Please note: This PhD defence will take place in DC 3317 and online.
Nikhita Joshi, PhD candidate
David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science
Supervisor: Professor Daniel Vogel
Constraints are fundamental to human-centred design. Although by definition, constraints “limit” or “restrict” the capability of software, when designed correctly, they can have enabling characteristics as well. I sought to understand how user interface constraints can positively affect user outcomes, in ways that go beyond traditional goals of error-proofing. Drawing from different theories in psychology, this thesis presents four projects that study different types of user interface constraints while reading and writing.
First, in a passive reading context, I evaluate the effects of two commonly-used document navigation techniques on reading comprehension. Second, in an active reading context, I propose limiting the number of words that can be highlighted in document reader software to improve reading comprehension scores. Third, when writing with large language models, I propose requiring users to write longer prompts so they feel more psychological ownership towards the generated output, and design interaction techniques to nudge users to write longer prompts. Finally, when prompting large language models to learn more about documents, I propose integrating prompting capabilities into the commenting feature of document reader software to spatially anchor prompts and responses to document text, and design new commenting techniques that involve the large language model and the user in different ways.
Through several controlled experiments, my findings suggest that user interface constraints can often encourage positive user outcomes, like improved reading comprehension and psychological ownership, demonstrating the potential of user interfaces and interaction techniques that purposely constrain users.
To attend this PhD defence in person, please go to DC 3317. You can also attend virtually on Zoom.