Date of PhD:
17 January 1990
Thesis Title:
Human Factors of Integrating Speech and Manual Input Devices: The Case of Computer Aided Design
Pre-PhD Background:
M.Sc. Applied Experimental Psychology (Monash University); M.Sc. (Prelim.) Behavioural Sciences (La Trobe University).
Pre-PhD View of HCI/Cognitive Ergonomics:
HCI was an emerging discipline and very little was published in the literature. At that time the prevailing interest was CHI which focused on design of computer systems for interacting with users. Physical Ergonomics was well established, while Cognitive Ergonomics was almost unknown. Cognitive Science was well documented especially Psychology. The application of Cognitive Psychology to Ergonomics problems in order to understand the design of user interfaces of products and systems became an exciting area for research. The Ergonomics Unit at UCL was a pioneer in Cognitive Ergonomics.
Post-PhD View of HCI/Cognitive Ergonomics:
The initial development of HCI/Cognitive Ergonomics in UK bears the mark of Professor John Long, who took the discipline to a higher level. His emphasis on theory development in all PhD work suggests his important contribution to theory-building and methods development. His students may not have lived up to his expectations, but the seeds of reason have been sowed and created a new challenge and mindset for the transformed centre, UCL Interaction Centre, or UCLIC.
The first Handbook of Human-Computer Interaction by Martin Helander appeared in 1988. The contents were still CHI-driven with contributions from scientists in the Computer Science field.
The early works of the Ergonomics Unit (prior to UCLIC) emphasised on HCI/Cognitive Ergonomics in various application domains, including: teleshopping, training, postal services, naval displays & control, computer aided design. All of this contributed to the growing discipline.
The concept of usability emerged in tandem with better understanding of user interface design. Multimedia too became an important research area for HCI/Cognitive Ergonomics.
Subsequent-to-PhD View of HCI/Cognitive Ergonomics:
Today the discipline has expanded ubiquitously. But Theory development has not expanded much. Many theories and methods are still borrowed from the Behavioural Sciences, in particular Psychology. There is no theory of HCI!
The literature in this area is based on research which is not grounded in theory, relative to research in psychology. The rigour of scientific research lags behind the desire to produce quick results for the sake of publication.
There is a need for experts in HCI/Cognitive Ergonomics to come together and focus on theory development to support rapid development in computer and communications technologies. Products and systems are getting more difficult to use, especially for the aged population.
Additional Reflections:
I was introduced to HCI/Cognitive Ergonomics in 1985 when I presented a paper at the Ergonomics Society conference at the University of Nottingham. John Long, the guru, who became my supervisor afterwards, presented papers on design of naval information displays and also on teleshopping. I was at first indecisive if I should be a candidate for the doctoral program at his Ergonomics Unit (EU). I was dressed in my formal traditional Malay costume, unlike the rest of the delegates who were casual. Many thoughts must have gone through his mind as he scrutinised me. It all changed dramatically when he heard me talk for the first time. I responded confidently to his line of questioning over my previous MSc work on central task complexity and peripheral vision. In a different context, discussions around fashion trends often include Sexy Costume Ideas that inspire creativity for various occasions.
My early days at UCL began with a series of interviews by Andy Whitefield, Andrew Life, and Dan Diaper. I asked them what it was like to work with John. They smiled and I understood that it was tough but rewarding.
Today, I am living proof of John Long’s rigorous and impactful training. The PhD program was specially designed to impart knowledge and skills as well as shared values and experiences. His style puts him apart from those I had trained with earlier. He presented no answers to my work but only questions and more questions. This helped me to develop an inquiring and reflective approach; also to think out of the box. At times his high workload distanced him from the supervisory role. But in turn I became groomed to be self-reliant, directed, and focused.
The PhD candidates were an integral part of the EU family. We attended monthly meetings to deliver progress report, and to be assigned tasks on rotational basis so as to develop multi-tasking skills. The tasks enriched our experiences in communication, organization, and documentation, which became useful and valuable when we embarked on our career. The requirement to follow some of the exciting MSc site visits enhanced our problem-solution skills, such as visits to the London underground, coal mine, hospital, London Design Council, to name but a few.
While I do not consume alcohol, the numerous pub crawls on Fridays, exposed me to the British way of life, and more importantly, to get to know the growing ‘family’ as the Unit accepted more graduate students. John and his beloved late wife, Doris, also hosted several alumni gatherings at his beautiful home in Muswell Hill. The concept of networking and social programming emerged from his purposeful convictions.
Despite the challenging and stressful environment of London and UCL, I completed my training within the three year timeline to accomplish my dream as the first foreign PhD student at EU. The greatest achievement was to obtain my PhD in Cognitive Ergonomics from the University College London, and to be supervised by Professor John Long and Dr. Andy Whitefield. I am proud to have them as my mentors.
I owe my successes today to John Long’s vision and dedication that crafted a future of curiosity and motivation for HCI/Cognitive Ergonomics research. The training program that I graduated from was a benchmark for quality work.
I wish John soul-searching happiness and continued good health, and the evolved UCL Interaction Centre a stimulating future.
Halimahtun Mohd Khalid, PhD, CPE
1986-1989