Models of interactive systems: a case study on programmable user modelling

This paper constitutes a substantial summary of work looking at the value of formal modelling in human computer interaction. It lays out evidenced claims about the value to analysts of different sorts of models expressed at differing levels of abstraction. Its originality lies in its differentiation of formal models and their value. Previous work arguing the value of formal models in HCI tends to treat ‘formal models' as a single conceptual entity. Its impact is that it directly inspired the Human Error Modelling project (EPSRC agreements GR/S67494/01 and GR/S67500/01) and has been cited by workers in the field.