The usability crisis in high-tech home products: an opportunity for intelligent user interfaces?

Abstract

Ordinary people already have great difficulty using the advanced features of digitally-operated household devices, such personal video recorders, DVD burners, etc., and "white goods," such as washing machines, microwave ovens, programmable thermostats, etc. And the problem is getting worse as more customization and programming features are continually being added. This is challenging and practical application for intelligent user interface research, and one in which new ideas are badly needed. This panel brings together industrial and academic researchers as well as business people to report on their activities and stimulate others to join.