Mikael Wahlström

What does it mean to be good at using a mobile device? An investigation of three levels of experience and skill

An increasing number of computer users lack formal training in operating their devices. These daily users cannot be described as novices or experts within the predominant view of expertise. In order to describe and better understand this type of self-taught intermediate level of skill, 10 casual users of a high-end smartphone series were compared to 10 novices and 4 professionals (help desk personnel) in their learning histories, task performance, and cognitive outcomes. Our study suggests that this type of self-taught intermediate level of skill is device-specific. Experienced users (casual users and experts) exhibited superior performance for representative tasks. This is mainly attributable to faster navigation and better knowledge of interface terminology, not to deeper conceptual representation of the problems. Interviews suggest that this skill is the consequence of routine use and three recurring learning events: familiarization, following of media, and ad hoc problem-solving situations. We conclude by discussing why intermediate levels of skill deserve more attention in HCI research.

Hidden roles of the train driver: A challenge for metro automation

Abstract In the year 2014, the Helsinki Metro is planned to be fully automated. This automation means that the metro trains will be computer-driven and monitored remotely from a stationary control room. To investigate the challenges related to this scenario, we decided to study the ways in which the current train drivers contribute to the metro system. We conducted three separate but interrelated studies, which were based on the Core-Task Analysis method. Our results suggest that there is much more to driving the metro train than meets the eye. The drivers do not only operate the train on track and its doors at stations, but they also contribute to a variety of other important, albeit more hidden, functions in the metro system. For example, the drivers anticipate, observe, interpret, and react to events in the surrounding environment. Furthermore, they are a significant interaction link between different actors of the metro system. Our conclusion is that if the identified critical roles of the drivers are not accounted for, a migration to a fully automated metro system can affect the quality of service and raise safety issues. In addition to automated metros, the results of this research can be applicable to automation implementations also in other domains.

A Developmental Perspective to Studying Objects in Robotic Surgery

Drawing on interventionist activity theoretical approaches, this paper describes a method of self-confrontation as a way in which to study objects in technology-mediated practices. In addition to research interests, the aim of examining the objects is to develop the capacity of professionals and organizations to work and learn better in complex technology-mediated work. The method was applied in robotic surgery, in which instruments are tele-operated by a surgeon. The robot offers better, collective visualization of the area under surgical operation than previous techniques. In particular, the paper shows how objects were revealed and new objects emerged during the intervention. We suggest that activity theoretical developmental interventions such as self-confrontations may help understand the complexity and evolution of objects, and thus contribute to studies of technology and organizations.

Radical Innovation by Theoretical Abstraction – A Challenge for The User-centred Designer

Abstract It is generally accepted that scientific disciplines such as psychology, sociology, and anthropology contribute beneficially to design by providing understanding of users’ needs, experiences, and desires. Arguably, however, these disciplines have more to contribute, because they include theories and models that can be applied as design frames and principles. More specifically, goal-setting, visualization, thematization, and conceptual reconfiguration are general mechanisms through which theories translate into design contributions. Actualizing radical design solutions via these mechanisms is discussed: theories provide appropriate means of abstraction, which allows ‘distance’ from user data; departure from the existing design and user paradigms toward ‘what has not yet been imagined’ is thereby possible. These suggestions draw from and are exemplified by a ship bridge design case.

How to study public imagination of autonomous systems: the case of the Helsinki automated metro

Means of transportation are changing through advances in automation. One issue to be considered in this development is public opinion regarding these systems, yet existing studies of automated transportation do not provide theoretical or methodological means for exploring public imagination, even though this would be relevant in exploring public acceptance of future technologies. Applied for studying public views on a future automated metro system, a method was devised that includes quantitative and qualitative analysis of media and questionnaire data (n = 913). Although supportive arguments dominated media discussion, people’s attitudes were negative. The two most prominent models of media influence, repetition and cultural resonance, could not fully explain the results; therefore, public imagination, which reflected daily experiences and science fiction, was explored with reference to social representations literature. It is suggested in general that public imagination, along with media discourses and societal settings that contribute to explanations, should be considered in the design and study of automated systems. It is also discussed that the social representations approach could be beneficial for media frame studies by providing explications as to why certain frames might have or lack cultural resonance.

Envisioning robotic surgery: Surgeons' needs and views on interacting with future technologies and interfaces

The development of technology in robotic surgery is typically presented from a technical perspective. This study considers the user perspective as an input to the development of technology by exploring potential solutions within and beyond the field of robotic surgery.

Organizational Self-Determination and New Digital Self-Study Applications as Means for Developing Nuclear Power Plant Operation Training

New learning is required from nuclear power plant operators: subtle changes to work emerge as new changes to safety improvements are introduced. This study reports challenges, trade-offs and potential solutions related to career long learning in NPP operation. A NPP operating organization was studied with two focus groups sessions (N = 9). The focus group session outline was generated based on individual (N = 2) and group interviews (N = 6) along with existing published studies and concepts of learning theory. The identified challenges reflect limited resources and limited self-determination of a specific functional group as part of bigger organization.

Mediated Community from an Intergroup Perspective: A Literature Review

The ways people organize themselves as communities shift along with the digitalization of social interaction. We review studies on mediated community to analyze which aspects of social interaction are considered to characterize community today. We elaborate on their scientific positioning, or as termed by Doise [14], levels of explanation from the intra-individual to the societal level. Noticing that viewing mediated community as an intergroup phenomenon has been marginal, we propose a research agenda that addresses mediated community explicitly from an intergroup perspective. To extend knowledge of how communities are formed and maintained in digitalized, networked settings, we encourage future research to better integrate this perspective, by focusing on (1) the ways in which outgroups contribute to a sense of community (2) the interaction that occurs on the borders of communities, and (3) the ways in which intergroup relations delineate the symbolic construction of communities.