Chapter 6: Emotional Interaction
6.1 Introduction
Emotions are not just "fluff"; they are critical to the user experience. This chapter covers how
design changes how we feel, and how those feelings change how we use the system.
6.2 Emotions and Behavior
● Concept: Emotional state affects cognitive processing (Norman's Model).
○ Visceral: The "gut" reaction. (Look and feel).
○ Behavioral: The usability. (Function and performance).
○ Reflective: The meaning. (Personal satisfaction, memories).
● Crucial Insight: Positive emotions make things easier to use. When users are happy,
they are more creative and tolerant of minor difficulties. When anxious (negative), they
get tunnel vision and struggle.
6.3 Expressive Interfaces: Aesthetic or Annoying?
● Concept: Using icons, sounds, animations, and "personality" to elicit positive affect.
● The Danger: What is cute the first time is annoying the 100th time.
● Vivid Example: Slack's Loading Screen. It shows quirky, random quotes. This turns a
negative moment (waiting) into a neutral or positive moment (amusement).
● Counter-Example: A website that plays loud music automatically. It aims for
"atmosphere" but elicits immediate anger.
6.4 Affective Computing and Emotional AI
● Concept: Systems that can recognize, interpret, and simulate human emotions.
● Techniques:
○ Facial Coding: Cameras analyzing micro-expressions (smiles, frowns).
○ Voice Analysis: Detecting stress or anger in pitch.
○ Galvanic Skin Response: Measuring sweat to detect arousal/stress.
● Vivid Example: Automotive Safety. A car camera detects the driver's eyelids drooping
(fatigue) and the face looking slack. The car vibrates the seat to wake them up.
6.5 Persuasive Technologies and Behavioral Change
● Concept: Interactive computing systems designed to change people's attitudes or
behaviors.
● Techniques: Nudging, social validation, monitoring.
● Vivid Example: Apple Watch "Activity Rings".
○ Nudge: "Stand up!" (Trigger).
○ Monitoring: Visualizing the rings closing (Reward).
○ Social: Sharing results with friends (Competition).
6.6 Anthropomorphism
● Concept: Attributing human qualities (names, faces, personalities) to objects.
● Pros: Can make complex systems feel approachable (e.g., Siri telling jokes).
● Cons: The Uncanny Valley. If an agent looks almost human but moves stiffly or lacks
soul, it becomes creepy and repulsive.
● Vivid Example: Clippy (Microsoft). A paperclip with eyes. It tried to be a "friend" but
interrupted work constantly. It failed because the "human" metaphor (a helpful assistant)
📖 HCI Decoder
clashed with the behavior (an annoying interruption).
● Affective Computing: A field of study focusing on the development of systems and
devices that can recognize, interpret, process, and simulate human affects (emotions).
● Uncanny Valley: The hypothesis that human replicas that appear almost, but not exactly,
like real human beings elicit feelings of eeriness and revulsion.
● Nudge: A subtle change in the "choice architecture" (interface) that alters people's
behavior in a predictable way without forbidding any options.