Where Theory Meets UX

The field of UX

• Usability professionals focus on user-centered designs

Usability

User-Interface (UI)

Lessons from Steve Krug

• Make sure things work well
• "Don't make me think" (low-level difficulty)
• Some tech should explain itself (web apps) 
• No non-sense navigation (search, home)
• Keep users engaged

Usability Testing

HekLer et al (2013) - HCI Theories

• Theory is used to inform design
• Theory is used to guide evaluation
• Theory is used to target end-users

Behavior Theory spectrum

Theories in HCI - PITFALLS

• Ignoring broader context
• Being selective about theoretical constructs
• False interpretations from poorly designed intervention

Are Models of Health Behavior Sufficient

Behavior Change Theories

Riley et al (2011)

• 7 out of 12 smoking interventions with theoretical basis 
• Modest outcomes, poor adherence, short follow-up
• Similar results from mobile tech interventions - disease management
• Few attempts to evaluate theoretical constructs, hypotheses
• Smoking&weight loss > disease management (in terms of theory)