Towards Human Activity-Based Interactive Communication Systems’ Design in Higher Learning Institutions: Study Conducted in Tanzania Higher Learning Institutions

Abstract

The power of human computer interaction in interactive systems’ design processes is unimaginable as it determines their usability. However, these design processes encounter several challenges which make most of the designed interactive systems, notably in higher learning institutions fail to suitably satisfy targeted users’ needs despite the fact that they are normally designed based on their requirements.
 This study begins by exploring the challenges facing main communication and interaction means used in Tanzania higher learning institutions. The study then provides a review of challenges related to key research areas associated with interactive systems’ design. Based on the reviewed challenges, authors combined design science research with activity theory to come up with suited techniques through which user-involved interactive communication frameworks needed for suitable design of human activity-based interactive communication systems’ can be obtained.
 Based on that approach, authors came up with a suited four phase Design Science Research methodology to be used in designing of applicable frameworks. In its first phase and following a crucial user-centred design process, authors were able to come up with a Human-Activity Design Centred Framework for capturing most of the users’ needs in the design process through activities performed as well as a Human Factors’ Approach to interactive communication systems design in HLIs’.