Error recovery in human-computer interaction: a preliminary study in a database learning environment

ABSTRACT

Most studies on errors in human-computer interactions (HCI errors) focused on how to improve system to reduce errors. Because HCI errors are inevitable, studies taking users' perspective on how users recover from errors are equally important to enhance system's error tolerances or help users deal with errors easier. This paper reported on preliminary results of a study on database learning. As a part of a larger project, this study identifies the nature of HCI errors in interactions and analyzes error episodes, recovery trials, and recovery actions using the ACCESS database. Further, it suggests systematic studies to examine how users recovered from different types of errors.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES
      H.1.2 User/Machine Systems
          Subjects: Human factors

General Terms:
Human Factors

Keywords:
error classification, error recovery, human-computer interaction