Multitasking and Interruptions: A SIG on bridging the gap between research on the micro and macro worlds

SIG Meeting

May 9, 2012 @ 11:30, Room: 11B

Multitasking and Interruptions: A SIG on bridging the gap between research on the micro and macro worlds - SIG Meeting
Sandy Gould - University College London, UK
Duncan P Brumby - University College London, UK
Anna L Cox - University College London, UK
Victor Gonzalez - Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México, Mexico
Dario Salvucci - Drexel University, USA
Niels Taatgen - University of Groningen, Netherlands
Contribution & Benefit: Research in interruptions/multitasking has considered the micro-world of perception and cognition; and the macro-world of organisations, systems and long-term planning. Can the two kinds of research be considered together?
Abstract » Within the CHI community there has been sustained interest in interruptions and multitasking behaviour. Research in the area falls into two broad categories: the micro world of perception and cognition; and the macro world of organisations, systems and long-term planning. Although both kinds of research have generated insights into behaviour, the data generated by the two kinds of research have been effectively incommensurable. Designing safer and more efficient interactions in interrupted and multitasking environments requires that researchers in the area attempt to bridge the gap between these worlds. This SIG aims to stimulate discussion of the tools and methods we need as a community in order to further our understanding of interruptions and multitasking.