Abstract
This paper describes a research framework for exploring human factors issues arising when a user learns and uses multiple applications. A model of the training/learning process is extended to include five factors that might affect the user's mental models of multiple applications. The factors are access to common data objects, concurrent use, simultaneous training, relative actual use, and interface consistency across applications. Each factor is operationalized and shown to be independent of the others. User interface consistency across applications is particularly complex, and since interface consistency is a design decision made explicitly because of assumed effects on the mental models of users, it is discussed in more detail. Propositions about the effects of the five factors are offered, including interface consistency interactions. Initial studies with intriguing results are described.
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