Evaluation of anthropomorphic user interface feedback in an email client context and affordances

Murano, P; Malik, A; Holt, PO

Abstract

This paper describes an experiment and its results concerning research that has been going on for a number
of years in the area of anthropomorphic user interface feedback. The main aims of the research have been to
examine the effectiveness and user satisfaction of anthropomorphic feedback. The results are of use to all
user interface designers. Currently the work in the area of anthropomorphic feedback does not have any
global conclusions concerning its effectiveness and user satisfaction capabilities. This research is
investigating finding a way for reaching some global conclusions concerning this type of feedback. This
experiment, concerned the context of downloading, installing and configuring an email client which is part
of the domain of software for systems usage. Anthropomorphic feedback was compared against an
equivalent non-anthropomorphic feedback. The results indicated the anthropomorphic feedback to be more
effective and preferred by users. It was also the aim to examine the types of feedback in relation to
Affordances. The results obtained can be explained in terms of the Theory of Affordances.

Citation

Murano, P., Malik, A., & Holt, P. (2009, May). Evaluation of anthropomorphic user interface feedback in an email client context and affordances. Presented at 11th International Conference on Enterprise Information Systems, Milan, Italy

• Presentation Conference Type: Other
• Conference Name: 11th International Conference on Enterprise Information Systems
• Conference Location: Milan, Italy
• Start Date: May 6, 2009
• End Date: May 10, 2009
• Publication Date: May 1, 2009
• Deposit Date: Dec 24, 2009
• Keywords: Anthropomorphism, User interface feedback, Evaluation, Affordances
• Related Public URLs: http://www.iceis.org/iceis2009/
• Additional Information: Event Type : Conference