Software for Use: A Practical Guide to the Models and Methods of Usage-Centered Design

6 Interface Architecture: Interface Contents and Navigation

Workplaces

Work takes place in context. People carry out different tasks in different places, within suitable contexts in which are assembled or can readily be gathered the tools and materials needed to complete a given task. Tools comprise those things that people manipulate to perform operations on materials, which are the objects of and results of work [Volpert, 1991]. We go to the garage to change the oil in the car and to the kitchen to make a good curry for dinner. To change the oil, we get out the right wrenches, a drip pan, cans of oil, and a new oil filter. For the curry, we get out a skillet and a saucepan, measuring spoons, and a favorite knife. We gather some onions, dried ...