Pioneers: Stu Card

Summary

In this insightful conversation, software engineer Devin interviews Stewart Card, a pioneer in human-computer interaction and interfaces at Xerox PARC. Card discusses his foundational work on the mouse, windows interface, and the development of theories like Fitts' law, which transformed HCI. He emphasizes the importance of practical theories, the role of analogy in innovation, and the challenges of translating research into commercial products. The discussion highlights Card's approach to solving real-world problems through inventive solutions and the evolution of technology, guided by user needs and interface enhancements.

Takeaways

• 💡 Stewart Card's career at Xerox PARC was pivotal in creating the graphical user interface that we use today, emphasizing the importance of inventing the future rather than just predicting it.
• 🔍 Card and his team applied scientific methods to human-computer interaction, aiming to create practical models similar to those in physics or chemistry to advance the field.
• 🖱️ The development of the mouse is highlighted as a significant project at Xerox PARC, where it was found to be the fastest pointing device according to the empirical model that Card helped develop.
• 📉 Fitz's law, a model for predicting the time it takes to move a mouse to a target, was a key theory that allowed for device evaluation, new invention, and the formation of a scientific discipline.
• 🛠️ Card discusses the importance of creating theories that are practical and can be applied in real-world scenarios, which can lead to more efficient and effective designs.
• 🔑 The concept of 'theories of the purpose' is introduced by Card, which are practical theories that can be quickly used in the field rather than through time-consuming experiments.
• ⏱️ Card's work on the psychology of human-computer interaction, including the development of 'goms' (goals, operators, methods, and selection rules), helped predict and improve user interaction with systems.
• 🔗 The use of analogy played a significant role in Card's work, connecting theories and concepts from different fields such as operating systems and biology to human-computer interaction.
• 📚 The influence of Moore's law on the evolution of computation and its impact on Card's research is noted, with the降价 of technology enabling new forms of computation and innovation.
• 🛑 Card reflects on the 'innovator's dilemma' faced by companies like Xerox, where the focus on incremental improvements and maintaining growth can lead to missing out on disruptive innovations.
• 📈 Looking forward, Card suggests that communication and low-power systems will be key areas for technological advancement, as the exponential growth of computational power begins to slow.

Q & A

Who is Stewart Card and what is his primary area of work?

Stewart Card is a researcher who spent most of his career at Xerox PARC, a place known for inventing the windowed type of interface we use today. His work primarily revolves around human-computer interaction and interfaces.

What was the significance of the mouse in the early days of Xerox PARC?

The mouse was significant because it was found to be the fastest pointing device when tested by Xerox PARC researchers. It was part of the office of the future project, and its efficiency was validated through theoretical modeling and practical testing.

Can you explain Fitz's Law mentioned by Stewart Card?

Fitts's Law is a predictive model in human-computer interaction that describes the time it takes to move a mouse to a target. It is proportional to the logarithm of the size of the target over the width of the mouse. This law helps in evaluating, analyzing, and characterizing the performance of input devices.

How did Stewart Card's work on human-computer interaction contribute to the development of new devices?

Stewart Card's work allowed for the invention of new devices by using theoretical models to understand and predict device performance. For example, by running Fitz's Law in reverse, it was possible to conceptualize a new device that could outperform the mouse, leading to the invention of devices like the chord keyboard.

What is the concept of 'theories of the purpose' that Stewart Card is famous for?

The concept of 'theories of the purpose' refers to the development of practical theories that can be applied in an engineering context, much like blue-collar work. These theories are designed to be used quickly in the field, allowing for the evaluation and design of interfaces without the need for time-consuming experiments.

How did Stewart Card's work on GOMS (Goals, Operators, Methods, and Selection rules) contribute to HCI?

GOMS is a notation that allows for the prediction of how long a task will take to perform. It was used in the design of interfaces and helped in understanding the differences between novices and experts. This method enabled the calculation of expert performance data before a system was even designed.

What is the cognitive band in the context of Card's work on human-computer interaction?

The cognitive band refers to the range of time, specifically around 100 milliseconds, that is crucial for perception and content. If two percepts exist together in less than 100 milliseconds, they will be fused into the same percept. This understanding helps in designing interfaces that align with human cognitive processes.

Can you describe the role of analogy in Stewart Card's work?

Analogy played a significant role in Card's work by linking theories and abstractions from different fields to human-computer interaction. For example, concepts from operating systems and biology were used to develop new theories and solutions in HCI, such as information foraging theory.

What challenges did Xerox face in translating innovative ideas into commercial products?

Xerox faced challenges due to the 'innovator's dilemma,' where the company's focus on incremental improvements to existing businesses conflicted with the need to invest in disruptive, new businesses. This led to a reluctance to pursue innovative ideas that didn't align with their established growth strategy.

How did Moore's Law impact the evolution of Card's research over time?

Moore's Law, which predicts the doubling of transistors on a microchip, allowed for continuous advancements in Card's research. As computational power increased and costs decreased, it enabled the exploration of more complex problems and the development of new forms of computation.

What are some of the future directions for human-computer interaction research as Moore's Law slows down?

With Moore's Law slowing down, the focus is shifting towards communication and low-power systems, as well as improving user interface design. There is an opportunity to build on the existing knowledge of books and documents, creating virtual versions that are easier and faster to use.