In interactive multiobjective optimization systems, the classification of objective functions is a convenient way to direct the solution process in order to search for new, more satisfactory, solutions in the set of Pareto optimal solutions. Classification means that the decision maker assigns the objective functions into classes depending on what kind of changes in their values (in relation to the current values) are desirable.Here we study the role of user interfaces in implementing classification in multiobjective optimization software and how classification should be realized. In this way, we want to pay attention to the usability of multiobjective optimization software. Typically, this topic has not been of interest in the multiobjective optimization literature. However, usability aspect is important because in interactive classification-based multiobjective optimization methods, the classification is the core of the solution process. We can say that the more convenient the classification is, the more efficient the system or the method is and the better it supports the work of the decision maker.We report experiments with two classification options, graphic and symbolic ones, which are used in connection with an interactive multiobjective optimization system WWW-NIMBUS. The ideas and conclusions given are applicable for other interactive classification-based method, as well.
User psychology aims at understanding human-machine interaction from a psychological point of view. Its ultimate goal is to provide knowledge about human psychological properties for interaction designers. In this article, we are particularly interested in applying the theoretical concepts of mental contents (i.e., the information contents of users' mental representations), in studying interaction with professional software. The immediate motivation for adopting such an approach arises from problems met in designing interaction processes in multiobjective optimi�ation software. These types of software are meant to support complex thought and decision-making processes and this is why interaction design has to meet a number of theoretical problems, which do seldom arise in simpler interaction types. In four experiments, we investigated the types of knowledge required when developing ones' capability of working with such a thought tool. We observed that in interaction design it is essential to take into account domain, professional and software specific mental content structures.Keywords: content-based psychological research�� domain expertise�� interactive problem content-based psychological research�� domain expertise�� interactive problem solving�� interface design�� special purpose software�� user-centered design�� Web-based applications
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