Lab+9

= LAB 9 =

Members: Dionne Castillo, Darija Aksin


 * Question #1: Write two paragraphs on the historical background of Activity Theory and why it was developed. **


 * Answer #1: **

Activity Theory is a conceptual framework that was developed in the 1920s by psychologist Aleksei Leontiev. It considers an entire work/activity system beyond just one actor or user. It accounts for environment, history of the person, culture, role of the artifact, motivations, and complexity of real life activity. One of the strengths of Activity Theory is that it bridges the gap between the individual subject and the social reality—it studies both through the mediating activity. The "law of development" describes the principle in which an individual masters cognitive functions that are originally introduced as functions shared between the individual and others. Another principle called "unity and inseparability of consciousness and activity suggests that human experience and activity closely affect one another, ultimately interrelated.

The problem back then with Activity Theory was the inconsistency and failure to connect an individual's mind and its relation to culture and society. Past research shows that the society and culture could shape the context in which the mind exists, however there is no direct impact on the human mind. So, although Activity Theory may not be able to PREDICT human activity, it can certainly act as an outline to help understand individual processes and practices.


 * Question #2: Write two paragraphs describing how activity theory has added to our understanding of Human Computer Interaction. **


 * Answer #2: **

Over the years, Activity Theory has managed to make a mark in the world of Human Computer Interaction because of its alternative theory that focused on a more socio-cultural approach.

Activity Theory is helpful because it betters the aspect of Human Computer Interaction Design that needs more investigation into the context of motivation of user behavior. Instead of focusing on individual activities at hand, Activity Theory looks at the "big picture" by addressing the contexts in order to understand it in a deeper and more understanding way. Also, Activity Theory reveals the need for a better framework that would allow the field to move from the "first wave HCI" to the "second wave HCI." The theory application could lead to many new systems of activity based HCI design.


 * Question #3: List and define five terms that are central to activity theory. **


 * Answer #3: **

Subject: The person or group performing the activity/task that is at hand, the focus of an activity being worked on

Object: The end point, product, or goal in a given task

Community: People who create a group based on their shared knowledge, interests, activities, etc... (a common ground for knowledge)

Rules: Externally, socially, culturally formulated conventions that over time influence and shape the way in which the subject acts in a given task

Tools: Objects an individual (subject) can use to complete task at hand (activity)