Interaction Design: Beyond Human-Computer Interaction, 2nd Edition

5

Affective aspects

• 5.1 Introduction
• 5.2 What are affective aspects?
• 5.3 Expressive interfaces and positive emotions
• 5.4 Frustrating interfaces and negative emotions
• 5.5 Persuasive technologies
• 5.6 Anthropomorphism in interaction design
• 5.7 Interface agents, virtual pets, and interactive toys
• 5.8 Models of affective aspects

5.1 Introduction

An overarching goal of interaction design is to develop interactive systems that elicit positive responses from users, such as feeling at ease, being comfortable, and enjoying the experience of using them—be it a washing machine or a flight deck. Designers are also concerned with how to create interactive products that elicit specific kinds of emotional responses in users, such as motivating them to learn, play, be creative, or be social. There has also been much interest in designing websites and Internet applications that people can trust, that make them feel comfortable about divulging personal information or when making a purchase.

Taken together, we refer to this emerging area as the affective aspects of interaction design. In this chapter we look at how and why the design of interactive products causes certain kinds of emotional responses in users. We begin by looking in general at expressive interfaces, examining the role of an interface's appearance to users and how it affects usability. We then examine how interactive products elicit positive effects, e.g. pleasure, and negative responses, e.g. frustration. How technologies are ...