Training towards mastery: overcoming the active user paradox

ABSTRACT

Few users ever attain mastery with an application. Mastery, the state of knowing how to work efficiently with an application requires an understanding of the underlying conceptual model of the system. The active user paradox is one of the main inhibitors of mastery. In this study, we present HotKeyCoach, a training method designed to insert into the flow of the activity learning events that provide contextually relevant training and help the user to circumvent the active user paradox in the pursuit of application mastery.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)

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

General Terms:
Design, Experimentation, Human Factors

Keywords:
active user paradox, activity theory, design, mastery, skill acquisition, training