HCI

 Nielsen Nardi Kapetlinin -- has collaborated with Nardi in projects and in writing. Their most recent book together is an exploration of HCI through the lens of Activity Theory.

[] Pozzi, S. and Bagnara, S. (2011) //Individuation and diversity: the need for idiographic HCI//

This article outlines a framework for idiographic HCI, as opposed to the usual nomothetic HCI widely in use. Nomothetic HCI refers to designing for standards and averages among groups, but idiographic HCI would look at individual users and their idiosyncracies as a useful catalyst for innovation. Pozzi and Bagnara argue that our use of technology is becoming more and more individualized as technology becomes more customizable, more flexible, more multipurpose, more ubiquitous, and more incremental. It is now possible for individuals to repurpose tools, design apps, and interact with technology in their own way, in their own contexts. Rather than seeing this a problem for designers, it should be seen as a challenge and a catalyst for innovation. Citing specific technologies like iPhones, iPods, Google, Facebook, and Amazon, the authors illustrate ways in which individuals are driving development. They propose that idiographic HCI should not be concerned with current use of technologies, but with future use, and that idiographic research can provide clues as to where subtle changes are taking place in the use of existing technologies, leading to new developments and new solutions.

[] Kukulska-Hulme, A. and Shield, L. (n.d.) //Usability and Pedagogical Design: are Language Learning Websites Special?//

This article asks whether language learning websites deserve special consideration in terms of usability. Usability has been defined as efficient, easy to learn, effective, engaging, and enjoyable, but the authors wonder whether there are "aspects of pedagogical usability that are discipline-specific" (p.1). They reveal a trend moving away from a focus on technical usability, to a focus on the user experience. For language learning websites in particular, consideration must be given to issues of intercultural usability. Choices such as 'which language to use', design aspects such as colour, font, organization, and students' desire for "good" authentic websites must be researched in more depth. The authors do not provide any solutions, but point out some questions that deserve further study.

[] Kelly, C. (2000) Guidelines for Designing a Good Web Site for ESL Students, //The Internet TESL Journal//.

Similar to Nielsen's guidelines, but with an ESL focus. Reminders to consider simplicity of language, connectivity limitations of developing regions, and other common guidelines.

[] Nalewicki, J. (2011) Bold Stroke: New Font Helps Dyslexics Read, //Scientific American//.

Not an academic article, but it is an interesting article to make you think about how your chosen font may need rethinking. This article introduces a new font called "Dyslexie", developed by a Dutch graphic designer, which he claims proved easier to read than "Arial" for dyslexic readers. You can also read the article in the new font, and see if it works for you! And with that, I think I'll change the font of this report!