From Brows to Trust

From Brows to Trust
Author: Zsófia Ruttkay
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 365
Release: 2006-02-19
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 1402027303

Embodied conversational agents (ECAs) are autonomous software entities with human-like appearance and communication skills. These agents can take on a number of different roles, for example, as an assistant, tutor, information provider, or customer service agent. They may also simply represent or entertain a user. The precise nature and benefits of different characteristics of ECAs requires careful investigation. Questions range from the function of an eyebrow raise to mechanisms for assessing and improving ECA trustworthiness. This book will help experts and designers in the specification and development of applications incorporating ECAs. Part 1 provides guidelines for evaluation methodologies and the identification of design and evaluation parameters. Part 2 demonstrates the importance of considering the user's perspective and interaction experience. Part 3 addresses issues in fine-tuning design parameters of ECAs and verifying the perceived effect. Finally, in Part 4 lessons learned from a number of application case studies are presented. The book is intended for both ECA researchers in academia and industry, and developers and designers interested in applying the technology.

Multimodal Usability

Multimodal Usability
Author: Niels Ole Bernsen
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 435
Release: 2009-10-03
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 1848825536

This preface tells the story of how Multimodal Usability responds to a special challenge. Chapter 1 describes the goals and structure of this book. The idea of describing how to make multimodal computer systems usable arose in the European Network of Excellence SIMILAR – “Taskforce for cre- ing human-machine interfaces SIMILAR to human-human communication”, 2003– 2007, www. similar. cc. SIMILAR brought together people from multimodal signal processing and usability with the aim of creating enabling technologies for new kinds of multimodal systems and demonstrating results in research prototypes. Most of our colleagues in the network were, in fact, busy extracting features and guring out how to demonstrate progress in working interactive systems, while claiming not to have too much of a notion of usability in system development and evaluation. It was proposed that the authors support the usability of the many multimodal pro- types underway by researching and presenting a methodology for building usable multimodal systems. We accepted the challenge, rst and foremost, no doubt, because the formidable team spirit in SIMILAR could make people accept outrageous things. Second, h- ing worked for nearly two decades on making multimodal systems usable, we were curious – curious at the opportunity to try to understand what happens to traditional usability work, that is, work in human–computer interaction centred around tra- tional graphical user interfaces (GUIs), when systems become as multimodal and as advanced in other ways as those we build in research today.

Multimodality in Practice

Multimodality in Practice
Author: Sigrid Norris
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 258
Release: 2012-05-22
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 1136622314

In this wide-ranging collection, leading scholars, researchers, and emergent researchers from around the world come together and present examples of multimodal discourse analysis in practice. The book illustrates new theoretical, methodological and empirical research into new technologies such as the internet, software, CD-ROM, video, and older technologies such as film, newspapers, brands or billboards. Each chapter demonstrates how aspects of multimodal theory and method can be used to conduct research into these and other multimodal texts. Taken together, the book advances the field of multimodal discourse analysis and offers a range of current studies that address some of the most important questions facing researchers and students when investigating new or old technologies multimodally in linguistics, education, communication studies, sociology, anthropology and other fields.

Handbook of Conversation Design for Instructional Applications

Handbook of Conversation Design for Instructional Applications
Author: Luppicini, Rocci
Publisher: IGI Global
Total Pages: 508
Release: 2008-01-31
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1599045990

Given the rapid growth of computer-mediated communication, there is an ever-broadening range of social interactions. With conversation as the bedrock on which social interactions are built, there is growing recognition of the important role conversation has in instruction, particularly in the design and development of technologically advanced educational environments. The Handbook of Conversation Design for Instructional Applications presents key perspectives on the evolving area of conversation design, bringing together a multidisciplinary body of work focused on the study of conversation and conversation design practices to inform instructional applications. Offering multimodal instructional designers and developers authoritative content on the cutting-edge issues and challenges in conversation design, this book is a must-have for reference library collections worldwide.

Minimalism

Minimalism
Author: Hartmut Obendorf
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 343
Release: 2009-06-12
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 1848823711

The notion of Minimalism is proposed as a theoretical tool supporting a more differentiated understanding of reduction and thus forms a standpoint that allows definition of aspects of simplicity. Possible uses of the notion of minimalism in the field of human–computer interaction design are examined both from a theoretical and empirical viewpoint, giving a range of results. Minimalism defines a radical and potentially useful perspective for design analysis. The empirical examples show that it has also proven to be a useful tool for generating and modifying concrete design techniques. Divided into four parts this book traces the development of minimalism, defines the four types of minimalism in interaction design, looks at how to apply it and finishes with some conclusions.

Pen and Plow

Pen and Plow
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 1146
Release: 1876
Genre: Agricultural literature
ISBN:

The Fort at River's Bend

The Fort at River's Bend
Author: Jack Whyte
Publisher: Macmillan
Total Pages: 354
Release: 1999
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 031286597X

The Fort at Rivers Bend is the first part of The Sorcerer, the 5th novel in the Camulod Chronicles.

In Todd We Trust

In Todd We Trust
Author: Louise Galveston
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 257
Release: 2015-03-17
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 1101610972

Out of the dirt on Todd’s smelly sock came a race of miniature people who worship Todd as a god. Now, the tiny Toddlians need everyone's prayers! The Toddlians have always believed in the omnipotence of their god, twelve-year-old Todd Butroche. After all, Todd is their creator and they would not exist if it were not for him and his benevolent grossness. But when the Toddlians are confronted with a vile “red thing” (a moldy apple) and its mysterious and horrifying inhabitant (a worm!), they begin to believe Todd has forgotten all about them. There’s only one solution to the Toddlians’ problems: to find a new god! And so they decide to build a raft à la Noah’s ark in order to search for a more thoughtful deity. But who can the Toddlians turn to in their time of despair? And does Todd really not remember the miniature race generated by the dirt on his smelly sock? It will take more than divine intervention to save the Toddlians and mend their relationship with their neglectful creator.

Skinformation

Skinformation
Author: Terri Vinson
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 384
Release: 2020-11-05
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 0730385132

Become an empowered skincare consumer and uncover your best skin SkInformation is a must-have handbook for the skin-savvy woman who wants to cut through the hype and choose the best for her skin. Cosmetics companies will tell you anything to convince you to buy their latest skincare lines. Millions of women fall for these marketing campaigns designed to look like science – potentially to the detriment of their skin (not to mention bank accounts!). Cosmetic chemist and educator Terri Vinson exposes the misinformation and ‘white noise’ about miracle products and ingredients, debunks current skin ‘mythology’ and empowers you to make your own smart skin choices. If you have an interest in skin health and want to understand the science behind the cosmetics you purchase, this book will take you to the next level of understanding and make you a truly informed consumer. SkInformation is written in an easy to digest manner so you don't need to be a science graduate to understand it.From sunscreen and mineral formulas to skin-friendly nutrition and lifestyle tips, SkInformation covers everything you need to know about your skin. You’ll also find special sections on the skin issues that matter most to you. Terri Vinson covers acne, skin aging, enlarged pores and many other concerns, teaching you the scientific explanations of these phenomena and explaining which skincare products really work – and why they work. Use this new knowledge to amp up your skincare regime and cut out the products that don’t serve you. Familiarise yourself with the basic science of skin, including how essential skincare products work Become an empowered reader of labels to avoid harmful ingredients and marketing hype Improve your skin and guard against aging with diet and lifestyle tips from a cosmetic chemist Discover the skincare routine that will work best for your unique skin challenges For ladies (and gents) who love to learn, this book goes beyond the average beauty and skincare advice guide, diving into skin conditions and concerns in a way that anyone can appreciate and enjoy!