Pattern recognition in HCI: a viable approach?

Abstract

Over recent years there has been a steadily increasing interest in the use of pattern recognition techniques (in particular neural networks) in human-computer interaction This has focused largely on applications such as speech and gesture recognition where the problems are quite well understood but has also considered less traditional domains such task analysis, user modelling and information retrieval. In 1991 we held a workshop at CHI entitled "Neural Networks and Pattern Recognition in CHI" [1] where the aim was to consider the range of possible applications for these techniques within HCI. It was a success, leading to the publication of a book on subject [2] which has sold well internationally and is still in demand, but three years on pattern recognition seems no nearer to being accepted within the mainstream of HCI, remaining largely associated with speech and gesture.