographic machine, based closely on the World War II Enigma. This ‘reduced Enigma’ exposes some of the design flaws of the original Enigma in a new way. Had the Axis powers built a reduced Enigma, the outcome of the war might have been different.
          A fully working reduced Enigma has been used very successfully in numerous public lectures, in school talks, and in university seminars. Hands-on demonstrations of the reduced Enigma dramatically brings alive ideas about design, codes, permutations and groups. As a working trapdoor function, the reduced Enigma also provides an unusually clear introduction to public key cryptography. This article provides background information, lecture suggestions, and details for building it. PDF Bibtex@article{enigma,
   title = {The Reduced Enigma},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2003},
   pages = {624--642},
   journal = {Computers {\&} Security},
   url = {http://harold.thimbleby.net/enigma/index.html},
   volume = {22},
   doi = {10.1016/S0167-4048(03)00712-0},
   number = {7},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
199

H. Thimbleby, “The Directed Chinese Postman Problem,” Software — Practice & Experience, 33(11), pp.1081–1096, DOI: 10.1002/spe.540, 2003. Website AbstractThe Chinese Postman Problem has many applications, including robot exploration, and analysing interactive system and Web site usability. This paper reviews the wide range of applications of the problem and presents complete, executable code to solve it for the case of directed multigraphs. A variation called the “open Chinese Postman Problem” is also introduced and solved. Although optimizations are possible, no substantially better algorithms are likely. PDF, PS Bibtex@article{dcc-spae,
   title = {The Directed Chinese Postman Problem},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2003},
   pages = {1081--1096},
   journal = {Software --- Practice {\&} Experience},
   url = {http://harold.thimbleby.net/cpp/index.html},
   volume = {33},
   doi = {10.1002/spe.540},
   number = {11},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
198

A. Blandford, N. Bryan-Kinns and H. Thimbleby, “Understanding Interaction Traps,” Proceedings of BCS HCI2–3: Designing for Society, 2, pp.57–60, 2003. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{traps-bcs,
   title = {Understanding Interaction Traps},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Ann Blandford}} and N. Bryan-Kinns},
   year = {2003},
   booktitle = {Proceedings of BCS {HCI2--3}: Designing for Society},
   pages = {57--60},
   volume = {2},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
197

H. Thimbleby, “Reflections on Symmetry,” Proceedings IEEE/ACM Advanced Visual Interfaces — AVI2002, Keynote, pp.28–33, Venice, Italy, DOI: 10.1145/1556262.1556265, 2002. AbstractSymmetry is routinely used in visual design, but in fact is not just a visual concept. This paper explores how deeper symmetries in user interface implementations can be ‘reflected’ in the design of the user interface, and make them easier to use. This deeper application of symmetry for user interface design is related to affordance, and therefore makes that concept constructively applicable. Recommendations for programming better user interfaces are suggested.
          “Symmetry, as wide or as narrow as you may define its meaning, is one idea by which man through the ages has tried to comprehend and create order, beauty, and perfection.” Hermann Weyl PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{symmetry-avi,
   title = {Reflections on Symmetry},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2002},
   booktitle = {Proceedings IEEE/ACM Advanced Visual Interfaces --- AVI2002},
   aftertitle = {Keynote},
   pages = {28--33},
   doi = {10.1145/1556262.1556265},
   location = {Venice, Italy},
   enclosingSection = {Invited publications: not refereed}
}
196

A. Blandford, P. Cairns, P. Curzon, M. Jones and H. Thimbleby, “User Interface Design as Systems Design,” Proceedings People and Computers — Memorable Yet Invisible, XVI, pp.281–301, edited by F. Détienne, X. Faulkner and J. Finlay, London, Springer Verlag, 2002. Website AbstractWhen designing complex systems, it is standard systems engineering practice to carefully design the interfaces between subsystems. Yet when designing human/computer systems, the interface between human and system is not usually thought through in such terms. Instead, the human is often given wide access to arbitrary parts of the system, and the result is a complex human/computer system that fails in various ways.
          We illustrate this argument with a case study of a public walk-up-and-use rail ticketing system. We show that the interaction imposed on the user is inappropriate to the user’s task needs; we show how user interface problems arise through access to organisational conventions that are of little interest to users. Furthermore, the wide interface is beyond the resources of the rail organisation to manage.
          Conversely we show that an interface designed to hide irrelevant complexity (exactly as one would do approaching user interfaces as a systems engineering design problem) can have a beneficial impact on the user experience, including improving the reliability of the total system. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{ticket-bcs,
   title = {User Interface Design as Systems Design},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Ann Blandford and Paul Cairns and P. Curzon and M. Jones},
   year = {2002},
   booktitle = {Proceedings People and Computers --- Memorable Yet Invisible},
   pages = {281--301},
   url = {http://harold.thimbleby.net/tvm},
   volume = {XVI},
   editor = {X. Faulkner and J. Finlay and F. D{\'e}tienne},
   publisher = {Springer Verlag},
   location = {London},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
195

H. Thimbleby and P. Thomas, “The New Usability: The Challenge of Designing for Pervasive Computing,” Proceedings of the ICCC2002, 15th. International Conference on Computer Communication, pp.382–388, edited by S. P. Mudur and S. V. Raghavan, 2002. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT97,
   title = {The New Usability: The Challenge of Designing for Pervasive Computing},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and P. Thomas},
   year = {2002},
   booktitle = {Proceedings of the {ICCC2002}, 15th. International Conference on Computer Communication},
   pages = {382--388},
   editor = {S. V. Raghavan and S. P. Mudur},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
194

H. Thimbleby, “Symmetry for Successful Interactive Systems,” Proceedings ACM CHI New Zealand, OZCHI, Keynote, pp.1–9, edited by S. Jones and M. Masoodian, Waikato, New Zealand, DOI: 10.1145/2181216.2181217, 2002. AbstractHCI has some rich and suggestive ideas, like affordance and direct manipulation. Symmetry is a powerful explanation of why these concepts work, and it can be generalised to guide new design for more effective user interfaces. PDF, PS Bibtex@inproceedings{symmetry-ozchi,
   title = {Symmetry for Successful Interactive Systems},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2002},
   booktitle = {Proceedings ACM CHI New Zealand, OZCHI},
   aftertitle = {Keynote},
   pages = {1--9},
   doi = {10.1145/2181216.2181217},
   editor = {S. Jones and M. Masoodian},
   location = {Waikato, New Zealand},
   enclosingSection = {Invited publications: not refereed}
}
193

A. E. Blandford, G. Buchanan, M. Jones and H. Thimbleby, “Spatial Hypertext as a Reader Tool in Digital Libraries,” Proceedings Visual Interfaces to Digital Libraries, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 2539, pp.13–24, edited by K. Börner and C. Chen, Springer Verlag, 2002. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT96,
   title = {Spatial Hypertext as a Reader Tool in Digital Libraries},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{George Buchanan}} and A. E. Blandford and M. Jones},
   year = {2002},
   booktitle = {Proceedings Visual Interfaces to Digital Libraries},
   pages = {13--24},
   volume = {2539},
   series = {Lecture Notes in Computer Science},
   editor = {K. B{\"o}rner and C. Chen},
   publisher = {Springer Verlag},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
192

G. Buchanan, M. Jones and H. Thimbleby, “Sorting out Searching on Small Screen Devices,” Proceedings 4th. International Symposium, Mobile Human-Computer Interaction HCI 2002, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 2411, pp.81–94, edited by F. Paterno, Springer Verlag, DOI: 10.1007/3-540-45756-9_8, 2002. AbstractSmall handheld devices — mobile phones, PDAs etc — are increasingly being used to access the Web. Search engines are the most used Web services and are an important user support. Recently, Google (and other search engine providers) have started to offer their services on the small screen.
          This paper presents a detailed evaluation of the how easy to use such services are in these new contexts. An experiment was carried out to compare users’ abilities to complete realistic tourist orientated search tasks using a WAP, PDA-sized and conventional, desktop interface to the full Google index. With all three interfaces, when users succeed in completing a task, they do so quickly (within 2 to 3 minutes) and using few interactions with the search engine. When they fail, though, they fail badly. The paper examines the causes of failures in small screen searching and proposes guidelines for improving these interfaces. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT95,
   title = {Sorting out Searching on Small Screen Devices},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{M. Jones}} and George Buchanan},
   year = {2002},
   booktitle = {Proceedings 4th. International Symposium, Mobile Human-Computer Interaction {HCI} 2002},
   pages = {81--94},
   volume = {2411},
   doi = {10.1007/3-540-45756-9_8},
   series = {Lecture Notes in Computer Science},
   editor = {F. Paterno},
   publisher = {Springer Verlag},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
191

M. Jones and H. Thimbleby, “Obituary for a Fax,” Personal Technologies, 6(2), pp.151–152, DOI: 10.1007/s007790200014, 2002. AbstractThe continual failure of personal technology highlights the growing problem of obsolete, irreparable and non-recyclable toxic waste. Moore’s Law is a symptom of failure as much as a promise of better technology. Better design could avoid the problems. PDF, PS Bibtex@article{HT15,
   title = {Obituary for a Fax},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and M. Jones},
   year = {2002},
   pages = {151--152},
   journal = {Personal Technologies},
   volume = {6},
   doi = {10.1007/s007790200014},
   number = {2},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
190

P. Gillary, M. Jones, G. Marsden and H. Thimbleby, “Data Structures in the Design of Interfaces,” Personal and Ubiquitous Computing, 6(2), pp.132–140, DOI: 10.1007/s007790200012, 2002. PDF Bibtex@article{HT13,
   title = {Data Structures in the Design of Interfaces},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{G. Marsden}} and M. Jones and P. Gillary},
   year = {2002},
   pages = {132--140},
   journal = {Personal and Ubiquitous Computing},
   volume = {6},
   doi = {10.1007/s007790200012},
   number = {2},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
189

H. Thimbleby, “Healthy HCI?” ACM SIGCHI Bulletin, p.8, DOI: 10.1145/571740.571752, November/December, 2002. PDF Bibtex@article{HT14,
   title = {Healthy {HCI}?},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {November/December, 2002},
   pages = {8},
   journal = {{ACM} {SIGCHI} Bulletin},
   doi = {10.1145/571740.571752},
   issn = {0736-6906},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
188

P. Cairns, M. Jones and H. Thimbleby, “Usability Analysis with Markov Models,” ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction, 8(2), pp.99–132, DOI: 10.1145/376929.376941, 2001. Website AbstractHow hard do users find interactive devices to use to achieve their goals, and how can we get this information early enough to influence design?
          We show that Markov modelling can obtain suitable measures, and we provide formulas that can be used for a large class of systems. We analyse and consider alternative designs for various examples. We introduce a “usability/knowledge graph,” and we show that a device that is “obviously” easy to use probably isn’t.
          Markov models can be evaluated in suitable mathematical packages; Mathematica (one such package) can very conveniently simulate the device being evaluated: mathematical and empirical analysis may be combined. One would hope that in the future, design tools would include such mathematical analysis, and no new design skills would be required to evaluate devices. (This paper provides complete code in an Appendix.) PDF, PS Bibtex@article{markov-tochi,
   title = {Usability Analysis with Markov Models},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Paul Cairns and M. Jones},
   year = {2001},
   pages = {99--132},
   journal = {ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction},
   url = {http://harold.thimbleby.net/Markov/index.html},
   volume = {8},
   doi = {10.1145/376929.376941},
   number = {2},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
187

H. Thimbleby, “Symmetry as a Connection between Affordance and State Space,” Proceedings Design, Specification and Verification of Interactive Systems — DSVIS 2001, Keynote, GIST Technical Report, G2001-1, pp.10–19, edited by C. Johnson, Glasgow, 2001. Bibtex@inproceedings{symmetry-dsvis,
   title = {Symmetry as a Connection between Affordance and State Space},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2001},
   booktitle = {Proceedings Design, Specification and Verification of Interactive Systems --- DSVIS 2001},
   aftertitle = {Keynote},
   pages = {10--19},
   series = {GIST Technical Report, G2001-1},
   editor = {C. Johnson},
   location = {Glasgow},
   enclosingSection = {Invited publications: not refereed}
}
186

H. Thimbleby, “Affordance and Symmetry,” Proceedings Interactive Systems: Design, Specification, and Verification, 8th. International Workshop — DSVIS 2001, Keynote, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 2220, pp.199–217, edited by C. Johnson, Glasgow, Springer Verlag, ISBN 3–540–42807–0, 2001. AbstractWhilst it is generally accepted as a positive criterion, affordance only gives the weakest of hints for interactive systems designers. This paper shows how useful it is to consider affordance as a correspondence between program symmetries and user interface symmetries. Symmetries in state spaces (for instance, as might be visualised in statecharts) can be carried through to user interfaces and into user manuals, with beneficial results. Exploiting affordances, understood in this way, in addition to their well known user interface benefits, makes programs simpler and more reliable, and makes user manuals shorter. PDF, PS Bibtex@inproceedings{affordance-dsvis,
   title = {Affordance and Symmetry},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2001},
   booktitle = {Proceedings Interactive Systems: Design, Specification, and Verification, 8th. International Workshop --- DSVIS 2001},
   aftertitle = {Keynote},
   pages = {199--217},
   isbn = {3--540--42807--0},
   volume = {2220},
   series = {Lecture Notes in Computer Science},
   editor = {C. Johnson},
   publisher = {Springer Verlag},
   location = {Glasgow},
   enclosingSection = {Invited publications: not refereed}
}
185

G. Buchanan, S. Farrant, M. Jones, G. Marsden, M. Pazzani and H. Thimbleby, “Improving Mobile Internet Usability,” Proceedings 10th. World Wide Web Conference — WWW10, pp.673–680, Hong Kong, DOI: 10.1145/371920.372181, 2001. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT100,
   title = {Improving Mobile Internet Usability},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and George Buchanan and S. Farrant and {\main{M. Jones}} and G. Marsden and M. Pazzani},
   year = {2001},
   booktitle = {Proceedings 10th. World Wide Web Conference --- WWW10},
   pages = {673--680},
   doi = {10.1145/371920.372181},
   location = {Hong Kong},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
184

H. Thimbleby, “The Computer Science of Everyday Things,” Proceedings of the 2nd. IEEE Australasian User Interface Conference — AUIC’01, Australian Computer Science Communications, Keynote, 23(5), pp.3–12, edited by P. Calder and M. Rees, Australia, ISBN 0–7695–0969–Z, DOI: 10.1109/AUIC.2001.906270, 2001. AbstractTechnology is fashionable, wonderful and getting better; Moore’s Law predicts substantial, sustained improvement. Yet the usability of ‘everyday things’ is low (video recorders being a notorious example). It seems to follow that improvements must be sought in areas outside technology, such as human factors. But a premise is wrong: in fact, the technology — the embedded computer science — is appalling!
          Obsolescence, a symptom of Moore’s Law, hides flawed design: poor products are replaced rather than fixed. The poor quality of the computer science of everyday things is eclipsed by the hope for fixing today’s problems with tomorrow’s consumption.
          This paper reviews Moore’s Law and the usability of everyday things; it shows that professional computer science can improve usability with ease. Improvement will be essential when ethical and environmental issues become, as they will, unavoidable design criteria. PDF, PS Bibtex@inproceedings{HT166,
   title = {The Computer Science of Everyday Things},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2001},
   booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2nd. {IEEE} Australasian User Interface Conference --- AUIC'01, Australian Computer Science Communications},
   aftertitle = {Keynote},
   pages = {3--12},
   isbn = {0--7695--0969--Z},
   volume = {23},
   doi = {10.1109/AUIC.2001.906270},
   editor = {P. Calder and M. Rees},
   number = {5},
   location = {Australia},
   enclosingSection = {Invited publications: not refereed}
}
183

P. Duquenoy and H. Thimbleby, “Just Programming,” Proceedings 5th. Ethicomp, The Social and Ethical Impacts of Information and Communication Technologies Conference, pp.83–91, edited by T. W. Bynum, H. Krawczy, S. Rogerson, S. Szejko and B. Wiszniewski, 2001. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT99,
   title = {Just Programming},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and P. Duquenoy},
   year = {2001},
   booktitle = {Proceedings 5th. Ethicomp, The Social and Ethical Impacts of Information and Communication Technologies Conference},
   pages = {83--91},
   editor = {T. W. Bynum and H. Krawczy and S. Rogerson and S. Szejko and B. Wiszniewski},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
182

S. O. Anderson, P. A. Cairns and H. Thimbleby, “Reply to ‘Comment on “A Framework for Modelling Trojans and Computer Virus Infection”, by E. Mäkinen,” Computer Journal, 44(4), pp.324–325, DOI: 10.1093/comjnl/44.4.324, 2001. AbstractComputer viruses are a worrying real-world problem, and a challenge to theoretical modelling. In this issue of the Computer Journal, Erkki Mäkinen proposes universal Turing machines in a critique of an earlier paper, “A framework for modelling Trojans and computer virus infection” (H. Thimbleby, S. O. Anderson and P. A. Cairns, Comp. J., 41(7):444–458, 1999). This short paper is a reply by those authors. PDF Bibtex@article{comment-cj,
   title = {Reply to `Comment on ``A Framework for Modelling Trojans and Computer Virus Infection'', by E. M{\"a}kinen},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and S. O. Anderson and P. A. Cairns},
   year = {2001},
   pages = {324--325},
   journal = {Computer Journal},
   volume = {44},
   doi = {10.1093/comjnl/44.4.324},
   number = {4},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
181

G. Buchanan, N. Cassidy, B. Fields, N. Mohd-Nasir, Y. Theng and H. Thimbleby, “Dynamic Digital Libraries For Children,” The First ACM+IEEE Joint Conference on Digital Libraries, JCDL, pp.406–415, DOI: 10.1145/379437.379738, 2001. AbstractThis paper describes preliminary work carried out to design a children’s digital library of stories and poems with and for children aged 11-14 years old. We describe our experience in engaging children as design partners, and propose a digital library environment and design features to provide an engaging, successful learning experience for children using it for collaborative writing. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT98,
   title = {Dynamic Digital Libraries For Children},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Y-L. Theng}} and N. Mohd-Nasir and George Buchanan and B. Fields and N. Cassidy},
   year = {2001},
   booktitle = {The First {ACM+IEEE} Joint Conference on Digital Libraries, {JCDL}},
   pages = {406--415},
   doi = {10.1145/379437.379738},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
180

H. Thimbleby, “Permissive User Interfaces,” International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 54(3), pp.333–350, DOI: 10.1006/ijhc.2000.0442, 2001. AbstractUser interfaces often only support one way to do a task when the physical interface or the logic of the task would permit other ways. In contrast, a user interface that supports multiple approaches is permissive. This paper argues that permissive user interfaces are easier to use — and even when they are not applicable for particular applications, considering permissiveness is a productive design heuristic. PDF, PS Bibtex@article{permissive-ijhcs,
   title = {Permissive User Interfaces},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2001},
   pages = {333--350},
   journal = {International Journal of Human-Computer Studies},
   volume = {54},
   doi = {10.1006/ijhc.2000.0442},
   number = {3},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
179

A. E. Blandford, N. Bryan-Kinns and H. Thimbleby, “Interaction Modelling for Digital Libraries,” Proceedings Workshop on Evaluation of Information Management Systems, pp.1–10, 2000. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT103,
   title = {Interaction Modelling for Digital Libraries},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and N. Bryan-Kinns and A. E. Blandford},
   year = {2000},
   booktitle = {Proceedings Workshop on Evaluation of Information Management Systems},
   pages = {1--10},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
178

M. Jones, G. Marsden and H. Thimbleby, “Empowering Users with Usability Certificates,” Human Computer Interaction 2000, Proceedings British Computer Society Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, II, pp.37–38, edited by S. Turner and P. Turner, Newcastle, England, ISBN 1–902505–35–2, 2000. AbstractUser interfaces are bad and not getting better. Users would be empowered by usability certificates, so they could make informed choices when purchasing complex equipment, and hence apply market pressure to improve quality. A clear labelling scheme is required to enable consumer action. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{cert-bcs,
   title = {Empowering Users with Usability Certificates},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and M. Jones and G. Marsden},
   year = {2000},
   booktitle = {Human Computer Interaction 2000, Proceedings British Computer Society Conference on Human-Computer Interaction},
   pages = {37--38},
   isbn = {1--902505--35--2},
   volume = {II},
   editor = {S. Turner and P. Turner},
   location = {Newcastle, England},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
177

P. Gillary, M. Jones, G. Marsden and H. Thimbleby, “Successful User Interface Design from Efficient Computer Algorithms,” Proceedings ACM CHI (Extended Abstracts), pp.181–182, 2000. AbstractExploiting standard computer science algorithms, we designed a more efficient user interface for a mobile phone. In experiments, the new design was found to be not only more efficient but preferred by users. PDF, PS Bibtex@inproceedings{uid-chi,
   title = {Successful User Interface Design from Efficient Computer Algorithms},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{G. Marsden}} and P. Gillary and M. Jones},
   year = {2000},
   booktitle = {Proceedings {ACM} {CHI} (Extended Abstracts)},
   pages = {181--182},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
176

H. Thimbleby, “On Discerning Users,” How to make User Centred Design Usable, TRITA-NA-D0006, CID-72, pp.63–78, edited by I. Boivie, J. Gulliksen and A. Lantz, KTH, Stockholm, Sweden, 2000. HTML, PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT106,
   title = {On Discerning Users},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2000},
   booktitle = {How to make User Centred Design Usable},
   pages = {63--78},
   series = {TRITA-NA-D0006, CID-72},
   editor = {J. Gulliksen and A. Lantz and I. Boivie},
   location = {KTH, Stockholm, Sweden},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
175

H. Thimbleby, “Analysis and Simulation of User Interfaces,” Human Computer Interaction 2000, Proceedings British Computer Society Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, XIV, pp.221–237, edited by G. Cockton, S. McDonald and Y. Waern, Newcastle, England, ISBN 1–85233–318–9, 2000. AbstractBy taking a mobile phone as a worked example, we show how it and new interfaces can be analysed and simulated. A new interface is shown to reduce the optimal key press costs of accessing the phone’s functionality, without losing usability benefits — this is a specific contribution to menu design. However, the approach is not limited to mobile phones, nor just to menus; the techniques are general and can be applied widely. A distinctive feature of the approach is that it is fully inspectable and replicable — this is a contribution to the field of HCI more generally. PDF, Mathematica Notebook, PS Bibtex@inproceedings{ansim-bcs,
   title = {Analysis and Simulation of User Interfaces},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2000},
   booktitle = {Human Computer Interaction 2000, Proceedings British Computer Society Conference on Human-Computer Interaction},
   pages = {221--237},
   isbn = {1--85233--318--9},
   volume = {XIV},
   editor = {S. McDonald and Y. Waern and G. Cockton},
   location = {Newcastle, England},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
174

G. Buchanan, M. Jones, N. Mohd-Nasir, Y. L. Theng and H. Thimbleby, “Designing a Children’s Digital Library with and for Children,” Proceedings of the ACM Fifth Digital Library Conference, pp.266–267, San Antonio, USA, 2000. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT104,
   title = {Designing a Children's Digital Library with and for Children},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Y. L. Theng}} and N. Mohd-Nasir and George Buchanan and M. Jones},
   year = {2000},
   booktitle = {Proceedings of the ACM Fifth Digital Library Conference},
   pages = {266--267},
   location = {San Antonio, USA},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
173

D. Bainbridge, G. Buchanan, N. Cassidy, M. Jones, N. Mohd-Nasir, Y. L. Theng and H. Thimbleby, “Children as Design Partners and Testers for a Children’s Digital Library,” Proceedings 4th. European Conference on Research and Advanced Technology for Digital Libraries, ECDL 2000, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 1923, pp.249–258, edited by T. Baker and J. Borbinha, Springer Verlag, 2000. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT101,
   title = {Children as Design Partners and Testers for a Children's Digital Library},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Y. L. Theng}} and N. Mohd-Nasir and George Buchanan and M. Jones and D. Bainbridge and N. Cassidy},
   year = {2000},
   booktitle = {Proceedings 4th. European Conference on Research and Advanced Technology for Digital Libraries, ECDL 2000},
   pages = {249--258},
   volume = {1923},
   series = {Lecture Notes in Computer Science},
   editor = {J. Borbinha and T. Baker},
   publisher = {Springer Verlag},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
172

N. Mohd Nasir, Y. L. Theng and H. Thimbleby, “A Usability Tool for Web Evaluation Applied to Digital Library Design,” World Wide Web Conference — WWW9 Poster Proceedings, pp.90–91, Amsterdam, May 15-19, 2000. AbstractThis paper describes a usability tool implemented to demonstrate that meaningful results could be obtained from small user studies. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT102,
   title = {A Usability Tool for Web Evaluation Applied to Digital Library Design},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Y. L. Theng and N. Mohd Nasir},
   year = {May 15-19, 2000},
   booktitle = {World Wide Web Conference --- {WWW9} Poster Proceedings},
   pages = {90--91},
   location = {Amsterdam},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
171

G. Marsden and H. Thimbleby, “Holistic Programming Environments,” South African Computer Journal, 26, pp.237–241, 2000. AbstractAs a result of the popularity of graphical user interfaces, it is now almost impossible to buy a programming language compiler, instead, one purchases a development environment. Of course, we can scoff at the distinction and say that a development environment is nothing more than a programming language with visual (as opposed to syntactic) sugar. We believe, however, that this view must change if safer and more responsible programming languages are to be created for the next generation of programmer. Within this paper, we will argue that a more theoretical approach should be taken to the development of programming environments and suggest ways in which this may be achieved. PDF Bibtex@article{HT16,
   title = {Holistic Programming Environments},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{G. Marsden}}},
   year = {2000},
   pages = {237--241},
   journal = {South African Computer Journal},
   volume = {26},
   issn = {1015-7999},
   cantfindthisdoi = {10.1.1.57.7848},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
170

E. Davenport, M. Dibben, B. Friedman, S. P. Marsh, H. Rosenbaum and H. Thimbleby, “Non-contractual Trust,” Proceedings ACM CHI (Extended Abstracts), pp.239–240, Amsterdam, Holland, 2000. Bibtex@inproceedings{trust-chi,
   title = {Non-contractual Trust},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{E. Davenport}} and M. Dibben and B. Friedman and S. P. Marsh and H. Rosenbaum},
   year = {2000},
   booktitle = {Proceedings {ACM} {CHI} (Extended Abstracts)},
   note = {Design, and Human Computer Interactions},
   pages = {239--240},
   location = {Amsterdam, Holland},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
169

H. Thimbleby, “Java,” The Encyclopedia of Computer Science, pp.937–941, edited by D. Hemmendinger, A. Ralston and E. D. Reilly, Nature Publishing Group, 2000. Bibtex@inbook{HT58,
   title = {Java},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2000},
   booktitle = {The Encyclopedia of Computer Science},
   pages = {937--941},
   editor = {A. Ralston and E. D. Reilly and D. Hemmendinger},
   edition = {4th},
   publisher = {Nature Publishing Group},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
168

H. Thimbleby, “Literate Programming,” The Encyclopedia of Computer Science, pp.1000–1002, edited by D. Hemmendinger, A. Ralston and E. D. Reilly, Nature Publishing Group, 2000. PDF Bibtex@inbook{HT59,
   title = {Literate Programming},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2000},
   booktitle = {The Encyclopedia of Computer Science},
   pages = {1000--1002},
   editor = {A. Ralston and E. D. Reilly and D. Hemmendinger},
   edition = {4th},
   publisher = {Nature Publishing Group},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
167

H. Thimbleby, “Calculators are Needlessly Bad,” International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 52(6), pp.1031–1069, DOI: 10.1006/ijhc.1999.0341, 2000. Website AbstractIn the two decades hand-held calculators have been readily available there has been ample time to develop a usable design and to educate the consumer public into choosing quality devices. This article reviews a representative calculator that is ‘state of the art’ and shows it has an execrable design. The design is shown to be confusing and essentially non-mathematical. Substantial evidence is presented that illustrates the inadequate documentation, bad implementation, feature interaction, and feature incoherence. These problems are shown to be typical of calculators generally. Despite the domain (arithmetic) being well-defined, the design problems are profound, widespread, confusing — and needless. Worrying questions are begged: about design quality control, about consumer behaviour, and about the role of education — both at school level (training children to acquiesce to bad design) and at university level (training professionals to design unusable products). The article concludes with recommendations. PDF, PS Bibtex@article{needless-ijhcs,
   title = {Calculators are Needlessly Bad},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {2000},
   pages = {1031--1069},
   journal = {International Journal of Human-Computer Studies},
   url = {http://harold.thimbleby.net/calculators},
   volume = {52},
   doi = {10.1006/ijhc.1999.0341},
   number = {6},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
166

H. Thimbleby and I. H. Witten, “Virus, Computer,” The Encyclopedia of Computer Science, pp.1839–1841, edited by D. Hemmendinger, A. Ralston and E. D. Reilly, Nature Publishing Group, 2000. Bibtex@inbook{HT60,
   title = {Virus, Computer},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and I. H. Witten},
   year = {2000},
   booktitle = {The Encyclopedia of Computer Science},
   pages = {1839--1841},
   editor = {A. Ralston and E. D. Reilly and D. Hemmendinger},
   edition = {4th},
   publisher = {Nature Publishing Group},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
165

G. Buchanan, N. Mohd-Nasir, Y. L. Theng and H. Thimbleby, “Purpose and Usability of Digital Libraries,” Proceedings Fifth ACM Conference on Digital Libraries, ACM DL’2000, pp.238–239, San Antonio, Texas, 2000. AbstractA preliminary study was conducted to help understand the purpose of digital libraries (DLs) and to investigate whether meaningful results could be obtained from small user studies of digital libraries. Results stress the importance of mental models, and of “traditional” library support. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT105,
   title = {Purpose and Usability of Digital Libraries},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Y. L. Theng}} and George Buchanan and N. Mohd-Nasir},
   year = {2000},
   booktitle = {Proceedings Fifth {ACM} Conference on Digital Libraries, {ACM} {DL}'2000},
   pages = {238--239},
   location = {San Antonio, Texas},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
164

G. Buchanan, G. Marsden and H. Thimbleby, “Meaningful Link Verification for Management and Maintenance of Web Sites,” Proceedings 8th. International World Wide Web Conference — WWW8 Poster Proceedings, pp.170–171, Toronto, Fortec Seminars, 1999. Bibtex@article{HT110,
   title = {Meaningful Link Verification for Management and Maintenance of Web Sites},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and George Buchanan and G. Marsden},
   year = {1999},
   booktitle = {Proceedings 8th. International World Wide Web Conference --- WWW8 Poster Proceedings},
   pages = {170--171},
   location = {Toronto},
   publisher = {Fortec Seminars},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
163

P. Duquenoy, H. Thimbleby and S. Torrance, “Towards a Synthesis of Discourse Ethics and Internet Regulation,” Proceedings of the 4th. ETHICOMP International Conference on the Social and Ethical Impacts of Information and Communication Technologies, Ethicomp’99, edited by T. Ward Bynum, A. D’Atri, A. Marturano and S. Rogerson, ISBN 88–900396–0–4, 1999. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT107,
   title = {Towards a Synthesis of Discourse Ethics and Internet Regulation},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{P. Duquenoy}} and S. Torrance},
   year = {1999},
   booktitle = {Proceedings of the 4th. {ETHICOMP} International Conference on the Social and Ethical Impacts of Information and Communication Technologies, Ethicomp'99},
   isbn = {88--900396--0--4},
   editor = {A. D'Atri and A. Marturano and S. Rogerson and T. Ward Bynum},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
162

N. Mohd-Nasir, Y. L. Theng and H. Thimbleby, “A Usability Tool for Digital Libraries,” Proceedings 9th. International World Wide Web Conference — WWW9 Poster Proceedings, pp.90–91, Toronto, 1999. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT108,
   title = {A Usability Tool for Digital Libraries},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Y. L. Theng}} and N. Mohd-Nasir},
   year = {1999},
   booktitle = {Proceedings 9th. International World Wide Web Conference --- WWW9 Poster Proceedings},
   pages = {90--91},
   location = {Toronto},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
161

Y. L. Theng and H. Thimbleby, “Towards a Usermetric Tool to Improve Web Accessibility,” Proceedings 8th. International World Wide Web Conference — WWW8 Poster Proceedings, pp.152–153, Toronto, Fortec Seminars, 1999. Bibtex@article{HT109,
   title = {Towards a Usermetric Tool to Improve Web Accessibility},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Y. L. Theng}}},
   year = {1999},
   booktitle = {Proceedings 8th. International World Wide Web Conference --- WWW8 Poster Proceedings},
   note = {Poster Proceedings},
   pages = {152--153},
   publisher = {Fortec Seminars},
   location = {Toronto},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
160

P. Duquenoy, G. Marsden and H. Thimbleby, “Ethics and Consumer Electronics,” Proceedings of the 4th. ETHICOMP International Conference on the Social and Ethical Impacts of Information and Communication Technologies, Ethicomp’99, edited by T. Ward Bynum, A. D’Atri, A. Marturano and S. Rogerson, ISBN 88–900396–0–4, 1999. AbstractThe design of car (automobile) radios exposes ethical issues in the design of consumer electronics. We show that car radios, despite being manufactured for many years and being a well-understood technology, are unsafe to use. It is implausible that manufacturers design such unsafe devices unwittingly. We argue that complex in-car devices raise clear ethical issues:
• their complexity of operation demands and diverts driver attention from road safety (social ethics — social responsibility)
• the values embedded in their design (e.g., marketing values, seductive styling) are not consistent with their function (design ethics — issues of professional responsibility)
          Further, we show there is a correspondence between theories of justice and these ethical issues. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT111,
   title = {Ethics and Consumer Electronics},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and G. Marsden and P. Duquenoy},
   year = {1999},
   booktitle = {Proceedings of the 4th. {ETHICOMP} International Conference on the Social and Ethical Impacts of Information and Communication Technologies, Ethicomp'99},
   isbn = {88--900396--0--4},
   editor = {A. D'Atri and A. Marturano and S. Rogerson and T. Ward Bynum},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
159

G. Buchanan, G. Marsden, T. Tan, Y. Theng and H. Thimbleby, “A Stable View of the Hyperactive Web,” Proceedings Workshop on The Active Web, pp.27–33, edited by D. Clarke, A. Dix and F. Dix, ISBN 1–897898–45–2, 1999. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT113,
   title = {A Stable View of the Hyperactive Web},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and George Buchanan and G. Marsden and T. Tan and Y-L. Theng},
   year = {1999},
   booktitle = {Proceedings Workshop on The Active Web},
   pages = {27--33},
   isbn = {1--897898--45--2},
   editor = {D. Clarke and A. Dix and F. Dix},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
158

P. Gillary, M. Jones, G. Marsden and H. Thimbleby, “Using Computing Science Principles in Interface Design,” Proceedings IFIP Conference on Human-Computer Interaction — Interact 1999, 2, pp.47–48, edited by S. Brewster, A. Cawsey and G. Cockton, ISBN 1–902505–19-0, 1999. Bibtex@inproceedings{principles-interact,
   title = {Using Computing Science Principles in Interface Design},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and G. Marsden and P. Gillary and M. Jones},
   year = {1999},
   booktitle = {Proceedings IFIP Conference on {Human-Computer} Interaction --- Interact 1999},
   pages = {47--48},
   isbn = {1--902505--19-0},
   volume = {2},
   editor = {S. Brewster and A. Cawsey and G. Cockton},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
157

G. Buchanan, G. E. Marsden and H. Thimbleby, “Dynamic Metadata for Monitoring Digital Library Management,” Proceedings Fourth ACM Conference on Digital Libraries, pp.219–220, Berkeley, California, 1999. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT112,
   title = {Dynamic Metadata for Monitoring Digital Library Management},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and George Buchanan and G. E. Marsden},
   year = {1999},
   booktitle = {Proceedings Fourth {ACM} Conference on Digital Libraries},
   pages = {219--220},
   location = {Berkeley, California},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
156

T. Bell, M. Fellows, N. Koblitz, H. Thimbleby and I. Witten, “Explaining Cryptosystems to the General Public,” First IFIP World Conference on Information Security Education (WISE), Proceedings IFIP TC11 WG11.8 Conference, Keynote, Report Series 99–008, pp.221–233, edited by S. Fischer-Hübner and L. Yngstgröm, Stockholm University/Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden, ISBN 91–7153–910–7, 1999. AbstractModern cryptography can achieve levels of security and authentication that non-specialists find literally incredible. Techniques include information-hiding protocols, zero-knowledge proofs and public key cryptosystems; they can be used to support applications like digital signatures, digital cash, on-line poker and secure voting in ways that are provably secure — far more secure than the traditional systems they replace. This paper describes simple versions of such applications that have been used to give school-children and the general public a broad understanding of what can be achieved, and how. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT169,
   title = {Explaining Cryptosystems to the General Public},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and T. Bell and M. Fellows and I. Witten and N. Koblitz},
   year = {1999},
   booktitle = {First IFIP World Conference on Information Security Education ({WISE}), Proceedings IFIP TC11 WG11.8 Conference},
   aftertitle = {Keynote},
   pages = {221--233},
   isbn = {91--7153--910--7},
   series = {Report Series 99--008},
   editor = {L. Yngstgr{\"o}m and S. Fischer-H{\"u}bner},
   location = {Stockholm University/Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden},
   issn = {1101--8526},
   enclosingSection = {Invited publications: not refereed}
}
155

H. Thimbleby, “Visualising the Potential of Interactive Systems,” Proceedings of the 10th. IEEE International Conference on Image Analysis and Processing (ICIAP’99), Keynote, pp.670–677, Trento, Italy, DOI: 10.1109/ICIAP.1999.797672, 1999. AbstractInteractive systems are complex and often difficult to use. Their complex design therefore presents ideal, and worthwhile, material for visualising. Some of the generic ways of visualising interaction, and some of the pitfalls, are illustrated using simple techniques applied to real examples. One problem with interactive devices, particularly in the consumer market, is rapid obsolescence: we visualise this as a performance-over-time graph, and show that doing so provides further insight into the design process and its problems. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT168,
   title = {Visualising the Potential of Interactive Systems},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1999},
   booktitle = {Proceedings of the 10th. {IEEE} International Conference on Image Analysis and Processing ({ICIAP}'99)},
   aftertitle = {Keynote},
   pages = {670--677},
   doi = {10.1109/ICIAP.1999.797672},
   location = {Trento, Italy},
   enclosingSection = {Invited publications: not refereed}
}
154

P. Duquenoy and H. Thimbleby, “Justice and Design,” Proceedings IFIP Conference on Human-Computer Interaction — Interact 1999, 1, pp.281–286, edited by C. Johnson and M. A. Sasse, ISBN 0–9673355–0–7, 1999. AbstractWithin the field of HCI there are a number of preferred approaches towards design. As within other disciplines, these approaches are often irreconcilable. We explore the possibilities of using ethics as a way to bridge the gap and re-establish the design focus of doing good towards the user. This is the idea of ‘justice’ to aid improved design. According to Aristotle, justice is classed as a virtue: to do justice is to act for the good, which is what is wanted for good HCI design. John Rawls’ classic A Theory of Justice, (1971) talks about justice as fairness, and it is in this context we apply justice to the area of design. We show some surprising links with HCI practice, and hence suggest some new perspectives on HCI. HTML, PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{justice-interact,
   title = {Justice and Design},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and P. Duquenoy},
   year = {1999},
   booktitle = {Proceedings {IFIP} Conference on Human-Computer Interaction --- Interact 1999},
   pages = {281--286},
   isbn = {0--9673355--0--7},
   volume = {1},
   editor = {M. A. Sasse and C. Johnson},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
153

H. Thimbleby, “Design Probes for Handheld and Ubiquitous Computing,” Proceedings Handheld and Ubiquitous Computing, First International Symposium — HUC’99, Keynote, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 1707, pp.1–19, edited by H. Gellersen, Karlsruhe, Germany, Springer Verlag, 1999. AbstractIn developing electronic gadgets, meters and oscilloscopes are used to probe into their workings, so that engineers can understand how they are behaving and how they can be improved. Analogously, this paper suggests a variety of conceptual probes that can be used to explore the process of design. The probes focus designers’ attention onto successfully managing complexity and in coping with socio-economic influences on design practice in the real world. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT170,
   title = {Design Probes for Handheld and Ubiquitous Computing},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1999},
   booktitle = {Proceedings Handheld and Ubiquitous Computing, First International Symposium --- HUC'99},
   aftertitle = {Keynote},
   pages = {1--19},
   volume = {1707},
   series = {Lecture Notes in Computer Science},
   editor = {H-W. Gellersen},
   publisher = {Springer Verlag},
   location = {Karlsruhe, Germany},
   enclosingSection = {Invited publications: not refereed}
}
152

G. Buchanan, G. Marsden, Y. L. Theng and H. Thimbleby, “How do We Build Web Sites Fit for Purpose?” Proceedings IFIP Conference on Human-Computer Interaction — Interact 1999, 2, pp.11–12, edited by S. Brewster, A. Cawsey and G. Cockton, ISBN 1–902505–19-0, 1999. Bibtex@inproceedings{web-interact,
   title = {How do We Build Web Sites Fit for Purpose?},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and George Buchanan and G. Marsden and Y. L. Theng},
   year = {1999},
   booktitle = {Proceedings IFIP Conference on {Human-Computer Interaction} --- Interact 1999},
   pages = {11--12},
   isbn = {1--902505--19-0},
   volume = {2},
   editor = {S. Brewster and A. Cawsey and G. Cockton},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
151

H. Thimbleby, “A Critique of Java,” Software — Practice & Experience, 29(5), pp.457–478, DOI: 10.1002/(SICI)1097-024X(19990425)29:5<457::AID-SPE243>3.0.CO;2-5, 1999. AbstractOur experience of using Java is disappointing: as a programming language (irrespective of its implementations and libraries) Java itself leaves much to be desired. This paper discusses a few serious problems with Java’s design, which leads us to suggest that the language definition should have been an integral part of the design process rather than, as appears, a retrospective commentary. HTML Bibtex@article{java-spae,
   title = {A Critique of Java},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1999},
   pages = {457--478},
   journal = {Software --- Practice {\&} Experience},
   volume = {29},
   doi = {10.1002/(SICI)1097-024X(19990425)29:5<457::AID-SPE243>3.0.CO;2-5},
   number = {5},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
150

S. O. Anderson, P. Cairns and H. Thimbleby, “A Framework for Modelling Trojans and Computer Virus Infection,” Computer Journal, 41(7), pp.444–458, DOI: 10.1093/comjnl/41.7.444, 1999. AbstractIt is not possible to view a computer operating in the real world, including the possibility of Trojan Horse programs and computer viruses, as simply a finite realisation of a Turing Machine. We consider the actions of Trojan Horses and viruses in real computer systems and suggest a minimal framework for an adequate formal understanding of the phenomena. Some conventional approaches, including biological metaphors, are shown to be inadequate; some suggestions are made towards constructing virally-resistant systems. PDF Bibtex@article{framework-cj,
   title = {A Framework for Modelling Trojans and Computer Virus Infection},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and S. O. Anderson and Paul Cairns},
   year = {1999},
   pages = {444--458},
   journal = {Computer Journal},
   volume = {41},
   doi = {10.1093/comjnl/41.7.444},
   number = {7},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
149

E. Davenport, M. Dibben, S. P. Marsh and H. Thimbleby, “‘Artificial Morality’: Representations of Trust in Interactive Systems?” Proceedings IFIP Conference on Human-Computer Interaction — Interact 1999, 2, pp.211–213, edited by S. Brewster, A. Cawsey and G. Cockton, ISBN 1–902505–19-0, 1999. Bibtex@article{morality-interact,
   title = {`Artificial Morality': Representations of Trust in Interactive Systems?},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and E. Davenport and {\main{S. P. Marsh}} and M. Dibben},
   year = {1999},
   booktitle = {Proceedings IFIP Conference on Human-Computer Interaction --- Interact 1999},
   pages = {211--213},
   isbn = {1--902505--19-0},
   volume = {2},
   editor = {S. Brewster and A. Cawsey and G. Cockton},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
148

G. Buchanan, E. Duncker, N. Mohd Nasir, Y. L. Theng and H. Thimbleby, “Design Guidelines and User-Centred Digital Libraries,” Proceedings Third European Conference on Digital Libraries ECDL’99: Research and Advanced Technology for Digital Libraries, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 1696, pp.167–183, edited by S. Abiteboul and A. Vercoustre, Springer Verlag, 1999. AbstractAs current digital libraries are becoming more complex, the facilities provided by them will increase and the difficulty of learning associated with the complexity of using these facilities will also increase. In order to produce usable and useful interactive systems, designers need to ensure that good design features are incorporated into the systems, taking into consideration end-users’ needs and cultural backgrounds. We carried out a study to investigate useful design features of digital libraries for task completion and end-user’s perceived impressions on the effectiveness of the digital libraries. The results also suggest that there is little provision on the interface to cater to end-users’ browsing and inter-cultural needs. Hence, this paper also discusses design guidelines for the design of user-centred digital libraries. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT114,
   title = {Design Guidelines and User-Centred Digital Libraries},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Y. L. Theng}} and E. Duncker and N. Mohd Nasir and George Buchanan},
   year = {1999},
   booktitle = {Proceedings Third European Conference on Digital Libraries ECDL'99: Research and Advanced Technology for Digital Libraries},
   pages = {167--183},
   volume = {1696},
   series = {Lecture Notes in Computer Science},
   editor = {S. Abiteboul and A-M. Vercoustre},
   publisher = {Springer Verlag},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
147

H. Thimbleby, “Specification-led Design for Interface Simulation, Collecting Use-data, Interactive Help, Writing Manuals, Analysis, Comparing Alternative Designs, etc,” Personal Technologies, 4(2), pp.241–254, DOI: 10.1007/BF01885563, 1999. Website AbstractThis paper shows how to combine a substantial part of the product development cycle of interactive devices into a single, co-ordinated approach. Much can be derived automatically from a suitable specification of the interactive device, and it can be derived automatically. Normal product development has a device specified and built, then has its manuals written, then it is used and tested. At this late stage design problems may be identified, but it is now too late: usability studies become academic in so far as the particular product is concerned, since it is already effectively in production. It would be better if the testing and manual writing could rapidly be obtained from the initial specification, before any investment has been made in fabrication. This paper offers a design approach that achieves this, and it shows how the various views of the design can be used help improve each other — for instance, the automatically generated user manual can be fed back to suggest improvements in the design.
          A microwave cooker is used as a real example. However, this paper provides full and unabridged details of everything it discusses by using Mathematica as a rapid prototyping environment. Any similar device can be analysed in the same way, directly from the paper.
          This paper is based on H. Thimbleby, “Specification-led Design,” Living Life to the Full with Personal Technologies, IEE Digest No 98/268, pp4/1-4/9, 1998. PDF, Mathematica Notebook Bibtex@article{spec-led-design,
   title = {Specification-led Design for Interface Simulation, Collecting Use-data, Interactive Help, Writing Manuals, Analysis, Comparing Alternative Designs, etc},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1999},
   pages = {241--254},
   journal = {Personal Technologies},
   url = {http://harold.thimbleby.net/ansim/index.html},
   volume = {4},
   doi = {10.1007/BF01885563},
   number = {2},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
146

H. Thimbleby, “Design Aloud: A Designer-Centred Design (DCD) Method,” HCI Letters, 1(1), pp.45–50, 1998. AbstractDesigner-centred design methods build on the knowledge and skills of the designers to improve user interface design. Unlike users, designers are trained to handle complexity and to make design trade-offs. They are the people centrally in control of the design process. Designer-centred design complements and refocuses user-centred design methods. A particular designer-centred design approach, “Design Aloud” is introduced and justified. PDF Bibtex@article{HT17,
   title = {Design Aloud: A Designer-Centred Design {(DCD)} Method},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1998},
   pages = {45--50},
   journal = {HCI Letters},
   volume = {1},
   number = {1},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
145

H. Thimbleby, “Personal Boundaries and Global Stage,” First Monday, 3(3), DOI: 10.5210%2Ffm.v3i2.582, 1998. Website AbstractAlso presented at IEE 2020 Vision Meeting on Morality in the Information Society, 11 December 1997. London.
          The Internet will apparently solve many problems, but it also creates new ones. We are simply not used to thinking on the scale of the Internet, and our personal views can easily be played out on an unfamiliar global stage, where they may have unintended consequences. Computers, the most logical things we have ever created, are raising serious ethical issues — especially in areas that traditionally have had a low priority in the modern world. We are not used to the global stage. Bibtex@article{boundaries-j,
   title = {Personal Boundaries and Global Stage},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1998},
   journal = {First Monday},
   url = {http://firstmonday.org/htbin/cgiwrap/bin/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/582/503},
   volume = {3},
   doi = {10.5210%2Ffm.v3i2.582},
   number = {3},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
144

Y. L. Theng and H. Thimbleby, “Addressing Design and Usability Issues in Hypertext and on the Web by re-examining the “Lost in Hyperspace” Problem,” Journal of Universal Computer Science, 4(11), pp.839–855, DOI: 10.3217/jucs-004-11-0839, 1998. Website Bibtex@article{HT18,
   title = {Addressing Design and Usability Issues in Hypertext and on the Web by re-examining the ``Lost in Hyperspace'' Problem},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Y. L. Theng}}},
   year = {1998},
   pages = {839--855},
   journal = {Journal of Universal Computer Science},
   url = {http://www.iicm.edu/jucs\_4\_11/addressing_design_and_usability},
   volume = {4},
   doi = {10.3217/jucs-004-11-0839},
   number = {11},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
143

Y. L. Theng and H. Thimbleby, “HyperAT: Addressing Usability Issues in Web Authoring,” Proceedings WebNet’98, World Conference of the WWW, Internet, & Intranet, pp.885–896, Orlando, Florida, 1998. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT115,
   title = {{HyperAT}: Addressing Usability Issues in Web Authoring},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Y. L. Theng}}},
   year = {1998},
   booktitle = {Proceedings {WebNet}'98, World Conference of the {WWW}, Internet, {\&} Intranet},
   pages = {885--896},
   location = {Orlando, Florida},
   organization = {Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education ({AACE})},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
142

H. Thimbleby, “Personal Issues: Personal Boundaries/Global Stage,” 2020 Vision: Morality in the Information Society, pp.81–93, Institution of Electrical Engineers, ISBN 0-85296-702-0, 1998. Bibtex@inbook{2020-iee,
   title = {Personal Issues: Personal Boundaries/Global Stage},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1998},
   booktitle = {2020 Vision: Morality in the Information Society},
   pages = {81--93},
   isbn = {0-85296-702-0},
   publisher = {Institution of Electrical Engineers},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
141

N. Beale, P. Duquenoy and H. Thimbleby, “UK Views on Ethical and Spiritual Implications of IT,” Proceedings Fourth International Conference on Ethical Issues in Information Technology, Ethicomp’98, pp.734–742, 1998. AbstractThe UK Worshipful Company of Information Technologists organised two high-level colloquia to debate ethical and spiritual implication of the new IT & Telecoms Environment in 1997. The colloquia were hosted in the UK House of Lords. This paper summarises the debates of those colloquia, and discusses some of the ethical and cultural issues that arise. PDF, PS Bibtex@inproceedings{HT116,
   title = {UK Views on Ethical and Spiritual Implications of {IT}},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and P. Duquenoy and N. Beale},
   year = {1998},
   booktitle = {Proceedings Fourth International Conference on Ethical Issues in Information Technology, Ethicomp'98},
   pages = {734--742},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
140

G. Marsden, Y. L. Theng and H. Thimbleby, “Towards Continuous Usability Evaluation of Web Documents,” Proceedings BCS HCI’98, Conference Companion, pp.40–41, edited by J. May, J. Siddiqi and J. Wilkinson, 1998. Bibtex@inproceedings{continuous-bcs,
   title = {Towards Continuous Usability Evaluation of Web Documents},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Y. L. Theng}} and G. Marsden},
   year = {1998},
   booktitle = {Proceedings BCS HCI'98, Conference Companion},
   pages = {40--41},
   editor = {J. May and J. Siddiqi and J. Wilkinson},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
139

H. Thimbleby, “Specification-led Design,” Proceedings Living Life to the Full with Personal Technologies, (IEE Seminar 98/268), pp.4/1–4/9, DOI: 10.1049/ic:19980384, 1998. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT117,
   title = {Specification-led Design},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1998},
   booktitle = {Proceedings Living Life to the Full with Personal Technologies},
   pages = {4/1--4/9},
   doi = {10.1049/ic:19980384},
   number = {{IEE} Seminar 98/268},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
138

H. Thimbleby, “The Detection and Elimination of Spurious Complexity,” Proceedings of the Workshop on User Interfaces for Theorem Provers, Keynote, pp.15–22, edited by R. C. Backhouse and J. C. M. Baeten, Eindhoven, Holland, 1998. AbstractComputer science develops complex systems that demand all our attention to just begin to understand. Critical thinking is overwhelmed, that might otherwise have been directed at rhetoric blocking and hubris detection. This paper shows that there is much unchecked hyperbole in computing, which affects our own standards and ability to design well. The paper explains why such problems come about, how people collude in their propagation.
          We show that detecting and eliminating design problems must be seen as engaging in justice and fighting hypocrisy (even in ourselves), and is an extremely worthwhile, if daunting, task. The connection with justice is expanded, and shown to be a practical design heuristic.
          “Learning how to not fool ourselves is, I’m sorry to say, something that we haven’t specifically included in any particular course that I know of. We just hope you’ve caught it by osmosis.” Richard Feynman HTML Bibtex@inproceedings{HT171,
   title = {The Detection and Elimination of Spurious Complexity},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1998},
   booktitle = {Proceedings of the Workshop on User Interfaces for Theorem Provers},
   aftertitle = {Keynote},
   pages = {15--22},
   editor = {R. C. Backhouse and J. C. M. Baeten},
   issn = {0926--4515},
   location = {Eindhoven, Holland},
   enclosingSection = {Invited publications: not refereed}
}
137

M. Addison and H. Thimbleby, “Issues for Networked Interpersonal Communications: The Convergence of Technology … With What,” Proceedings Issues for Networked Interpersonal Communicators, IEE Colloquium, (IEE Digest 1997/139), pp.6/1–6/4, DOI: 10.1049/ic:19970771, 1997. AbstractWe consider some of the range of technological, sociological and infrastructure issues pertinent to the future development of networked interpersonal communication devices and their applications. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT120,
   title = {Issues for Networked Interpersonal Communications: The Convergence of Technology {\ldots} With What},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and M. Addison},
   year = {1997},
   booktitle = {Proceedings Issues for Networked Interpersonal Communicators},
   pages = {6/1--6/4},
   doi = {10.1049/ic:19970771},
   series = {IEE Colloquium},
   number = {{IEE} Digest 1997/139},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
136

M. Jones, Y. L. Theng and H. Thimbleby, “Is ‘Lost in Hyperspace’ Lost in Controversy?” Poster, Proceedings Hypertext’97, Southampton, 1997. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT159,
   title = {Is `Lost in Hyperspace' Lost in Controversy?},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Y.~L. Theng}} and M. Jones},
   year = {1997},
   booktitle = {Proceedings Hypertext'97},
   location = {Southampton},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
135

M. Jones, C. Rigny, Y. L. Theng and H. Thimbleby, “HyperAT: HCI and Web Authoring,” Proceedings BCS HCI’97, People and Computers, XII, pp.359–378, edited by B. O’Conaill, H. Thimbleby and P. J. Thomas, Bristol, England, Springer Verlag, ISBN 3–540–76172–1, 1997. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{hyperat-bcs,
   title = {{HyperAT}: {HCI} and Web Authoring},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Y. L. Theng}} and C. Rigny and M. Jones},
   year = {1997},
   booktitle = {Proceedings {BCS} {HCI'97}, People and Computers},
   pages = {359--378},
   isbn = {3--540--76172--1},
   volume = {XII},
   editor = {H. Thimbleby and B. O'Conaill and P. J. Thomas},
   publisher = {Springer Verlag},
   location = {Bristol, England},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
134

G. E. Marsden, G. J. Palmer and H. Thimbleby, “Benjamin Franklin House: An Illustration of a Site Management and Visual Design Tool for Complex, Multi-authored Web Sites,” Proceedings WebNet’97, World Conference of the WWW, Internet, & Intranet, p.688, edited by S. Lobodzinski and I. Tomek, Toronto, Canada, Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE), ISBN 1–880094–27–4, 1997. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT119,
   title = {Benjamin Franklin House: An Illustration of a Site Management and Visual Design Tool for Complex, Multi-authored Web Sites},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and G. E. Marsden and G. J. Palmer},
   year = {1997},
   booktitle = {Proceedings WebNet'97, World Conference of the {WWW}, Internet, {\&} Intranet},
   pages = {688},
   isbn = {1--880094--27--4},
   editor = {S. Lobodzinski and I. Tomek},
   location = {Toronto, Canada},
   publisher = {Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education ({AACE})},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
133

H. Thimbleby, “3D Creativity for the Web,” The Internet in 3D, pp.41–53, edited by R. Earnshaw and J. Vince, Academic Press, ISBN 0-12-227736-8, 1997. Website AbstractAutostereograms on the Web make a very appealing combination:
• The World Wide Web brings together art, science and technology, both in the medium and in its content. Autostereograms, likewise: based in science, they are art made possible by computer graphics technology.
• The Web is extremely accessible: it makes multimedia available to more people than any other computer-based medium. Autostereograms, similarly, are easily viewed without any special equipment and give true stereoscopic 3D effects. This paper discusses stereoscopic 3D effects, and how drawing autostereograms lends itself to the networking constraints and page layout freedom characteristic of the Web. There are wonderful opportunities for making science and art interesting and accessible to wide audiences. PDF Bibtex@inbook{HT61,
   title = {3D Creativity for the Web},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1997},
   booktitle = {The Internet in {3D}},
   pages = {41--53},
   isbn = {0-12-227736-8},
   url = {http://harold.thimbleby.net/sirds/index.html},
   editor = {R. Earnshaw and J. Vince},
   publisher = {Academic Press},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
132

H. Thimbleby, “Distributed Web Authoring,” Proceedings WebNet’97, World Conference of the WWW, Internet, & Intranet, pp.1056–1083, edited by S. Lobodzinski and I. Tomek, Toronto, Canada, Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE), ISBN 1–880094–27–4, 1997. AbstractA simple and general scheme is described that permits multiple authors to collaborate on certain sorts of hypermedia document. The scheme separates content, page design, and site structure. Each author can work in a small space, and therefore have higher quality control over their product. By allowing multiple authors, the workload is divided.
          A prototype system has been implemented (in Java) and shows the scheme is feasible, and that it scales up to arbitrary size sites. The prototype suggests many profitable developments. HTML Bibtex@inproceedings{HT118,
   title = {Distributed Web Authoring},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1997},
   booktitle = {Proceedings {WebNet'97}, World Conference of the {WWW}, Internet, {\&} Intranet},
   pages = {1056--1083},
   isbn = {1--880094--27--4},
   editor = {S. Lobodzinski and I. Tomek},
   location = {Toronto, Canada},
   publisher = {Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education ({AACE})},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
131

H. Thimbleby, “Design for a Fax,” Personal Technologies, 1(2), pp.101–117, DOI: 10.1007/BF02199215, 1997. AbstractWe argue that button-controlled devices can be made better to improve their usability, and that there are routine ways to do so that can be effectively employed in the early stages of the design process.
          By way of example, we examine the design of a 1993/4 domestic phone/fax/answerphone machine, and show that alternative designs have quantitative advantages over the original. We point to many strange — obscure, undocumented, non-functional — features, and raise questions about the process that led to the design, and what role either human factors or computer science played in it. PDF Bibtex@article{HT20,
   title = {Design for a Fax},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1997},
   pages = {101--117},
   journal = {Personal Technologies},
   volume = {1},
   doi = {10.1007/BF02199215},
   number = {2},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
130

P. B. Ladkin and H. Thimbleby, “From Logic to Manuals,” Software Engineering Journal, 11(6), pp.347–354, DOI: 10.1049/sej.1996.0045, 1997. AbstractA simple language is demonstrated that combines specifications and manuals. This shows first that a user manual can be automatically reconstructed from a logic specification that is effectively identical to the original logic (up to ambiguities in natural language); and secondly, that such an automated process can help detect errors. The process is fast and suitable for use in participatory design. PDF Bibtex@article{logtoman1,
   title = {From Logic to Manuals},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and P. B. Ladkin},
   year = {1997},
   pages = {347--354},
   journal = {Software Engineering Journal},
   volume = {11},
   doi = {10.1049/sej.1996.0045},
   number = {6},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
129

H. Thimbleby, “Calculators True and False,” Engineering Science and Education Journal, 6(5), p.214, DOI: 10.1049/esej:19970509, 1997. Website Bibtex@article{HT19,
   title = {Calculators True and False},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1997},
   pages = {214},
   journal = {Engineering Science and Education Journal},
   url = {http://harold.thimbleby.net/calculators/index.html},
   volume = {6},
   doi = {10.1049/esej:19970509},
   number = {5},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
128

P. B. Ladkin and H. Thimbleby, “From Logic to Manuals Again,” IEE Software Engineering, 144(3), pp.185–192, DOI: 10.1049/ip-sen:19971104, 1997. AbstractWe demonstrate a simple language that combines specifications and manuals. This shows: first, that a user manual can be automatically reconstructed from a logic specification that is effectively identical to the original logic (up to ambiguities in natural language); second, that such an automated process can help detect errors. The process is fast, and suitable for use in participatory design.
          See also the HTML source code for this paper (i.e., the paper written in the language the paper is about, and which generated the published paper). HTML, HTML, PDF Bibtex@article{logtoman2,
   title = {From Logic to Manuals Again},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and P. B. Ladkin},
   year = {1997},
   pages = {185--192},
   journal = {IEE Software Engineering},
   volume = {144},
   doi = {10.1049/ip-sen:19971104},
   number = {3},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
127

G. E. Marsden, G. Palmer and H. Thimbleby, “Benjamin Franklin House Web Site,” Poster, Proceedings WebNet’97, World Conference of the WWW, Internet, & Intranet, edited by S. Lobodzinski and I. Tomek, Toronto, Canada, Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE), 1997. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT160,
   title = {Benjamin Franklin House Web Site},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and G. E. Marsden and G. Palmer},
   year = {1997},
   booktitle = {Proceedings WebNet'97, World Conference of the {WWW}, Internet, {\&} Intranet},
   editor = {S. Lobodzinski and I. Tomek},
   location = {Toronto, Canada},
   publisher = {Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education ({AACE})},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
126

H. Thimbleby, “A True Calculator,” Engineering Science and Education Journal, 6(3), pp.128–136, DOI: 10.1049/esej:19970310, 1997. Website AbstractExisting calculators are unreliable and difficult to use, and they are marketed misleadingly. A new calculator is described that is simple, reliable and very powerful. PDF, PS Bibtex@article{HT21,
   title = {A True Calculator},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1997},
   pages = {128--136},
   journal = {Engineering Science and Education Journal},
   url = {http://harold.thimbleby.net/calculators/index.html},
   volume = {6},
   doi = {10.1049/esej:19970310},
   number = {3},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
125

H. Thimbleby, “Gentler: A Tool for Systematic Web Authoring,” International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 47(1), pp.139–168, DOI: 10.1006/ijhc.1997.0131, 1997. AbstractWe argue, with theoretical justification, that authoring hypertext and World Wide Web documents requires tool support if it is to be done well. Tools are essential for good design; without them iterative design and user testing are impractical to follow through because of the prohibitive costs of making even small changes reliably.
          Gentler is one such authoring tool. It uses a database of pages and a page layout language, providing reliable design features including hypertext linkage and navigation. With Gentler as a concrete example, we introduce an important principle for design: dual requirements. Features that hypertext document readers find beneficial are beneficial for document authors, and vice versa. HTML Bibtex@article{gentler-ijhcs,
   title = {Gentler: A Tool for Systematic Web Authoring},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1997},
   pages = {139--168},
   journal = {International Journal of Human-Computer Studies},
   volume = {47},
   doi = {10.1006/ijhc.1997.0131},
   number = {1},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
124

M. A. Addison and H. Thimbleby, “Intelligent Adaptive Assistance and Its Automatic Generation,” Interacting with Computers, 8(1), pp.51–68, DOI: 10.1016/0953-5438(95)01019-X, 1996. AbstractManuals and interactive help are tedious to provide, difficult to maintain, and difficult to ensure correct, even for simple systems. The result is a loss in product quality, felt particularly by users and designers committed to long-term product development.
          This paper shows that it is possible to systematically put a system specification and its documentation into exact correspondence. It follows that much previously manual work can be done automatically — and with considerable advantages, including guaranteed correctness and completeness, as well as supporting powerful new features such as intelligent adaptive assistance. This paper shows how interactive assistance can be provided to answer “how to?”, “why not?” and other questions. PDF Bibtex@article{adapt-iwc,
   title = {Intelligent Adaptive Assistance and Its Automatic Generation},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and M. A. Addison},
   year = {1996},
   pages = {51--68},
   journal = {Interacting with Computers},
   volume = {8},
   doi = {10.1016/0953-5438(95)01019-X},
   number = {1},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
123

C. Rigny and H. Thimbleby, “CUM-DesTool: Applying Executable User Models for Designing Interactive Systems,” Adjunct Proceedings BCS HCI’96, pp.145–149, edited by A. Blandford and H. Thimbleby, ISBN 1–85924–119–0, 1996. Bibtex@inproceedings{cumdes-bcs,
   title = {{CUM-DesTool}: Applying Executable User Models for Designing Interactive Systems},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{C. Rigny}}},
   year = {1996},
   booktitle = {Adjunct Proceedings {BCS} {HCI'96}},
   pages = {145--149},
   isbn = {1--85924--119--0},
   editor = {H. Thimbleby and Ann Blandford},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
122

H. Thimbleby, “Creating User Manuals for Use in Collaborative Design,” Proceedings ACM Conference on Computer-Human Interaction — CHI’96, pp.279–280, edited by M. Tauber, Vancouver, Canada, 1996. AbstractUser manuals are usually written by technical authors after the design of the device has been committed for production. If the manual’s review leads to insight into the design, it is too late. Meanwhile, if the design is modified, the manual may be inaccurate. This paper describes an example language for creating accurate and complete manuals from formal specifications. We show how it can be used to improve part of the Flight Crew Operating Manual for the Airbus A320 fly-by-wire airplane. The technique is easy to implement, can be generalised to other domains, and contributes to concurrent engineering practice — increasing common ground between engineers, users and HCI practitioners. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{manuals-chi,
   title = {Creating User Manuals for Use in Collaborative Design},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1996},
   booktitle = {Proceedings ACM Conference on Computer-Human Interaction --- CHI'96},
   pages = {279--280},
   editor = {M. Tauber},
   location = {Vancouver, Canada},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
121

C. Rigny, Y. L. Theng and H. Thimbleby, “Cognitive User Models as Design Aids,” Proceedings First Asia Pacific Conference on Human Computer Interaction — APCHI, pp.387–396, edited by L. Herman, Y. K. Leung, J. Moyes and L. K. Yong, Singapore, ISBN 9971–88–495–X, 1996. Bibtex@inproceedings{rigny-asia,
   title = {Cognitive User Models as Design Aids},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Y. L. Theng and {\main{C. Rigny}}},
   year = {1996},
   booktitle = {Proceedings First Asia Pacific Conference on Human Computer Interaction --- APCHI},
   pages = {387--396},
   isbn = {9971--88--495--X},
   editor = {L. K. Yong and L. Herman and Y. K. Leung and J. Moyes},
   location = {Singapore},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
120

M. Jones, Y. L. Theng and H. Thimbleby, “‘Lost in Hyperspace’: Psychological Problem or Bad Design,” Proceedings First Asia Pacific Conference on Human Computer Interaction — APCHI, pp.387–396, edited by L. Herman, Y. K. Leung, J. Moyes and L. K. Yong, Singapore, ISBN 9971–88–495–X, 1996. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{hyper-asia,
   title = {`Lost in Hyperspace': Psychological Problem or Bad Design},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Y. L. Theng}} and M. Jones},
   year = {1996},
   booktitle = {Proceedings First Asia Pacific Conference on Human Computer Interaction --- APCHI},
   pages = {387--396},
   isbn = {9971--88--495--X},
   editor = {L. K. Yong and L. Herman and Y. K. Leung and J. Moyes},
   location = {Singapore},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
119

M. Jones, C. Rigny, Y. L. Theng and H. Thimbleby, “Cognitive Task Graphs and Executable User Models for Better Hypertext,” Proceedings First Asia Pacific Conference on Human Computer Interaction — APCHI, pp.421–433, edited by L. Herman, Y. K. Leung, J. Moyes and L. K. Yong, Singapore, ISBN 9971–88–495–X, 1996. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{cogtask-asia,
   title = {Cognitive Task Graphs and Executable User Models for Better Hypertext},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Y. L. Theng and {\main{C. Rigny}} and M. Jones},
   year = {1996},
   booktitle = {Proceedings First Asia Pacific Conference on Human Computer Interaction --- APCHI},
   pages = {421--433},
   isbn = {9971--88--495--X},
   editor = {L. K. Yong and L. Herman and Y. K. Leung and J. Moyes},
   location = {Singapore},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
118

C. Rigny, Y. L. Theng and H. Thimbleby, “Cognitive User Models as Design Aids,” Adjunct Proceedings BCS HCI’96, pp.139–144, edited by A. Blandford and H. Thimbleby, ISBN 1–85924–119–0, 1996. Bibtex@inproceedings{cogmod-bcs,
   title = {Cognitive User Models as Design Aids},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{C. Rigny}} and Y. L. Theng},
   year = {1996},
   booktitle = {Adjunct Proceedings {BCS} {HCI'96}},
   pages = {139--144},
   isbn = {1--85924--119--0},
   editor = {H. Thimbleby and Ann Blandford},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
117

M. Jones, C. Rigny, Y. L. Theng and H. Thimbleby, “Improved Conceptual Design for Better Hypertext,” Adjunct Proceedings BCS HCI’96, pp.181–188, edited by A. Blandford and H. Thimbleby, ISBN 1–85924–119–0, 1996. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{concept-bcs,
   title = {Improved Conceptual Design for Better Hypertext},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Y. L. Theng and C. Rigny and M. Jones},
   year = {1996},
   booktitle = {Adjunct Proceedings {BCS} {HCI}'96},
   pages = {181--188},
   isbn = {1--85924--119--0},
   editor = {H. Thimbleby and Ann Blandford},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
116

A. Blandford and H. Thimbleby, “The Interaction Design Centre,” Proceedings First Asia Pacific Conference on Human Computer Interaction — APCHI, pp.421–433, edited by L. Herman, Y. K. Leung, J. Moyes and L. K. Yong, Singapore, 1996. Bibtex@inproceedings{idc-asia,
   title = {The Interaction Design Centre},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Ann Blandford},
   year = {1996},
   booktitle = {Proceedings First Asia Pacific Conference on Human Computer Interaction --- APCHI},
   pages = {421--433},
   editor = {L. K. Yong and L. Herman and Y. K. Leung and J. Moyes},
   location = {Singapore},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
115

H. Thimbleby, “An Equivalence Class Algorithm for Drawing Autostereograms,” Software — Practice & Experience, 26(3), pp.309–325, DOI: 10.1002/(SICI)1097-024X(199603)26:3<309::AID-SPE11>3.0.CO;2-O, 1996. Website AbstractWe discuss and show correct an algorithm that constructs autostereograms. The concern is to develop a correct algorithm that may be implemented in a language such as C or Pascal. PDF Bibtex@article{stereo-spae,
   title = {An Equivalence Class Algorithm for Drawing Autostereograms},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1996},
   pages = {309--325},
   journal = {Software --- Practice {\&} Experience},
   url = {http://harold.thimbleby.net/sirds/index.html},
   volume = {26},
   doi = {10.1002/(SICI)1097-024X(199603)26:3<309::AID-SPE11>3.0.CO;2-O},
   number = {3},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
114

H. Thimbleby, “Internet, Discourse and Interaction Potential,” Proceedings First Asia Pacific Conference on Human Computer Interaction — APCHI, Keynote, pp.3–18, edited by L. Herman, Y. K. Leung, J. Moyes and L. K. Yong, Singapore, 1996. AbstractThe conventions of drama present the planned as spontaneous, stimulating the imagination of greater interaction potential than there is. This paper argues for a distinction between design for demonstration and design for interaction. The distinction is needed on the Internet, which supports the greatest range of discourse — spontaneous to planned — and therefore wide scope for confusing dramatic presentation for effective interaction. HTML Bibtex@inproceedings{drama-asia,
   title = {Internet, Discourse and Interaction Potential},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1996},
   booktitle = {Proceedings First Asia Pacific Conference on Human Computer Interaction --- APCHI},
   aftertitle = {Keynote},
   pages = {3--18},
   editor = {L. K. Yong and L. Herman and Y. K. Leung and J. Moyes},
   location = {Singapore},
   enclosingSection = {Invited publications: not refereed}
}
113

D. J. Pullinger and H. Thimbleby, “Observations on Practically Perfect CSCW,” Remote Cooperation. CSCW Issues for Mobile and Teleworkers, pp.69–86, edited by R. Beale and A. J. Dix, Springer Verlag, ISBN 3–540–76035–0, 1996. Bibtex@inbook{HT62,
   title = {Observations on Practically Perfect CSCW},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and D. J. Pullinger},
   year = {1996},
   booktitle = {Remote Cooperation. CSCW Issues for Mobile and Teleworkers},
   pages = {69--86},
   isbn = {3--540--76035--0},
   editor = {A. J. Dix and Russell Beale},
   publisher = {Springer Verlag},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
112

H. Thimbleby, “An Example of Distribution-Free Testing,” Mathematica Journal, 5(2), pp.62–65, 1995. Bibtex@article{HT22,
   title = {An Example of Distribution-Free Testing},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1995},
   pages = {62--65},
   journal = {Mathematica Journal},
   volume = {5},
   number = {2},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
111

D. J. Pullinger, H. Thimbleby and I. H. Witten, “Concepts of Cooperation in Artificial Life,” IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man & Cybernetics, 25(7), pp.1166–1171, DOI: 10.1109/21.391298, 1995. AbstractWe have built some simple, but useful, cooperative Artificial Life agents. Based on this experience and by contrasting our work with computer viruses, we argue that Artificial Life (the simulation of life including evolution) can only remain reliably and indefinitely cooperative if it adheres to explicitly-specified social conventions. Breaking or neglecting these conventions results in systems that are worse than useless; in fact, malicious with respect to human social values. PDF Bibtex@article{HT23,
   title = {Concepts of Cooperation in Artificial Life},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and D. J. Pullinger and I. H. Witten},
   year = {1995},
   pages = {1166--1171},
   journal = {IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man {\&} Cybernetics},
   volume = {25},
   doi = {10.1109/21.391298},
   number = {7},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
110

H. Thimbleby, “A New Calculator and Why it is Necessary,” Computer Journal, 38(6), pp.418–433, DOI: 10.1093/comjnl/38.6.418, 1995. Website AbstractConventional calculators are badly designed: they suffer from bad computer science — they are unnecessarily difficult to use and bug ridden. I describe a solution, avoiding the problems caused by conventional calculators that is more powerful and arguably much easier to use. The solution has been implemented, and design issues are discussed. This paper shows an interactive system that is declarative, with the advantages of clarity and power that entails. It frees people from working out how a calculation should be expressed to concentrating on what they want solved. An important contribution is to demonstrate the very serious problems users face when using conventional calculators, and hence what a freedom a declarative design brings. PDF Bibtex@article{newcalc-cj,
   title = {A New Calculator and Why it is Necessary},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1995},
   pages = {418--433},
   journal = {Computer Journal},
   url = {http://harold.thimbleby.net/calculators/index.html},
   volume = {38},
   doi = {10.1093/comjnl/38.6.418},
   number = {6},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
109

P. B. Ladkin and H. Thimbleby, “A Proper Explanation When You Need One,” Proceedings British Computer Society Conference HCI’95, People and Computers, X, pp.107–118, edited by A. J. Dix, J. E. Finlay and M. A. R. Kirby, Huddersfield, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0–521–56729–7, 1995. AbstractQuality program design has received considerable attention from the software engineering community. Quality user manual design has received considerable attention from the human computer interaction community. Yet manuals and systems are often independently conceived, and thus do not well complement each other. This paper shows one method of easily obtaining correct and complete user manuals guaranteed to correspond with the system they document. The method has considerable merit for improving interactive systems design. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{explan-bcs,
   title = {A Proper Explanation When You Need One},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and P. B. Ladkin},
   year = {1995},
   booktitle = {Proceedings British Computer Society Conference HCI'95, People and Computers},
   pages = {107--118},
   isbn = {0--521--56729--7},
   volume = {X},
   editor = {M. A. R. Kirby and A. J. Dix and J. E. Finlay},
   location = {Huddersfield},
   publisher = {Cambridge University Press},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
108

M. Jones, Y. L. Theng and H. Thimbleby, “Designer Tools for Hypertext Authoring,” Proceedings The Authoring and Application of Hypermedia-based User-Interfaces, IEE Colloquium, (IEE Digest 1995/202), pp.4/1–4/4, 1995. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT122,
   title = {Designer Tools for Hypertext Authoring},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Y. L. Theng and M. Jones},
   year = {1995},
   booktitle = {Proceedings The Authoring and Application of Hypermedia-based User-Interfaces},
   pages = {4/1--4/4},
   series = {IEE Colloquium},
   number = {IEE Digest 1995/202},
   doit = {10.1049/ic:19951257},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
107

M. Jones, Y. L. Theng and H. Thimbleby, “Reducing Information Overload: A Comparative Study Of Hypertext Systems,” Proceedings Information Overload, IEE Colloquium, (IEE Digest 1995/223), pp.6/1–6/5, DOI: 10.1049/ic:19951431, 1995. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT121,
   title = {Reducing Information Overload: A Comparative Study Of Hypertext Systems},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{Y. L. Theng}} and M. Jones},
   year = {1995},
   booktitle = {Proceedings Information Overload},
   pages = {6/1--6/5},
   doi = {10.1049/ic:19951431},
   series = {IEE Colloquium},
   number = {IEE Digest 1995/223},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
106

M. A. Addison and H. Thimbleby, “Hypermedia Manuals for Interactive Systems,” Proceedings The Authoring and Application of Hypermedia-based User-Interfaces, IEE Colloquium, (IEE Digest 1995/202), pp.5/1–5/4, DOI: 10.1049/ic:19951258, 1995. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT123,
   title = {Hypermedia Manuals for Interactive Systems},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and M. A. Addison},
   year = {1995},
   booktitle = {Proceedings The Authoring and Application of Hypermedia-based User-Interfaces},
   pages = {5/1--5/4},
   doi = {10.1049/ic:19951258},
   series = {IEE Colloquium},
   number = {IEE Digest 1995/202},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
105

H. Thimbleby, ““Users as Computers”: An Approach to VR Design and Conceptual Evaluation,” Proceedings Conference on Interface to Real and Virtual Worlds, IV, pp.305–313, 1995. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT124,
   title = {``Users as Computers'': An Approach to VR Design and Conceptual Evaluation},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1995},
   booktitle = {Proceedings Conference on Interface to Real and Virtual Worlds},
   pages = {305--313},
   volume = {IV},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
104

M. A. Addison and H. Thimbleby, “HyperDoc: An Interactive System Development Tool,” Proceedings British Computer Society Conference HCI’95, People and Computers, X, pp.95–106, edited by A. J. Dix, J. E. Finlay and M. A. R. Kirby, Huddersfield, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0–521–56729–7, 1995. Bibtex@inproceedings{hyperdoc-bcs,
   title = {HyperDoc: An Interactive System Development Tool},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and M. A. Addison},
   year = {1995},
   booktitle = {Proceedings British Computer Society Conference HCI'95, People and Computers},
   pages = {95--106},
   isbn = {0--521--56729--7},
   volume = {X},
   location = {Huddersfield},
   editor = {M. A. R. Kirby and A. J. Dix and J. E. Finlay},
   publisher = {Cambridge University Press},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
103

H. Thimbleby, “Usability, Communication and Security and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs),” Personal Information Management, pp.31–43, edited by P. J. Thomas, Stanley Thornes, ISBN 0–7487–2327–7, 1995. AbstractA personal digital assistant (PDA) is not interesting — it would be nothing more than a glamorous organiser — while it remains merely personal. What makes a PDA interesting and worthwhile is its ability to extend the small world of the personal user to the wider world, involving many users distributed over space and time. If it was not for this widening of horizons, a PDA would be both personal and private: whether someone had a PDA would not be known to another person, and therefore it could not make a significant impact on the owner’s operation in the world. Bibtex@inbook{HT64,
   title = {Usability, Communication and Security and Personal Digital Assistants ({PDAs})},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1995},
   booktitle = {Personal Information Management},
   pages = {31--43},
   isbn = {0--7487--2327--7},
   editor = {P. J. Thomas},
   publisher = {Stanley Thornes},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
102

H. Thimbleby, “Authoring Consistent Hypermedia Without Getting Lost,” Proceedings British Computer Society Conference on People and Computers, HCI’95, Adjunct Proceedings, pp.118–124, edited by G. Allen, J. Wilkinson and P. Wright, 1995. Bibtex@inproceedings{notlost-bcs,
   title = {Authoring Consistent Hypermedia Without Getting Lost},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1995},
   booktitle = {Proceedings British Computer Society Conference on People and Computers, {HCI}'95, Adjunct Proceedings},
   pages = {118--124},
   editor = {G. Allen and J. Wilkinson and P. Wright},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
101

H. Thimbleby, “Treat People Like Computers? Designing Usable Systems for Special People,” Extraordinary People and Human-Computer Interaction, pp.283–295, edited by A. Edwards, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0–521–43413–0, 1995. AbstractIt was pointed out in the Preface that the term handicap applies to the effects a person’s limitations have on their ability to function in their environment. This chapter explores that concept in a very important direction: it advances the proposition that the average human-computer interface is so badly designed that anyone who uses it is handicapped by it. Moreover, it suggests a practical way to start to respect the user, based in the theory of computer science. It should therefore appeal to the computer scientists and programmers who design interactive systems. PDF Bibtex@inbook{HT63,
   title = {Treat People Like Computers? {Designing} Usable Systems for Special People},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1995},
   booktitle = {Extraordinary People and Human-Computer Interaction},
   pages = {283--295},
   isbn = {0--521--43413--0},
   editor = {A. Edwards},
   publisher = {Cambridge University Press},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
100

H. Thimbleby, “Formulating Usability,” ACM SIGCHI Bulletin, 26(2), pp.59–64, DOI: 10.1145/198125.198145, 1994. AbstractUsability is empirical, and often highly context-specific, but it would be useful for designers to have general estimates of usability from interactive system specifications alone. We discuss how this problem may be approached, and we give examples. We also discuss the justification for the approach, since it is unusual to measure usability without involving users. The explicit mathematical content of this paper has been deliberately kept to a minimum. PDF Bibtex@article{HT29,
   title = {Formulating Usability},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1994},
   pages = {59--64},
   journal = {ACM SIGCHI Bulletin},
   volume = {26},
   doi = {10.1145/198125.198145},
   number = {2},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
99

T. C. Bell, A. Moffat, C. G. Nevill-Manning, T. C. Smith, H. Thimbleby and I. H. Witten, “Semantic and Generative Models for Lossy Text Compression,” Computer Journal, 37(2), pp.83–87, DOI: 10.1093/comjnl/37.2.83, 1994. AbstractThe complementary paradigms of text compression and image compression suggest that there may be potential for applying methods developed for one domain to the other. In image coding, lossy techniques yield compression factors that are vastly superior to those of the best lossless schemes, and we show that this is also the case for text. This paper investigates the resulting tradeoff between subjective quality of the transmission and its compression factor. Two different methods are described, which can be combined into an extremely effective technique that provides far better compression than the present state of the art and yet preserves a reasonable degree of perceived match between the original and received text. The major challenge for lossy text compression is the quantitative evaluation of the quality of this match. PDF Bibtex@article{april-cj,
   title = {Semantic and Generative Models for Lossy Text Compression},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and I. H. Witten and T. C. Bell and A. Moffat and C. G. Nevill-Manning and T. C. Smith},
   year = {1994},
   pages = {83--87},
   journal = {Computer Journal},
   volume = {37},
   doi = {10.1093/comjnl/37.2.83},
   number = {2},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
98

H. Thimbleby, “An Organisational Solution to Piracy and Viruses,” Journal of Systems and Software, 25(2), pp.207–215, 1994. AbstractConventional protection methods against software piracy and computer viruses are limited in their effectiveness and timeliness. A cryptographic method, introduced in this paper, can stop the spread of viruses of all kinds, stop software piracy, and can be ideal for organisational purposes. Computer use within an organisation is completely unaffected. HTML Bibtex@article{HT28,
   title = {An Organisational Solution to Piracy and Viruses},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1994},
   pages = {207--215},
   journal = {Journal of Systems and Software},
   volume = {25},
   number = {2},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
97

M. A. Addison and H. Thimbleby, “Manuals as Structured Programs,” Proceedings British Computer Society Conference HCI’94, People and Computers, IX, pp.67–79, edited by G. Cockton, S. W. Draper and G. R. S. Weir, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0–521–48557–6, 1994. AbstractA user manual may provide instructions that, if the user follows them, achieve any of certain objectives as determined by the manual designers. A manual may therefore be viewed rather like a computer program, as pre-planned instructions. Accordingly, software engineering and its methods may be applied mutatis mutandis to the manual and its design process.
          We consider structured programming methods, and show that some difficulties with user interfaces may be attributed to manuals being “unstructured.” Since there are many programming metrics, and very many styles of manuals for user interfaces, this paper is concerned with justifying the approach and showing how insightful it is. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{structured-bcs,
   title = {Manuals as Structured Programs},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and M. A. Addison},
   year = {1994},
   booktitle = {Proceedings British Computer Society Conference HCI'94, People and Computers},
   pages = {67--79},
   isbn = {0--521--48557--6},
   volume = {IX},
   editor = {G. Cockton and S. W. Draper and G. R. S. Weir},
   publisher = {Cambridge University Press},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
96

H. Thimbleby, “View Binding and User Enhanceable Systems,” The Visual Computer: An International Journal of Computer Graphics, 10(6), pp.337–349, DOI: 10.1007/BF01900828, 1994. AbstractMost user interfaces are constructed by programs, so there is no direct relationship between the program, its structure and the user interface it implements. For example, graphics drawn on a screen need have no correspondence with regions of the screen sensitive to the user’s input. View binding is introduced as a binding scheme (related to static or lexical binding schemes) whereby the user’s browsing the user interface also manipulates the program’s environment in a particular way. The result is a direct relation between user interface and program, with many advantages.
          Like particular binding schemes in programming languages, view binding is not a solution to every programmer’s or user’s wishes, yet it provides a useful discipline that can help simplify user interfaces and their programs. In particular, it is very suitable for user enhanceable systems.
          No system currently available is implemented with a strict view binding scheme, but this paper exhibits suggestive examples taken from several well-known programming languages and interactive systems. PDF Bibtex@article{HT27,
   title = {View Binding and User Enhanceable Systems},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1994},
   pages = {337--349},
   journal = {The Visual Computer: An International Journal of Computer Graphics},
   volume = {10},
   doi = {10.1007/BF01900828},
   number = {6},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
95

S. Inglis, H. Thimbleby and I. H. Witten, “Displaying 3D Images: Algorithms for Single-Image Random-Dot Stereograms,” IEEE Computer, 27(10), pp.38–48, DOI: 10.1109/2.318576, 1994. Website AbstractThis paper describes how to generate a single image which, when viewed in the appropriate way, appears to the brain as a 3D scene. The image is a stereogram composed of seemingly random dots. A new, simple and symmetric algorithm for generating such images from a solid model is given, along with the design parameters and their influence on the display. The algorithm improves on previously-described ones in several ways: it is symmetric and hence free from directional (right-to-left or left-to-right) bias, it corrects a slight distortion in the rendering of depth, it removes hidden parts of surfaces, and it also eliminates a type of artifact that we call an “echo.”
          Random dot stereograms have one remaining problem: difficulty of initial viewing. If a computer screen rather than paper is used for output, the problem can be ameliorated by shimmering, or time-multiplexing of pixel values. We also describe a simple computational technique for determining what is present in a stereogram so that, if viewing is difficult, one can ascertain what to look for. PDF, PS Bibtex@article{HT26,
   title = {Displaying 3D Images: Algorithms for Single-Image Random-Dot Stereograms},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and I. H. Witten and S. Inglis},
   year = {1994},
   pages = {38--48},
   journal = {IEEE Computer},
   url = {http://harold.thimbleby.net/sirds/index.html},
   volume = {27},
   doi = {10.1109/2.318576},
   number = {10},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
94

H. Thimbleby, “Designing Interfaces for Problem Solving,” AI & Society, 8, pp.29–44, DOI: 10.1007/BF02065176, 1994. AbstractInteractive computer systems can support their users in problem solving, both in performing their work tasks and in using the systems themselves. Not only is direct support for heuristics beneficial, but to do so modifies the form of computer support provided. This paper defines and explores the use of problem solving heuristics in user interface design.
          A demonstration hypertext system, Hyperwriter, was developed as the outcome of considering general problem-solving heuristics as goals of interactive systems design. Whereas hypertext joins and relates ideas, Hyperwriter additionally, and as a direct outcome of the design approach, has ways of separating, ordering and polishing ideas. As an application for creative writing, Hyperwriter supports effective thinking over a period of time. (This paper was drafted, organised and re-organised using the system itself.) Some issues arising in implementing Hyperwriter are also discussed. PDF Bibtex@article{HT25,
   title = {Designing Interfaces for Problem Solving},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1994},
   note = {with Application to Hypertext and Creative Writing},
   pages = {29--44},
   journal = {AI {\&} Society},
   volume = {8},
   doi = {10.1007/BF02065176},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
93

G. Marsden and H. Thimbleby, “Designing the Interface Programming Language for the End User,” Poster, BCS Conference on People and Computers, HCI’94, 1994. Bibtex@inproceedings{lang-bcs,
   title = {Designing the Interface Programming Language for the End User},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{G. Marsden}}},
   year = {1994},
   booktitle = {BCS Conference on People and Computers, {HCI}'94},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
92

H. Thimbleby, “Technological Hubris,” Computers & Digital Techniques, 5(5), pp.229–234, DOI: 10.1049/cce:19940506, 1994. Bibtex@article{hubris1,
   title = {Technological Hubris},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1994},
   pages = {229--234},
   journal = {Computers {\&} Digital Techniques},
   volume = {5},
   doi = {10.1049/cce:19940506},
   number = {5},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
91

P. Ladkin and H. Thimbleby, “Comments on A Paper by Voas, Payne & Cohen: “A Model for Detecting the Existence of Software Corruption in Real Time”,” Computers & Security, 13(6), pp.527–531, DOI: 10.1016/0167-4048(91)90140-9, 1994. AbstractWe discuss a procedure proposed by Voas, Payne & Cohen for detecting the existence of software corruption in real time. In particular, we discuss problems posed by the concurrent execution of programs. In the cases where the proposed method may work, corruption is unlikely to be a problem; and where corruption by viruses and Trojans are a problem, major problems with the method remain. PDF, PS Bibtex@article{HT24,
   title = {Comments on A Paper by Voas, Payne {\&} Cohen: ``A Model for Detecting the Existence of Software Corruption in Real Time''},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and P. Ladkin},
   year = {1994},
   pages = {527--531},
   journal = {Computers {\&} Security},
   volume = {13},
   doi = {10.1016/0167-4048(91)90140-9},
   number = {6},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
90

A. G. Cockburn, S. R. Jones, S. P. Marsh and H. Thimbleby, “Trust in CSCW,” Computer-Supported Cooperative Work, pp.253–271, edited by S. Scrivener, Ashgate Publishing, ISBN 0–291–39812–X, 1994. Bibtex@inbook{HT65,
   title = {Trust in {CSCW}},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{S. P. Marsh}} and S. R. Jones and A. G. Cockburn},
   year = {1994},
   booktitle = {Computer-Supported Cooperative Work},
   pages = {253--271},
   isbn = {0--291--39812--X},
   editor = {S. Scrivener},
   publisher = {Ashgate Publishing},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
89

D. J. Pullinger and H. Thimbleby, “Observations on Practically Perfect CSCW,” Proceedings CSCW (Computer Supported Co-Operative Working) Issues for Mobile and Remote Workers, Joint CSCW SIG/IEE Colloquium, (IEE Digest 1993/059), pp.5/1–5/4, 1993. AbstractTechnical systems are so powerful that there is a temptation to try to provide “perfect” support for any cooperative work practice. Some CSCW problems result from designs motivated by optimising technical criteria. A very high bandwidth network, for instance, can support a wide variety of work patterns; the consequent focus of solving the salient technical problems gives the impression that CSCW is a merely social concern. We suggest a class of CSCW system property, observational properties, which are required by users. This motivates a description of an appropriate technology to support such properties. Observational properties tend to be easier to support, so that systems may be more robust or able to handle degradation more gracefully. When an observer cannot distinguish a CSCW system from a perfect system, we say the system is practically perfect. Practically perfect CSCW can be achieved either by perfect technology or, more appropriately, by judicious design of the CSCW application. Such systems are particularly appropriate for mobile and remote activities, including the activities of personal users without permanent access to reliable and timely communications infrastructures. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT126,
   title = {Observations on Practically Perfect CSCW},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and D. J. Pullinger},
   year = {1993},
   booktitle = {Proceedings CSCW (Computer Supported Co-Operative Working) Issues for Mobile and Remote Workers},
   pages = {5/1--5/4},
   series = {Joint CSCW SIG/IEE Colloquium},
   number = {IEE Digest 1993/059},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
88

H. Thimbleby, “GenaillesRods.m package,” Mathematica Journal Electronic Supplement, 3(2), 1993. Website Mathematica Notebook Bibtex@article{HT32,
   title = {GenaillesRods.m package},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1993},
   note = {Converted to Mathematica 8},
   journal = {Mathematica Journal Electronic Supplement},
   url = {http://www.mathematica-journal.com/issue/v3i2/},
   volume = {3},
   number = {2},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
87

H. Thimbleby, “Enhanceable User Interfaces,” Proceedings InfoTech’93, Den Norske Dataforening, Norwegian Computer Society Conference, Keynote, pp.1–5, Oslo, Norway, 1993. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT174,
   title = {Enhanceable User Interfaces},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1993},
   booktitle = {Proceedings InfoTech'93, Den Norske Dataforening, Norwegian Computer Society Conference},
   aftertitle = {Keynote},
   pages = {1--5},
   location = {Oslo, Norway},
   enclosingSection = {Invited publications: not refereed}
}
86

H. Thimbleby, “Hypertext as a Combined System and Manual,” Proceedings Workshop on Issues in Computer Support for Documentation and Manuals, IEE Colloquium, (IEE Digest 1993/169), pp.8/1–8/5, 1993. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT125,
   title = {Hypertext as a Combined System and Manual},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1993},
   booktitle = {Proceedings Workshop on Issues in Computer Support for Documentation and Manuals},
   pages = {8/1--8/5},
   series = {IEE Colloquium},
   number = {IEE Digest 1993/169},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
85

H. Thimbleby, “Interactive Consumer User Interfaces,” Proceedings InfoTech’93, Den Norske Dataforening, Norwegian Computer Society Conference, Keynote, pp.1–9, Oslo, Norway, 1993. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT173,
   title = {Interactive Consumer User Interfaces},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1993},
   booktitle = {Proceedings InfoTech'93, Den Norske Dataforening, Norwegian Computer Society Conference},
   aftertitle = {Keynote},
   pages = {1--9},
   location = {Oslo, Norway},
   enclosingSection = {Invited publications: not refereed}
}
84

H. Thimbleby, “Creative Writing in Hypertext: Beyond Linking Concepts,” Proceedings Conference on Computers & Writing, VI, 1993. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT127,
   title = {Creative Writing in Hypertext: Beyond Linking Concepts},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1993},
   booktitle = {Proceedings Conference on Computers {\&} Writing},
   volume = {VI},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
83

H. Thimbleby, “Combining Systems and Manuals,” Proceedings British Computer Society Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, HCI’93, VIII, pp.479–488, edited by J. L. Alty, D. Diaper and S. Guest, Loughborough, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0–521–46633–4, 1993. AbstractLike many interactive systems, hypertext is operated by button pressing. It is therefore possible to combine an interactive system with its own hypertext manual. Numerous advantages follow: adaptive intelligent interactive help; correct documentation, in natural or mathematical language; automatic generation of conventional manuals optimised for various tasks; and detailed analysis.
          This paper motivates the approach, and describes a representative system, Hyperdoc. Hyperdoc enables research questions about good user interfaces and good user manuals to be investigated. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{manuals-bcs,
   title = {Combining Systems and Manuals},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1993},
   booktitle = {Proceedings British Computer Society Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, {HCI}'93},
   pages = {479--488},
   isbn = {0--521--46633--4},
   volume = {VIII},
   location = {Loughborough},
   editor = {J. L. Alty and D. Diaper and S. Guest},
   publisher = {Cambridge University Press},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
82

H. Thimbleby, “Literate Programming,” The Encyclopedia of Computer Science, pp.761–762, edited by A. Ralston and E. D. Reilly, van Nostrand Reinhold, ISBN 0–442–27679–6, 1993. Bibtex@inbook{HT68,
   title = {Literate Programming},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1993},
   booktitle = {The Encyclopedia of Computer Science},
   pages = {761--762},
   isbn = {0--442--27679--6},
   edition = {3},
   publisher = {van Nostrand Reinhold},
   editor = {A. Ralston and E. D. Reilly},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
81

H. Thimbleby, “Computer Literacy and Usability Standards?” User Needs in Information Technology Standards, pp.223–230, edited by C. D. Evans, B. L. Meek and R. S. Walker, Butterworth-Heinemann, ISBN 0–7506–1559–1, 1993. AbstractThere is a tension between making computer systems more standardised (and hence easier to use given previous experience with other systems) and whether users should be expected to be more competent, to be computer literate. Computer literacy enables users to cope with non-standard, ad hoc, or badly designed systems; instead it should make users campaign for standardised systems that are easier to use. PDF Bibtex@inbook{HT66,
   title = {Computer Literacy and Usability Standards?},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1993},
   booktitle = {User Needs in Information Technology Standards},
   pages = {223--230},
   isbn = {0--7506--1559--1},
   editor = {C. D. Evans and B. L. Meek and R. S. Walker},
   publisher = {Butterworth-Heinemann},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
80

H. Thimbleby, “Computerised Parkinson’s Law,” Computing & Control Engineering Journal, 4(5), pp.197–198, 1993. Bibtex@article{parkinson1,
   title = {Computerised Parkinson's Law},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1993},
   pages = {197--198},
   journal = {Computing {\&} Control Engineering Journal},
   volume = {4},
   number = {5},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
79

H. Thimbleby and I. H. Witten, “User Modelling as Machine Identification: New Design Methods for HCI,” Advances in Human Computer Interaction, IV, pp.58–86, edited by H. R. Hartson and D. Hix, Ablex, ISBN 0–89391–934–9, 1993. AbstractThis chapter takes a formal approach to the design of a class of user interfaces, and shows that some “psychological” design guidelines can be approached without assumptions of human psychology. We suggest an operational approach to assessing user interfaces, with a theoretical foundation in systems theory. Although more work in applying formal methods to HCI is required, we provide arguments for its importance, not least because of the intrinsic unreliability of empirical methods in the face of the complexity of even the simplest of interactive systems. We also argue that much of this complexity is in any case spurious and exacerbates user interface problems, indeed, drives the debate about quality in user interfaces away from fundamental issues towards cosmetic concealing of design faults.
          A reader of this chapter commented that, “I would not argue that these problems aren’t important, but they seem minor compared to the real task of designing a system that suggests and supports appropriate, task-relevant actions.” This is based on a misconception: the real task of design includes more than just making a system suggest and support task-relevant actions (and so forth). It must do so reliably, completely, and consistently (to chosen criteria): in short, it must be trustworthy. Without a formal basis — which is what we argue for — interactive systems merely give the temporary semblance of being easy to use. The thorough study of even a simple interactive system is beyond either users or conventional empirical design methods: formal analysis is essential. PDF Bibtex@inbook{HT67,
   title = {User Modelling as Machine Identification: New Design Methods for {HCI}},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and I. H. Witten},
   year = {1993},
   booktitle = {Advances in Human Computer Interaction},
   pages = {58--86},
   isbn = {0--89391--934--9},
   volume = {IV},
   editor = {D. Hix and H. R. Hartson},
   publisher = {Ablex},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
78

H. Thimbleby and W. Thimbleby, “Solutioneering in User Interface Design,” Behaviour and Information Technology, 12(3), pp.190–193, DOI: 10.1080/01449299308924379, 1993. AbstractComputerisation is the technological imperative, yet it often results in deeper social malaise than the simpler methods replaced; the alienations, even inefficiencies, that they represent become more rigidly entrenched. All this is well known and widely debated. It is systemic and seems intractable. This article discusses a similar problem at the level of user interface design, a much smaller domain and one where there can be more hope. PDF, PS Bibtex@article{solution-bit,
   title = {Solutioneering in User Interface Design},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Will Thimbleby},
   year = {1993},
   pages = {190--193},
   journal = {Behaviour and Information Technology},
   volume = {12},
   doi = {10.1080/01449299308924379},
   number = {3},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
77

A. J. G. Cockburn and H. Thimbleby, “Reducing User Effort in Collaboration Support,” Proceedings 1993 ACM/SIGCHI International Conference on Intelligent User Interfaces — IUI’93, pp.215–218, edited by W. D. Gray, W. E. Hefley and D. Murray, Orlando, Florida, ACM Press, ISBN 0–89791–556–9, DOI: 10.1145/169891.169989, 1993. AbstractThe value of electronic mail as a medium for collaborative and coordinated work can be enhanced by relating messages to conversations. While some groupware systems have offered such facilities, their ability to assess conversational context is dependent on explicit user action and the use of specific systems by all collaborators.
          This paper describes Mona, a novel conversation based email platform. Mona provides a hypertext representation of conversational context without requiring any additional effort from the user or the use of specific email systems by other collaborators. Mona’s lack of requirements and independence is made possible by inferring conversational context with heuristics using information inherently transferred in all email communications.
          Mona’s heuristics are described, as are its mechanisms for personalising conversation views. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT128,
   title = {Reducing User Effort in Collaboration Support},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{A. J. G. Cockburn}}},
   year = {1993},
   booktitle = {Proceedings 1993 {ACM/SIGCHI} International Conference on Intelligent User Interfaces --- IUI'93},
   pages = {215--218},
   isbn = {0--89791--556--9},
   doi = {10.1145/169891.169989},
   editor = {W. D. Gray and W. E. Hefley and D. Murray},
   location = {Orlando, Florida},
   publisher = {ACM Press},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
76

H. Thimbleby, “A Personal View: Software Mechanics,” Software Engineering Journal, 8(3), pp.110–111, DOI: 10.1049/sej.1993.0015, 1993. Bibtex@article{HT30,
   title = {A Personal View: Software Mechanics},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1993},
   pages = {110--111},
   journal = {Software Engineering Journal},
   volume = {8},
   doi = {10.1049/sej.1993.0015},
   number = {3},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
75

H. Thimbleby, “Genaille’s Rods,” Mathematica Journal, 3(2), pp.60–62, 1993. Website AbstractHenri Genaille’s Rods are a nineteenth-century device for doing multiplication, similar to, but easier to use than, the more familiar Napier’s Bones. Genaille’s Rods are visually attractive and useful in teaching. This article shows how to use Mathematica to draw the required diagrams, which can then be cut out with scissors and passed to wooden rods to make an accurate set of rods. Mathematica Notebook, PDF Bibtex@article{HT31,
   title = {Genaille's Rods},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1993},
   pages = {60--62},
   journal = {Mathematica Journal},
   url = {http://library.wolfram.com/infocenter/Articles/3146/},
   volume = {3},
   number = {2},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
74

H. Thimbleby, “Heuristics for Cognitive Tools,” Proceedings NATO Advanced Research Workshop on Mindtools and Cognitive Modelling, Cognitive Tools for Learning, NATO ASI Series F, pp.161–168, edited by D. H. Jonassen, P. A. M. Kommers and J. T. Mayes, ISBN 3–540–55045–3; 0–387–55045–3, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-77222-1_12, 1992. AbstractAn analogy is made between printing technology and hypertext. Printing is seen as a “mindtool,” but hypertext’s potential as a mindtool has not yet been realised. However, heuristics, both conceptual and particular, are readily available to lift hypertext and other computer-based systems from their present inexcusable condescension of the user’s mind to being true mindtools. PDF Bibtex@inbook{HT71,
   title = {Heuristics for Cognitive Tools},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1992},
   booktitle = {Proceedings NATO Advanced Research Workshop on Mindtools and Cognitive Modelling, Cognitive Tools for Learning},
   note = {Springer Verlag},
   pages = {161--168},
   isbn = {3--540--55045--3; 0--387--55045--3},
   doi = {10.1007/978-3-642-77222-1_12},
   series = {NATO ASI Series F},
   editor = {P. A. M. Kommers and D. H. Jonassen and J. T. Mayes},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
73

A. J. G. Cockburn, S. Jones and H. Thimbleby, “HyperCard: An Object Oriented Disappointment,” Building Interactive Systems: Architectures and Tools, pp.35–55, edited by P. D. Gray and R. Took, Springer Verlag, ISBN 3–540–19736–2, DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4471-3548-7_3, 1992. Bibtex@inbook{HT69,
   title = {{HyperCard}: An Object Oriented Disappointment},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and S. Jones and A. J. G. Cockburn},
   year = {1992},
   booktitle = {Building Interactive Systems: Architectures and Tools},
   pages = {35--55},
   isbn = {3--540--19736--2},
   doi = {10.1007/978-1-4471-3548-7_3},
   editor = {P. D. Gray and R. Took},
   publisher = {Springer Verlag},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
72

H. Thimbleby, “An Author’s Cross–Referencer,” Computers and Writing, pp.82–98, edited by P. O’B. Holt and N. Williams, Intellect Books, ISBN 1–871516–20–X, DOI: 10.1007/978-94-011-2854-4_7, 1992. Bibtex@inbook{HT70,
   title = {An Author's Cross--Referencer},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1992},
   booktitle = {Computers and Writing},
   pages = {82--98},
   isbn = {1--871516--20--X},
   doi = {10.1007/978-94-011-2854-4_7},
   editor = {P. O'B. Holt and N. Williams},
   publisher = {Intellect Books},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
71

H. Thimbleby, “Improving Usability with Design Tools,” Proceedings SERC/IMechE Annual Expert Meeting, Information Technology and Product Design, 1(Section 3), pp.59–63, St. Albans, UK, 1992. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT129,
   title = {Improving Usability with Design Tools},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1992},
   booktitle = {Proceedings SERC/IMechE Annual Expert Meeting, Information Technology and Product Design},
   pages = {59--63},
   volume = {1},
   number = {Section 3},
   location = {St. Albans, UK},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
70

H. Thimbleby, “The Undomesticated Video Recorder,” Australian Videography, April 1992. PDF Bibtex@article{news14,
   title = {The Undomesticated Video Recorder},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {April 1992},
   journal = {Australian Videography},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
69

H. Thimbleby, “Intelligent Consumer Products,” Proceedings Intelligent Consumer Products, IEE/CSD Joint Colloquium, (IEE Digest 1992/013), pp.2/1–2/3, 1992. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT132,
   title = {Intelligent Consumer Products},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1992},
   booktitle = {Proceedings Intelligent Consumer Products},
   pages = {2/1--2/3},
   series = {IEE/CSD Joint Colloquium},
   number = {IEE Digest 1992/013},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
68

A. J. G. Cockburn and H. Thimbleby, “Automatic Conversational Context: Avoiding Dependency on User Effort in Groupware,” Proceedings of OZCHI’92, Interface Technology: Advancing Human-Computer Communication, CHISIG Annual Conference, pp.142–149, edited by R. Iannella and M. J. Rees, Australia, ISBN 0–9595349–9–7, 1992. AbstractRelating individual messages to their on-going conversations enhances the value of electronic mail as a medium for collaborative and coordinated work. Some groupware systems have offered these facilities, but their ability to determine conversational context is dependent on explicit user actions — being told — and the use of specific systems by all users involved.
          This paper describes Mona, an email system that provides an automatic hypertext representation of conversational context. Mona is novel in that conversation facilities are provided without requiring any user effort or the use of particular systems by other collaborators. This lack of requirements and independence is made possible by inferring conversational context with heuristics from information inherent in all email communications. Mona’s heuristics are described, together with its central design motivation: that the cost/benefit disparity resulting from dependency on user actions is liable to cause system rejection. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{mona-ozchi,
   title = {Automatic Conversational Context: Avoiding Dependency on User Effort in Groupware},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{A. J. G. Cockburn}}},
   year = {1992},
   booktitle = {Proceedings of OZCHI'92, Interface Technology: Advancing Human-Computer Communication, CHISIG Annual Conference},
   pages = {142--149},
   isbn = {0--9595349--9--7},
   editor = {M. J. Rees and R. Iannella},
   cantfindthisdoi = {10.1.1.35.4514},
   location = {Australia},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
67

S. Greenberg and H. Thimbleby, “The Weak Science in Human-Computer Interaction,” Proceedings ACM CHI’92 Research Symposium, 1992. Bibtex@inproceedings{weak-chi,
   title = {The Weak Science in Human-Computer Interaction},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and S. Greenberg},
   year = {1992},
   booktitle = {Proceedings ACM CHI'92 Research Symposium},
   note = {Also Department of Computer Science University of Calgary Research Report 91/459/43},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
66

S. P. Marsh and H. Thimbleby, “Belief Representation and Agent Architectures,” Proceedings of the Third Belief Representation and Agent Architectures Workshop, BRAA’92, pp.97–125, 1992. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT130,
   title = {Belief Representation and Agent Architectures},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{S. P. Marsh}}},
   year = {1992},
   booktitle = {Proceedings of the Third Belief Representation and Agent Architectures Workshop, BRAA'92},
   note = {University of Durham Engineering and Computer Science TR 6/92},
   pages = {97--125},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
65

H. Thimbleby, “The Future of Viruses,” Proceedings of The NCC Information Technology Conference, 1992. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT131,
   title = {The Future of Viruses},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1992},
   booktitle = {Proceedings of The NCC Information Technology Conference},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
64

H. Thimbleby, “User Interface Design,” Software Engineer’s Reference Handbook, pp.57/1–57/14, edited by J. A. McDermid, Butterworth-Heinemann, ISBN 0–750–61040–9, 1991. AbstractThis chapter presents an overview of major issues and techniques in user interface design.
          This chapter provides an overview of generative user-engineering principles, which (as it is available to down load) may be more convenient to read than my book User Interface Design. PDF Bibtex@inbook{HT73,
   title = {User Interface Design},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1991},
   booktitle = {Software Engineer's Reference Handbook},
   pages = {57/1--57/14},
   isbn = {0--750--61040--9},
   editor = {J. A. McDermid},
   publisher = {Butterworth-Heinemann},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
63

H. Thimbleby, “Can Viruses Ever Be Useful?” Computers and Security, 10(2), pp.111–114, DOI: 10.1016/0167-4048(91)90004-W, 1991. Bibtex@article{HT35,
   title = {Can Viruses Ever Be Useful?},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1991},
   pages = {111--114},
   journal = {Computers and Security},
   volume = {10},
   doi = {10.1016/0167-4048(91)90004-W},
   number = {2},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
62

G. F. Coulouris, S. Greenberg, H. Thimbleby and I. H. Witten, “A New Approach to Sharing Data in Social Networks,” International Journal of Man-Machine Studies, 34(3), pp.337–348, 1991. Bibtex@article{liveware-ijhcs,
   title = {A New Approach to Sharing Data in Social Networks},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and S. Greenberg and I. H. Witten and G. F. Coulouris},
   year = {1991},
   pages = {337--348},
   journal = {International Journal of Man-Machine Studies},
   volume = {34},
   number = {3},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
61

A. J. G. Cockburn and H. Thimbleby, “A Reflexive Perspective of CSCW,” ACM SIGCHI Bulletin, 23(3), pp.63–68, DOI: 10.1145/126505.126509, 1991. Bibtex@article{HT34,
   title = {A Reflexive Perspective of CSCW},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and A. J. G. Cockburn},
   year = {1991},
   pages = {63--68},
   journal = {ACM SIGCHI Bulletin},
   volume = {23},
   doi = {10.1145/126505.126509},
   number = {3},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
60

G. F. Coulouris and H. Thimbleby, “Ted Nelson and His 2020 Vision,” Computer Bulletin, Series IV, 3(3), pp.8–9, 1991. Bibtex@article{HT33,
   title = {Ted Nelson and His 2020 Vision},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and G. F. Coulouris},
   year = {1991},
   pages = {8--9},
   journal = {Computer Bulletin, Series IV},
   volume = {3},
   number = {3},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
59

H. Thimbleby, “Can Humans Think? The Ergonomics Society Annual Lecture,” Ergonomics Society Annual Lecture, Ergonomics, 34(10), pp.1269–1287, DOI: 10.1080/00140139108964867, 1991. AbstractFor many years, computer scientists have been concerned with whether computers can think. Considerable thought, therefore, goes into designing “thinking” computer systems and into wondering whether they really can think or just pretend to. On the other hand, it is “obvious” that humans can think, and therefore little thought has gone into the related question, “can humans think?” This paper explores the ergonomic implications of the affirmative answer.
          Computers get better treatment than humans, yet humans are more than machines. However not only do designers seem to forget this, but they don’t even treat users with the same respect as they would a machine. PDF Bibtex@article{think-ergonomicsj,
   title = {Can Humans Think? The Ergonomics Society Annual Lecture},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1991},
   pages = {1269--1287},
   journal = {Ergonomics},
   volume = {34},
   highlight = {Ergonomics Society Annual Lecture},
   doi = {10.1080/00140139108964867},
   number = {10},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
58

G. F. Coulouris, S. Greenberg, H. Thimbleby and I. H. Witten, “A New Approach to Sharing Data in Social Networks,” Computer Supported Cooperative Work and Groupware, pp.211–222, edited by S. Greenberg, Academic Press, ISBN 0–12–299220–2, 1991. Bibtex@inbook{HT72,
   title = {A New Approach to Sharing Data in Social Networks},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and S. Greenberg and I. H. Witten and G. F. Coulouris},
   year = {1991},
   booktitle = {Computer Supported Cooperative Work and Groupware},
   pages = {211--222},
   isbn = {0--12--299220--2},
   editor = {S. Greenberg},
   publisher = {Academic Press},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
57

H. Thimbleby, “Sharing HyperCard Stacks,” Proceedings 7th Annual Apple European University Consortium Conference, pp.68–71, Paris, 1991. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT134,
   title = {Sharing HyperCard Stacks},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1991},
   booktitle = {Proceedings 7th Annual Apple European University Consortium Conference},
   pages = {68--71},
   location = {Paris},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
56

H. Thimbleby, “Low tech LaT_EX,” Proceedings Computers & Writing, IV, pp.124–130, edited by M. Sharples, Brighton, 1991. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT135,
   title = {Low tech {\LaTeX}},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1991},
   booktitle = {Proceedings Computers {\&} Writing},
   pages = {124--130},
   volume = {IV},
   editor = {M. Sharples},
   location = {Brighton},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
55

H. Thimbleby, “Formal Methods without Psychology,” Proceedings Theory in Human-Computer Interaction, IEE Colloquium, (IEE Digest 1991/192), pp.6/1–6/6, 1991. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT133,
   title = {Formal Methods without Psychology},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1991},
   booktitle = {Proceedings Theory in Human-Computer Interaction},
   pages = {6/1--6/6},
   series = {IEE Colloquium},
   number = {IEE Digest 1991/192},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
54

H. Thimbleby, “You’re Right About the Cure: Don’t Do That,” Interacting with Computers, 2(1), pp.8–25, 1990. Bibtex@article{bugs-iwc,
   title = {You're Right About the Cure: Don't Do That},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1990},
   pages = {8--25},
   journal = {Interacting with Computers},
   volume = {2},
   number = {1},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
53

H. Thimbleby, “Artificial Life,” Computer Bulletin, Series IV, 2(4), pp.22–23, 1990. Bibtex@article{HT37,
   title = {Artificial Life},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1990},
   pages = {22--23},
   journal = {Computer Bulletin, Series IV},
   volume = {2},
   number = {4},
   crossref = {cbreferences1990},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
52

H. Thimbleby and I. H. Witten, “The “Worm” Programs — Early Experience with a Distributed Intelligence,” ACM SIGART Bulletin, 1(2), pp.14–17, DOI: 10.1145/84234.84254, 1990. Bibtex@article{HT36,
   title = {The ``Worm'' Programs --- Early Experience with a Distributed Intelligence},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and I. H. Witten},
   year = {1990},
   pages = {14--17},
   journal = {ACM SIGART Bulletin},
   volume = {1},
   doi = {10.1145/84234.84254},
   number = {2},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
51

S. O. Anderson, H. Thimbleby and I. H. Witten, “Reflexive CSCW: Supporting Cooperative Long-Term Personal Work,” Interacting with Computers, 2(3), pp.330–336, DOI: 10.1016/0953-5438(90)90005-3, 1990. AbstractCSCW (Computer Supported Cooperative Work) is an active research area with many promising applications and benefits. We argue that the plight of the individual user can also be viewed as a CSCW problem, for the individual frequently acts as multiple persona: performing many independent tasks, perhaps in several places. We propose reflexive CSCW to address such issues. Solutions in the reflexive case will of course be of benefit to users even if they are working in a conventional multi-user CSCW context; proposed solutions in CSCW can be re-presented for individual users. PDF, PS Bibtex@article{cscw-iwc,
   title = {Reflexive {CSCW}: Supporting Cooperative Long-Term Personal Work},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and S. O. Anderson and I. H. Witten},
   year = {1990},
   pages = {330--336},
   journal = {Interacting with Computers},
   volume = {2},
   doi = {10.1016/0953-5438(90)90005-3},
   number = {3},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
50

H. Thimbleby, “Artificial Life: References,” Computer Bulletin, Series IV, 2(6), p.5, 1990. Bibtex@article{HT38,
   title = {Artificial Life: References},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1990},
   note = {cbreferences1990},
   pages = {5},
   journal = {Computer Bulletin, Series IV},
   volume = {2},
   number = {6},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
49

H. Thimbleby, “The Future of Human Computer Interfaces for Computer Integrated Manufacture,” Proceedings ESPRIT Conference on CIM, St. Albans, 1990. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT136,
   title = {The Future of Human Computer Interfaces for Computer Integrated Manufacture},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1990},
   booktitle = {Proceedings ESPRIT Conference on CIM},
   location = {St. Albans},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
48

S. O. Anderson and H. Thimbleby, “Virus Theory,” Proceedings Workshop on Viruses and Their Future Impact on Computing Systems, (IEE Digest 1990/132), pp.4/1–4/5, 1990. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT141,
   title = {Virus Theory},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and S. O. Anderson},
   year = {1990},
   booktitle = {Proceedings Workshop on Viruses and Their Future Impact on Computing Systems},
   pages = {4/1--4/5},
   number = {IEE Digest 1990/132},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
47

J. Bock, H. Thimbleby, R. J. Watt and A. Wilkins, “Visible Aspects of Text,” Proceedings Applying Visual Psychophysics to User Interface Design, pp.309–325, London, 1990. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT138,
   title = {Visible Aspects of Text},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and {\main{R. J. Watt}} and J. Bock and A. Wilkins},
   year = {1990},
   booktitle = {Proceedings Applying Visual Psychophysics to User Interface Design},
   pages = {309--325},
   location = {London},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
46

H. Thimbleby, “Liveware: A Personal Distributed CSCW,” Proceedings CSCW: Computer Supported Co-operative Work, IEE Colloquium, (IEE Digest 1990/133), pp.6/1–6/4, 1990. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT139,
   title = {Liveware: A Personal Distributed CSCW},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1990},
   booktitle = {Proceedings CSCW: Computer Supported Co-operative Work},
   pages = {6/1--6/4},
   series = {IEE Colloquium},
   number = {IEE Digest 1990/133},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
45

H. Thimbleby, “Viruses and Their Impact on Future Computing Systems,” Proceedings Workshop on Viruses and Their Future Impact on Computing Systems, IEE Colloquium, (IEE Digest 1990/132), pp.1/1–1/4, 1990. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT140,
   title = {Viruses and Their Impact on Future Computing Systems},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1990},
   booktitle = {Proceedings Workshop on Viruses and Their Future Impact on Computing Systems},
   pages = {1/1--1/4},
   series = {IEE Colloquium},
   number = {IEE Digest 1990/132},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
44

M. Harrison and H. Thimbleby, “The Role of Formal Methods in Human-Computer Interaction,” Formal Methods in Human Computer Interaction, pp.1–8, edited by M. Harrison and H. Thimbleby, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0–521–37202 X, 1990. Bibtex@inbook{HT137,
   title = {The Role of Formal Methods in Human-Computer Interaction},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Michael D. Harrison},
   year = {1990},
   booktitle = {Formal Methods in Human Computer Interaction},
   pages = {1--8},
   isbn = {0--521--37202 X},
   editor = {Michael D. Harrison and H. Thimbleby},
   publisher = {Cambridge University Press},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
43

H. Thimbleby, “Using Sentinels in Insert Sort,” Software — Practice & Experience, 19(3), pp.303–307, DOI: 10.1002/spe.4380190308, 1989. AbstractThe inner loop of insert sort can he simplified by using a sentinel value. We suggest a way of avoiding the extra storage normally required for the sentinel, and a way of avoiding the prior, and possibly restrictive, choice of its value. Algorithms are given in Pascal. PDF Bibtex@article{insert-spae,
   title = {Using Sentinels in Insert Sort},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1989},
   pages = {303--307},
   journal = {Software --- Practice {\&} Experience},
   volume = {19},
   doi = {10.1002/spe.4380190308},
   number = {3},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
42

H. Thimbleby, “A Literate Program for File Comparison,” Communications of the ACM, 32(6), pp.740–755, 1989. Bibtex@article{HT42,
   title = {A Literate Program for File Comparison},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1989},
   pages = {740--755},
   journal = {Communications of the ACM},
   volume = {32},
   number = {6},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
41

H. Thimbleby and I. H. Witten, “Worms and Bugs in the Church-Turing Thesis,” Canadian Artificial Intelligence, (21), pp.3–4, 1989. Bibtex@article{HT40,
   title = {Worms and Bugs in the Church-Turing Thesis},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and I. H. Witten},
   year = {1989},
   pages = {3--4},
   journal = {Canadian Artificial Intelligence},
   number = {21},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
40

H. Thimbleby and I. H. Witten, “Bugs in the Church-Turing Thesis,” Canadian Artificial Intelligence, (19), pp.17–18, 1989. Bibtex@article{HT41,
   title = {Bugs in the Church-Turing Thesis},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and I. H. Witten},
   year = {1989},
   pages = {17--18},
   journal = {Canadian Artificial Intelligence},
   number = {19},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
39

H. Thimbleby, “The Leidenfrost Phenomenon,” Physics Education, 24(5), pp.300–303, DOI: 10.1088/0031-9120/24/5/312, 1989. AbstractThe Leidenfrost Phenomena arises when a heated object becomes insulated by a vapour layer. Vapour generation may also sustain oscillation. The Leidenfrost Phenomenon is easily studied using simple apparatus and water, and beautiful oscillations may be observed. PDF Bibtex@article{HT39,
   title = {The Leidenfrost Phenomenon},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1989},
   pages = {300--303},
   journal = {Physics Education},
   volume = {24},
   doi = {10.1088/0031-9120/24/5/312},
   number = {5},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
38

H. Thimbleby, “Bugs: The Issue Facing HCI,” Proceedings British Computer Society Conference on Human Computer Interaction, HCI’89, Keynote, V, pp.105–107, edited by A. Sutcliffe and L. Macaulay, Nottingham, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0–521–38430–3, 1989. Bibtex@inproceedings{bugs-bcs,
   title = {Bugs: The Issue Facing {HCI}},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1989},
   booktitle = {Proceedings British Computer Society Conference on Human Computer Interaction, {HCI}'89},
   aftertitle = {Keynote},
   pages = {105--107},
   isbn = {0--521--38430--3},
   volume = {V},
   location = {Nottingham},
   editor = {A.~Sutcliffe and L.~Macaulay},
   publisher = {Cambridge University Press},
   enclosingSection = {Invited publications: not refereed}
}
37

H. Thimbleby, “On Formal Methods in HCI,” Proceedings Workshop on Formal Methods in HCI, IEE Colloquium, III(IEE Digest 1989/151), pp.1/–1/, 1989. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT142,
   title = {On Formal Methods in {HCI}},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1989},
   booktitle = {Proceedings Workshop on Formal Methods in {HCI}},
   pages = {1/--1/},
   volume = {III},
   series = {{IEE} Colloquium},
   number = {IEE Digest 1989/151},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
36

R. Bornat and H. Thimbleby, “The Life and Times of Ded, Display Editor,” Cognitive Ergonomics and Human Computer Interaction, pp.225–255, edited by J. B. Long and A. Whitefield, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0–521–37179–1, 1989. AbstractDed is a text display editor designed by computer scientists. The design is characterised by simplicity and adherence to user interface principles. This has led to a good design but with contentious features. This chapter highlights the conflict between principles and features, particularly in the social context in which ded was designed. PDF Bibtex@inbook{ded,
   title = {The Life and Times of {Ded}, Display Editor},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and R. Bornat},
   year = {1989},
   booktitle = {Cognitive Ergonomics and Human Computer Interaction},
   pages = {225--255},
   isbn = {0--521--37179--1},
   editor = {J. B. Long and A. Whitefield},
   publisher = {Cambridge University Press},
   cantfindthisdoi = {10.1.1.9.8070},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
35

H. Thimbleby, “Delaying Commitment,” IEEE Software, 5(3), pp.78–86, DOI: 10.1109/52.2027, 1988. AbstractDelaying commitment means keeping your options open, with inventive consequences. Algorithms and other techniques make delaying commitment an effective strategy. PDF Bibtex@article{HT43,
   title = {Delaying Commitment},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1988},
   pages = {78--86},
   journal = {IEEE Software},
   volume = {5},
   doi = {10.1109/52.2027},
   number = {3},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
34

H. Thimbleby, “Modes, WYSIWYG and The von Neumann Bottleneck,” Proceedings Workshop on Formal Methods and Human-Computer Interaction, II(IEE Digest 1988/82), 1988. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT143,
   title = {Modes, {WYSIWYG} and The von Neumann Bottleneck},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1988},
   booktitle = {Proceedings Workshop on Formal Methods and Human-Computer Interaction},
   volume = {II},
   number = {IEE Digest 1988/82},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
33

H. Thimbleby, “A Menu Selection Algorithm,” Behaviour and Information Technology, 6(1), pp.89–94, DOI: 10.1080/01449298708901819, 1987. AbstractA simple algorithm for menu selection, which enhances existing methods for small menus (e.g., fewer than 20 entries) is discussed. Algorithms are presented in Pascal. Bibtex@article{menu-bit,
   title = {A Menu Selection Algorithm},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1987},
   pages = {89--94},
   journal = {Behaviour and Information Technology},
   volume = {6},
   doi = {10.1080/01449298708901819},
   number = {1},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
32

A. J. Dix, M. Harrison, C. Runciman and H. Thimbleby, “Interaction Models and The Principled Design of Interactive Systems,” Proceedings European Software Engineering Conference, pp.127–135, edited by H. Nichols and D. S. Simpson, Springer Verlag, DOI: 10.1007/BFb0022105, 1987. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT144,
   title = {Interaction Models and The Principled Design of Interactive Systems},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and A. J. Dix and Michael D. Harrison and C. Runciman},
   year = {1987},
   booktitle = {Proceedings European Software Engineering Conference},
   pages = {127--135},
   doi = {10.1007/BFb0022105},
   editor = {H. Nichols and D. S. Simpson},
   publisher = {Springer Verlag},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
31

H. Thimbleby, “Optimising Self-Replicating Programs,” Computer Journal, 30(5), pp.475–476, DOI: 10.1093/comjnl/30.5.475, 1987. PDF Bibtex@article{optimising-cj,
   title = {Optimising Self-Replicating Programs},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1987},
   pages = {475--476},
   journal = {Computer Journal},
   volume = {30},
   doi = {10.1093/comjnl/30.5.475},
   number = {5},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
30

H. Thimbleby, “The Design of a Terminal Independent Package,” Software — Practice & Experience, 17(15), pp.351–367, DOI: 10.1002/spe.4380170505, 1987. AbstractCharacter-mapped display terminals very considerably. TIP is a Terminal Independent Package which conceals the details of efficiently handling terminal protocols from applications programs. There is a conflict between the ability to handle esoteric terminal features and providing a uniform programmer’s interface for all terminals. This paper discusses the conflicts and the design approach which resolved them. Bibtex@article{tip-spae,
   title = {The Design of a Terminal Independent Package},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1987},
   pages = {351--367},
   journal = {Software --- Practice {\&} Experience},
   volume = {17},
   doi = {10.1002/spe.4380170505},
   number = {15},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
29

H. Thimbleby, “Formal Methods and Human-Computer Interaction,” Proceedings Workshop on Formal Methods and Human-Computer Interaction, IEE Colloquium, (IEE Digest No. 1987/09), 1987. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT145,
   title = {Formal Methods and Human-Computer Interaction},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1987},
   booktitle = {Proceedings Workshop on Formal Methods and Human-Computer Interaction},
   series = {{IEE} Colloquium},
   number = {{IEE} Digest No. 1987/09},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
28

G. S. Macfarlane and H. Thimbleby, “The TIN: An Approach to Powerful and Cheap User Interfaces,” Proceedings 8th. International Conference on Computer Communication, ICCC’86, pp.238–241, edited by P. J. Kuehn, Munich, North-Holland, 1986. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT146,
   title = {The {TIN}: An Approach to Powerful and Cheap User Interfaces},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and G. S. Macfarlane},
   year = {1986},
   booktitle = {Proceedings 8th. International Conference on Computer Communication, {ICCC}'86},
   pages = {238--241},
   location = {Munich},
   editor = {P. J. Kuehn},
   publisher = {North-Holland},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
27

H. Thimbleby, “The Design of Two Innovative User Interfaces,” Proceedings British Computer Society Conference on Human Computer Interaction, HCI’86, pp.336–351, edited by M. Harrison and A. F. Monk, York, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0–521–33259–1, 1986. Bibtex@inproceedings{innovative-bcs,
   title = {The Design of Two Innovative User Interfaces},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1986},
   booktitle = {Proceedings British Computer Society Conference on Human Computer Interaction, {HCI}'86},
   pages = {336--351},
   isbn = {0--521--33259--1},
   editor = {Michael D. Harrison and A. F. Monk},
   location = {York},
   publisher = {Cambridge University Press},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
26

C. Runciman and H. Thimbleby, “Equal Opportunity Interactive Systems,” International Journal of Man-Machine Studies, 25(4), pp.439–451, DOI: 10.1016/S0020-7373(86)80070-0, 1986. AbstractOne view of interactive computer systems is that the user, having problems to solve, supplies the “givens” of these problems to the machine, which in response supplies as output the “unknowns.” Reassigning or discarding these labels “givens” and ‘unknown” is a time-honoured heuristic for problem-solving. Also, people seem to prefer interpretations without such labels for fast interactive systems, and mere speed in systems that do embody fixed distinctions between input and output often contributes little towards ease of use — it may only serve to emphasize a frustrating mechanical dumbness. We therefore apply the same heuristic to the design of interactive computer systems, noting that a number of existing successful interactive system styles can be viewed as the outcome of this approach. PDF Bibtex@article{eo-ijhcs,
   title = {Equal Opportunity Interactive Systems},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and C. Runciman},
   year = {1986},
   pages = {439--451},
   journal = {International Journal of Man-Machine Studies},
   volume = {25},
   doi = {10.1016/S0020-7373(86)80070-0},
   number = {4},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
25

H. Thimbleby, “Ease of Use — The Ultimate Deception,” Proceedings British Computer Society Conference on Human Computer Interaction, HCI’86, Keynote, pp.78–94, edited by A. F. Monk and M. D. Harrison, York, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0–521–33259–1, 1986. Bibtex@inproceedings{sam-bcs,
   title = {Ease of Use --- The Ultimate Deception},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1986},
   booktitle = {Proceedings British Computer Society Conference on Human Computer Interaction, {HCI}'86},
   aftertitle = {Keynote},
   pages = {78--94},
   isbn = {0--521--33259--1},
   editor = {M.~D.~Harrison and A.~F.~Monk},
   location = {York},
   publisher = {Cambridge University Press},
   enclosingSection = {Invited publications: not refereed}
}
24

H. Thimbleby, “Experiences with Literate Programming Using CWEB (A Variant of Knuth’s WEB),” Awarded British Computer Society Wilkes Medal, Computer Journal, 29(3), pp.201–211, DOI: 10.1093/comjnl/29.3.201, 1986. AbstractCweb is a literate programming system for the programming language C. Experience developing and using it forms the basis of this paper, the purpose of which is to:
• support Knuth’s enthusiasm for literate programming
• discuss developments in literate programming support, both within the current framework of cweb and to interactive graphics support
• discuss the implementation issues, considering cweb as part of a simple IPSE (Integrated Project Support Environment); the conclusions for IPSEs appear pessimistic. PDF Bibtex@article{cweb-cj,
   title = {Experiences with Literate Programming Using CWEB (A Variant of Knuth's WEB)},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1986},
   pages = {201--211},
   journal = {Computer Journal},
   volume = {29},
   highlight = {Awarded British Computer Society Wilkes Medal},
   doi = {10.1093/comjnl/29.3.201},
   number = {3},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
23

H. Thimbleby, “User Interface Design and Formal Methods,” Computer Bulletin, Series III, 2(3), pp.13–15 & 18, September, 1986. PDF Bibtex@article{HT44,
   title = {User Interface Design and Formal Methods},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {September, 1986},
   pages = {13--15 {\&} 18},
   journal = {Computer Bulletin, Series III},
   volume = {2},
   number = {3},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
22

H. Thimbleby, “Generative User-Engineering Principles for User Interface Design,” Proceedings First IFIP Conference on Human-Computer Interaction — Interact 1984, pp.661–666, edited by B. Shackel, London, North-Holland, ISBN 0–444–87773–8, 1985. AbstractGenerative user-engineering principles are assertions about interactive system behaviour and have equivalent colloquial forms. Current work shows that they are a promising contribution to the design of acceptable user interfaces, because they effectively bridge the conceptual gap between designer and user. In colloquial form a generative user-engineering principle can be used to help clarify requirements in participative design, or to explicate documentation. In rigorous form, generative user-engineering principles provide a constructive higher order consistency on user interfaces. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{guep2-interact,
   title = {Generative User-Engineering Principles for User Interface Design},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1985},
   booktitle = {Proceedings First {IFIP} Conference on Human-Computer Interaction --- {Interact} 1984},
   note = {(983pp)},
   pages = {661--666},
   isbn = {0--444--87773--8},
   editor = {B. Shackel},
   publisher = {North-Holland},
   location = {London},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
21

H. Thimbleby, “Failure in the Technical User Interface Design Process,” Computers and Graphics, 9(3), pp.187–193, 1985. Bibtex@article{HT45,
   title = {Failure in the Technical User Interface Design Process},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1985},
   pages = {187--193},
   journal = {Computers and Graphics},
   volume = {9},
   number = {3},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
20

M. Harrison and H. Thimbleby, “Formalising Guidelines for the Design of Interactive Systems,” Proceedings British Computer Society Conference on Human Computer Interaction, HCI’85, pp.161–171, edited by S. Cook and P. Johnson, Norwich, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0–521–32066–6, 1985. AbstractUser engineering principles may be formalised as theorems over specifications of interactive systems. In this paper we discuss some different categories of user engineering principle and expose issues that must be resolved to produce effective formalisation. Bibtex@inproceedings{formalising-bcs,
   title = {Formalising Guidelines for the Design of Interactive Systems},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby and Michael D. Harrison},
   year = {1985},
   booktitle = {Proceedings British Computer Society Conference on Human Computer Interaction, {HCI}'85},
   pages = {161--171},
   isbn = {0--521--32066--6},
   editor = {S. Cook and P. Johnson},
   location = {Norwich},
   publisher = {Cambridge University Press},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
19

H. Thimbleby, “User Interface Design: Generative User Engineering Principles,” Fundamentals of Human-Computer Interaction, pp.165–180, edited by A. F. Monk, Academic Press, ISBN 0–12–504580–8, 1984. Bibtex@inbook{HT147,
   title = {User Interface Design: Generative User Engineering Principles},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1984},
   booktitle = {Fundamentals of Human-Computer Interaction},
   pages = {165--180},
   isbn = {0--12--504580--8},
   editor = {A. F. Monk},
   publisher = {Academic Press},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
18

H. Thimbleby, “Generative User Engineering Principles,” 9th. Cranfield Conference on Mechanised Information Transfer, 1984. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT148,
   title = {Generative User Engineering Principles},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1984},
   booktitle = {9th. Cranfield Conference on Mechanised Information Transfer},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
17

H. Thimbleby, “Generative User-Engineering Principles for User Interface Design,” Proceedings First IFIP Conference on Human-Computer Interaction — Interact 1984, 2, pp.102–107, edited by B. Shackel, London, 1984. AbstractGenerative user-engineering principles are assertions about interactive system behaviour and have equivalent colloquial forms. Current work shows that they are a promising contribution to the design of acceptable user interfaces, because they effectively bridge the conceptual gap between designer and user. In colloquial form a generative user-engineering principle can be used to help clarify requirements in participative design, or to explicate documentation. In rigorous form, generative user-engineering principles provide constructive higher order consistency on user interfaces.
          Note. An updated discussion can be found in my User Interface Design (Addison-Wesley, 1990). PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{guep-interact,
   title = {Generative User-Engineering Principles for User Interface Design},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1984},
   booktitle = {Proceedings First {IFIP} Conference on Human-Computer Interaction --- {Interact} 1984},
   pages = {102--107},
   volume = {2},
   editor = {B. Shackel},
   location = {London},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
16

H. Thimbleby, ““What You See is What You Have Got” — A User-Engineering Principle for Manipulative Display?” First German ACM Conference on Software Ergonomics, Keynote, Proceedings ACM German Chapter, 14, pp.70–84, edited by H. Balzert, Nuremburg, Germany, ISBN 3–519–02433, 1983. PDF Bibtex@inproceedings{HT176,
   title = {``What You See is What You Have Got'' --- A User-Engineering Principle for Manipulative Display?},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1983},
   booktitle = {First German ACM Conference on Software Ergonomics},
   aftertitle = {Keynote},
   pages = {70--84},
   isbn = {3--519--02433},
   volume = {14},
   series = {Proceedings ACM German Chapter},
   editor = {H.~Balzert},
   location = {Nuremburg, Germany},
   enclosingSection = {Invited publications: not refereed}
}
15

H. Thimbleby, “Guidelines for ‘Manipulative’ Editing,” Behaviour and Information Technology, 2(2), pp.127–161, DOI: 10.1080/01449298308914472, 1983. Bibtex@article{edit-bit,
   title = {Guidelines for `Manipulative' Editing},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1983},
   pages = {127--161},
   journal = {Behaviour and Information Technology},
   volume = {2},
   doi = {10.1080/01449298308914472},
   number = {2},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
14

H. Thimbleby, “Designing Word Processors: Principle and Prejudice,” Information Design Journal, 3(3), pp.239–244, DOI: 10.1075/idj.3.3.08thi, 1983. Bibtex@article{HT46,
   title = {Designing Word Processors: Principle and Prejudice},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1983},
   pages = {239--244},
   journal = {Information Design Journal},
   volume = {3},
   doi = {10.1075/idj.3.3.08thi},
   number = {3},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
13

H. Thimbleby, “A Text Editing Interface: Definition and Use,” Computer Languages, 7(1), pp.25–40, 1982. AbstractA simple yet flexible method of editing text is described which is applicable to all forms of character based command processing applications. The technique greatly increases the friendliness of a text driven interface but does not interfere with most existing command conventions; it can also be generalised to form the basis of a powerful and easy to use text editor. This paper describes the details and basic philosophy of the editing interface and describes its successful use in two applications (command processor and calculator) which are not normally associated with text editing requirements. Bibtex@article{HT47,
   title = {A Text Editing Interface: Definition and Use},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1982},
   pages = {25--40},
   journal = {Computer Languages},
   volume = {7},
   number = {1},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
12

H. Thimbleby, “Interactive Systems Design: A Personal View,” Proceedings IEE Conference Man/Machine Systems, (IEE Publication 212), pp.118–122, Manchester, ISBN 9–85296264–9, 1982. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT149,
   title = {Interactive Systems Design: {A} Personal View},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1982},
   booktitle = {Proceedings {IEE} Conference Man/Machine Systems},
   pages = {118--122},
   isbn = {9--85296264--9},
   location = {Manchester},
   number = {IEE Publication 212},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
11

H. Thimbleby, “Basic User Engineering Principles for Display Editors,” Proceedings 6th. International Conference on Computer Communication, ICCC’82, pp.537–542, edited by M. B. Williams, London, North Holland, ISBN 0–444–86464–4, 1982. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT150,
   title = {Basic User Engineering Principles for Display Editors},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1982},
   booktitle = {Proceedings 6th. International Conference on Computer Communication, ICCC'82},
   pages = {537--542},
   isbn = {0--444--86464--4},
   editor = {M. B. Williams},
   location = {London},
   publisher = {North Holland},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
10

H. Thimbleby, “Character Level Ambiguity: Consequences for User Interface Design,” International Journal of Man-Machine Studies, 16, pp.211–225, 1982. Bibtex@article{ambiguity-ijhcs,
   title = {Character Level Ambiguity: Consequences for User Interface Design},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1982},
   pages = {211--225},
   journal = {International Journal of Man-Machine Studies},
   volume = {16},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
9

H. Thimbleby, “A Text Display Editor as a Terminal Driver,” Proceedings International Conference on Document Preparation Systems, pp.13–14, Lausanne, 1981. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT151,
   title = {A Text Display Editor as a Terminal Driver},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1981},
   booktitle = {Proceedings International Conference on Document Preparation Systems},
   pages = {13--14},
   location = {Lausanne},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
8

H. Thimbleby, “A Word Boundary Algorithm for Text Processing,” Computer Journal, 24(3), pp.249–255, DOI: 10.1093/comjnl/24.3.249, 1981. PDF Bibtex@article{word-cj,
   title = {A Word Boundary Algorithm for Text Processing},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1981},
   pages = {249--255},
   journal = {Computer Journal},
   volume = {24},
   doi = {10.1093/comjnl/24.3.249},
   number = {3},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
7

H. Thimbleby, “Dialogue Determination,” International Journal of Man-Machine Studies, 13(3), pp.295–304, DOI: 10.1016/S0020-7373(80)80044-7, 1980. Bibtex@article{dd-ijhcs,
   title = {Dialogue Determination},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1980},
   pages = {295--304},
   journal = {International Journal of Man-Machine Studies},
   volume = {13},
   doi = {10.1016/S0020-7373(80)80044-7},
   number = {3},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
6

H. Thimbleby, “Leave and Recall: Primitives for Procedural Programming,” Software — Practice & Experience, 10(2), pp.127–134, DOI: 10.1002/spe.4380100204, 1980. AbstractTwo primitives for structured programming are introduced. The primitives allow a generalized procedure entry and return similar to the ‘loop’ and ‘break’ statements found in many algorithmic languages for control in repetitive commands. Examples are given and the practicality of the primitives especially for interactive programming is stressed. Finally, the detailed implementation of the primitives is discussed; they may be implemented as procedures within an existing language. Bibtex@article{leave-spae,
   title = {Leave and Recall: Primitives for Procedural Programming},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1980},
   pages = {127--134},
   journal = {Software --- Practice {\&} Experience},
   volume = {10},
   doi = {10.1002/spe.4380100204},
   number = {2},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
5

H. Thimbleby, “Computers and Human Consciousness,” Computers and Education, 3(3), pp.241–243, DOI: 10.1016/0360-1315(79)90047-2, 1979. Bibtex@article{HT48,
   title = {Computers and Human Consciousness},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1979},
   pages = {241--243},
   journal = {Computers and Education},
   volume = {3},
   doi = {10.1016/0360-1315(79)90047-2},
   number = {3},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
4

H. Thimbleby, “Interactive Technology: The Role of Passivity,” Proceedings 23rd. Annual Human Factors Conference, pp.80–84, edited by C. K. Bensel, Boston, USA, 1979. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT152,
   title = {Interactive Technology: The Role of Passivity},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1979},
   booktitle = {Proceedings 23rd. Annual Human Factors Conference},
   pages = {80--84},
   editor = {C. K. Bensel},
   location = {Boston, USA},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
3

H. Thimbleby, “Dialogue Determination,” 7th. Cranfield Conference on Mechanised Information Transfer, 1979. Bibtex@inproceedings{HT153,
   title = {Dialogue Determination},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1979},
   booktitle = {7th. Cranfield Conference on Mechanised Information Transfer},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
2

H. Thimbleby, “Dreams,” Self and Society, 7(6), pp.601–608, 1979. Bibtex@article{HT49,
   title = {Dreams},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1979},
   pages = {601--608},
   journal = {Self and Society},
   volume = {7},
   number = {6},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}
1

H. Thimbleby, “A Note on Menu Selection,” Computer Bulletin, Series 2, (18), pp.20, 21 & 23, 1978. Bibtex@article{HT50,
   title = {A Note on Menu Selection},
   author = {Harold Thimbleby},
   year = {1978},
   pages = {20, 21 {\&} 23},
   journal = {Computer Bulletin, Series 2},
   number = {18},
   enclosingSection = {Publications: refereed}
}