The document discusses the debate between direct manipulation interfaces and intelligent agents in computing, highlighting concerns from Shneiderman about the unpredictability and lack of control that agents introduce. Shneiderman critiques the ambiguous definitions of agents and emphasizes the importance of users maintaining responsibility for outcomes. He advocates for direct manipulation approaches that provide predictable, controllable, and comprehensible interfaces, using examples of effective user interface design elements.

1. Direct Manipulation
Versus Agents: Paths
to Predictable,
Controllable, and
Comprehensible
Interfaces
By: Aryan Rathore
Head Of Aryan Dell Corporation Jaipur
Aryan Computer Organization Jaipur
Mob:- 8560089002

2. • Cautious optimism expressed, Shneiderman, a
longtime advocate of direct manipulation, is
troubled by the concept of intelligent
interfaces in general.

3. • First, such a classification limits the
imagination
• Second, the quality of predictability and
control are desirable
• Users will have a reduced sense of
responsibility for failures…
• Machines are not people

4. Shneiderman observes that agent proponents have not
come up with good definitions of what is and is not an
agent.
• Is a compiler an agent?
• How about an optimizing compiler?
• Is a database query an agent?
• Is the print monitor an agent?
• Is e-mail delivered by an agent?
• Is a VCR scheduler an agent?”

5. • His examination of the literature reveals six
major elements of the agent approach:
• Anthropomorphic presentation,
• Adaptive behavior,
• Acceptance of vague goal specification,
• Gives you what you need,
• Works while you don’t,
• and works where you aren’t

6. • The alternative to a vision of computers as
intelligent machines is that of predictable and
controllable user interfaces, based on direct
manipulation of representations of familiar
objects.

7. His examples
(tree maps and dynamic queries)
• Informative and continuous feedback,
• Meaningful control panels,
• Appropriate preference boxes,
• User-selectable toolbars,
• Rapid menu selection,
• Easy-to-create macros,
• and comprehensible shortcuts.

8. He argues, rather than vague visions of intelligent
machines, these will allow users to specify computer
actions rapidly, accurately, and confidently.