G.Cooper
Centre for Research into Innovation, Culture and Technology, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3PH, UK
Synopsis
'The User' occupies a place of foundational significance within the discourse of Human Computer Interaction (HCI). In this paper I present a conceptualization of the user as a social construct, drawing upon a non-cognitive approach towards the analysis of discourse. This is contrasted with existing approaches in the field of HCI on theoretical and methodological grounds. By way of illustration, some transcribed extracts from one interaction are analysed, concentrating on the talk that takes place around the computer. Finally I address the question of the possible implications of the approach in general, and of the analysis in patricular, for computer science and HCI. It is argued that, in practice, distinctions between novice and expert, and between technical means and desired ends, can be seen as interpretatively flevible and subject to manipulation by participants.
Key Words
Cognitive, context, discourse, social technical, user