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The Vocabulary Problem in Human-System Communication (1987)
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| Venue: | COMMUNICATIONS OF THE ACM |
| Citations: | 549 - 8 self |
BibTeX
@ARTICLE{Furnas87thevocabulary,
author = {G. W. Furnas and T. K. Landauer and L. M. Gomez and S. T. Dumais},
title = {The Vocabulary Problem in Human-System Communication},
journal = {COMMUNICATIONS OF THE ACM},
year = {1987},
volume = {30},
number = {11},
pages = {964--971}
}
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Abstract
In almost all computer applications, users must enter correct words for the desired objects or actions. For success without extensive training, or in first-tries for new targets, the system must recognize terms that will be chosen spontaneously. We studied spontaneous word choice for objects in five application-related domains, and found the variability to be surprisingly large. In every case two people favored the same term with probability <0.20. Simulations show how this fundamental property of language limits the success of various design methodologies for vocabulary-driven interaction. For example, the popular approach in which access is via one designer's favorite single word will result in 80-90 percent failure rates in many common situations. An optimal strategy, unlimited aliasing, is derived and shown to be capable of several-fold improvements.
Keyphrases
vocabulary problem human-system communication many common situation extensive training favorite single word correct word unlimited aliasing desired object vocabulary-driven interaction various design methodology popular approach optimal strategy new target several-fold improvement 80-90 percent failure rate spontaneous word choice application-related domain fundamental property language limit computer application
