The Human-Web Interaction (HuWI) Cycle

Since its inception, the World Wide Web has flourished. While advances have been made in the general area of web usability, little attention has been paid to developing theories of human-web interaction (HuWI). Accordingly, we propose a framework that unifies research on user action, perception, and knowledge while interacting with websites. In general, the this framework describes the cyclical process that users undertake as they explore the web (see image at right; enlarge image). Specifically, while users interact with a website, in order to locate certain pieces of information, they sample only goal-relevant information from the website. Users then modify their knowledge of the system based on the goal-relevant information that was acquired. This newly modified system knowledge then directs their interaction further.

The Purple Perils: A selection of James J. Gibson's unpublished essays on the psychology of perception

This volume is a collection of James J. Gibson's (1904 - 1979) "purple perils". These "purple perils" include Gibson's notes for seminars, never intended for publication. The writings reprinted here were meant to stimulate discussion among the participants of Gibson's perennial perception seminar. Often this material contained the seeds that grew into his books and articles.

By the time James Gibson had formulated his radical "ecological approach" to visual perception, he had nearly reached retirement age. The reception of a five year grant for a senior researcher allowed Gibson to reduce his teaching load in the late 1960's to the above-mentioned seminar. Gibson's seminar was held Winter, Summer, vacation or not, once a week at 4:00 PM on Thursdays, and was a hotbed of intellectual activity and excitement. In addition to the usual membership of Cornell graduate students and faculty, there were frequent visitors, often from Europe, and this gave added spice to the arguments. It was the kind of seminar that gave seminars their good name, full of interest, enthusiasm, and excitement. (Read the full introduction)