Human-Computer Dialogue

Firstly, the uses of the term dialogue are discussed as well as the difference between semantics and pragmatics. The concepts of dialogue style, structure and content are explained, and various dialogue styles are discussed. Following this, some of the dialogue design guidelines are considered and the question of whether HCI can be called a dialogue is raised. To elaborate this question further, the similarities and the differences between human dialogue and HCI are then examined. Leading on from this discussion, the desirable qualities of future human-computer dialogue are suggested. Finally, the reasons why we need to consider the user’s knowledge of the task and system are explained.