Abstract
A method-mix for intercultural user interface design (IUID) is explained and exemplified by application examples based on a hybrid approach covering cultural contexts in human-computer interaction (HCI) design using a model of culturally influenced HCI. Cultural influence on HCI is described using cultural variables for user interface design. Assumptions and empirical results regarding the influence of culture on HCI, considering the path of the information processing and the interaction style between Chinese and German users are explained based on cultural models. Subsequent indicators represent the relationship between culture and HCI (culturally imprinted by the user). Correlations adopted theoretically between cultural dimensions and variables for HCI design were investigated. These correlations represent relevant constituents of a model for culturally influenced HCI. Considerations applying this model and evidence for the proper application of the IUID method-mix are presented elucidating why and how cultural aspects play a role in HCI design and usability/UX engineering. The IUID method-mix serves to inspire HCI engineers in the requirement analysis phase as well as HCI designers in the design phase. The readers are thereby sensitized to the challenges of intercultural usability/UX engineering and intercultural HCI design and will be equipped with methodological knowledge relevant to the derivation of design recommendations for user interface design for and in their desired cultural contexts. Finally, implications for practitioners are shown, including HCI style scores and practical design recommendations, to prognosticate the effort and the expenditures for considering the cultural context in IUID.
Highlights
Introduction and Related WorkIntercultural user interface design (IUID) is a prerequisite for improving the intercultural usability of software, which in turn is a prerequisite for global sales opportunities [1]
Based on the method of the culture-oriented human-computer interaction (HCI) design (MCD, see [2]), cultural differences are identified based on cultural dimensions and cultural variables are derived for the project
Even if the investigation and consideration of hidden cultural variables for intercultural HCI design, which relates to culturally shaped interaction and dialogue design based on empirical research, are still ongoing, applying the IUID method-mix is a sensible approach towards systematic intercultural user interface design (IUID) using an explanatory model for culturally influenced HCI
Summary
Introduction and Related WorkIntercultural user interface design (IUID) is a prerequisite for improving the intercultural usability of software, which in turn is a prerequisite for global sales opportunities [1]. Two of the first books regarding internationalization of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) are “Designing User Interfaces for International Use” by [4] and “International User Interfaces” by [5] Another very good introduction to the study of cross-cultural of HCI is [6], which reviewed the research methodology, the technology transfer and the diffusion of innovation to shed light on the cross-cultural study of human-computer interaction. Even if since 2000 and especially since 2010, the research and literature accounting for cultural contexts in human-computer interaction (HCI) design have quickly grown, there are few studies bridging the gap between researching models and methods for IUID in order to have practical value for user interface (UI) designers right there where culture in HCI is often still considered a matter of internationalization or localization [19]. There are some cornerstones in developing systematic IUID approaches: For example, [18] suggested a theory for usability testing in
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