Modelling the User
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Accepted version
Embargoed until: 5555-01-01
Reason: Book Chapter
Embargoed until: 5555-01-01
Reason: Book Chapter
Publisher
Journal
Formal Methods in Human Computer Interaction
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We overview our research on the formal modelling of user behaviour, generic user modelling,, as a form of usability evaluation looking for design flaws that lead to systematic human error. This involves formalising principles of cognitively plausible behaviour. We combine a user model with a device model so that the actions of the user model are the inputs of the device, and the outputs of the device are linked to the perceptions of the user model. In doing so we gain a model of the system as a whole. Rather than modelling erroneous behaviour directly, it emerges from the interactions of the principles and the device model. The system can then be verified against properties such as task completion. This approach can be combined with other analysis methods, such as timing analysis, in a complementary way. It can also be used to make the cognitive assumptions made for a design specific and explore the consequences of different assumptions. It can similarly support human-computer interaction experimental work, giving a way to explore assumptions made in an experiment. In addition the same approach can be used to verify human-centred security properties.