PREDICTIVE INTERFACES: WHAT WILL THEY THINK OF NEXT?

Abstract

This chapter explores the application of predictive techniques to the human-computer interface. If a machine could predict what actions a computer user was about to take, it could perform them automatically, thereby reducing the amount of manual input required. This has proven to be particularly helpful for people with physical disabilities. The present chapter introduces predictive interfaces, discusses their general attributes, and provides examples of several quite different systems. The systems differ substantially from each other in their task domain, intended users, algorithm for generating predictions, and user interface.