User-Centered Technology presents a theoretical model for examining technology through a user perspective. Johnson begins with a historical overview of the problem of technological use from the ancient Greeks to the present day - a problem seen most clearly in historical discussions of rhetoric theory. The central portion of the book elaborates on user-centered theory by d User-Centered Technology presents a theoretical model for examining technology through a user perspective. Johnson begins with a historical overview of the problem of technological use from the ancient Greeks to the present day - a problem seen most clearly in historical discussions of rhetoric theory. The central portion of the book elaborates on user-centered theory by defining three focal issues of the theory: user knowledge, human-technology interaction, and technological determinism. Working from an interdisciplinary perspective, Johnson uses rhetoric theory to present a definition of user knowledge; human factors engineering to illuminate the ideological presuppositions built into technology design; and history, philosophy, and sociology to explain technological determinism, possibly the greatest impediment to user-centered technology development in modern times. The latter part of the book applies user-centered theory in two contexts: the nonacademic sphere, where the writing and design of computer user documentation is discussed, and the academic sphere, through a discussion of how user-centered concepts might drive university technical communication and composition curricula.
User-Centered Technology: A Rhetorical Theory for Computers and Other Mundane Artifacts
User-Centered Technology presents a theoretical model for examining technology through a user perspective. Johnson begins with a historical overview of the problem of technological use from the ancient Greeks to the present day - a problem seen most clearly in historical discussions of rhetoric theory. The central portion of the book elaborates on user-centered theory by d User-Centered Technology presents a theoretical model for examining technology through a user perspective. Johnson begins with a historical overview of the problem of technological use from the ancient Greeks to the present day - a problem seen most clearly in historical discussions of rhetoric theory. The central portion of the book elaborates on user-centered theory by defining three focal issues of the theory: user knowledge, human-technology interaction, and technological determinism. Working from an interdisciplinary perspective, Johnson uses rhetoric theory to present a definition of user knowledge; human factors engineering to illuminate the ideological presuppositions built into technology design; and history, philosophy, and sociology to explain technological determinism, possibly the greatest impediment to user-centered technology development in modern times. The latter part of the book applies user-centered theory in two contexts: the nonacademic sphere, where the writing and design of computer user documentation is discussed, and the academic sphere, through a discussion of how user-centered concepts might drive university technical communication and composition curricula.
Compare
30 review for User-Centered Technology: A Rhetorical Theory for Computers and Other Mundane Artifacts
Related products
The Seashell Anthology of Great Poetry
One Hundred Love Poems: Philippine Love Poetry Since 1905
Not Afraid to be Real: A Poetry Collection
The Eternal Dance: Love Poetry and Prose
Breathing: Chaos and Poetry
Inner Excavation: Exploring Your Self Through Photography, Poetry and Mixed Media
This Planet is Doomed: The Science Fiction Poetry
Chris Friend –
This is a frustratingly difficult text. Johnson spends too much time telling what he’s going to talk about and inflating the effectiveness of his argument when he’s through, rather than just saying what was on his mind. Johnson’s point here was to discuss the field and his ideas in general terms, to not fill a book with examples. He did that admirably: I swear there were only two clear case-studies that occupied a grand total of four pages. After reading the entire book, I have but a vague sense This is a frustratingly difficult text. Johnson spends too much time telling what he’s going to talk about and inflating the effectiveness of his argument when he’s through, rather than just saying what was on his mind. Johnson’s point here was to discuss the field and his ideas in general terms, to not fill a book with examples. He did that admirably: I swear there were only two clear case-studies that occupied a grand total of four pages. After reading the entire book, I have but a vague sense of what he would believe qualifies as “user-centered” technology, especially because he takes direct issue with Norman’s ideas of user-centered design, quoting and refuting concepts from Norman’s text that I felt was far more approachable, accessible, illustrative, and helpful. In short, the overarching thought I’m left with after reading this book is that Johnson believes he did a terrific job of clearly identifying his objectives, thoroughly elaborating on his ideology, and graciously revisiting key points after each discussion. Pity I don’t agree. I’ve spend the last hundred or so pages looking for him to make a point, only to be told by him that he’d already done so. --- Update three years later: I find that I refer to Johnson's ideas more than I would have imagined after my initial frustrations waned. I only cite a small amount of his text, but I do find it useful. Was my initial criticism too harsh? Yes. I did not have a good experience with the text my first time through. Do the points stand? I think so, yes. This text, while effective and influential, could have been more succinctly written and better supported. Granted, I say the same of my own writing. I've adjusted my rating from one star to three.
Lance –
Johnson's book is a cornerstone for re-imagining the relationships between users, developers, and the texts/spaces they create. Unfortunately, the field of technical communication is often seen as an arhetorical field that functions on the premise of a conduit. For technical documents to work, the writer merely has to get the information down with clarity. Johnson is making the argument that technical writers need to take into account the ecologies of use and consider users as situated, knowledg Johnson's book is a cornerstone for re-imagining the relationships between users, developers, and the texts/spaces they create. Unfortunately, the field of technical communication is often seen as an arhetorical field that functions on the premise of a conduit. For technical documents to work, the writer merely has to get the information down with clarity. Johnson is making the argument that technical writers need to take into account the ecologies of use and consider users as situated, knowledge producers. Though not a recent book in technological terms, the argument is still surprisingly relevant, especially as Web 2.0 and social software re-imagine user relationships to the web (even if we don't).
Karla Kitalong –
I'm reading this again, in Sept. 2011, probably for the 4th time. I'm reading this again, in Sept. 2011, probably for the 4th time.
Lucy Price –
John –
MAM –
Nick –
Jamie –
carolyn rhea drapes –
Michael –
Bea –
Shannon –
Rae Spencer –
Chris –
Kate –
Adam –
Emily January –
Emily Simmons –
Kathy Golding –
ThatCarlyGirl –
Ryan Flynn –
Meg Davis –
Neha –
Elizabeth –
Donna Kain –
Michael –
Shonell Bacon –
Monty –
Liza –
Greg Bryan –