Dave J. Hobbs’s research while affiliated with University of Bradford and other places

The purpose of this article is to present an application of fuzzy logic to human reasoning about electronic commerce (e-commerce) transactions. This article uncovers some of the hidden relationships between critical factors such as security, familiarity, design, and competitiveness. We analyze the effect of these factors on human decision process and how they affect the Business-to-Consumer (B2C) outcome when they are used collectively. This research provides a toolset for B2C vendors to access and evaluate a user’s transaction decision process and also an assisted reasoning tool for the online user.

The purpose of this article is to present an application of fuzzy logic to human reasoning about electronic commerce (e-commerce) transactions. This article uncovers some of the hidden relationships between critical factors such as security, familiarity, design, and competitiveness. We analyze the effect of these factors on human decision process and how they affect the Business-to-Consumer (B2C) outcome when they are used collectively. This research provides a toolset for B2C vendors to access and evaluate a user’s transaction decision process and also an assisted reasoning tool for the online user.

The purpose of this article is to present an application of fuzzy logic to human reasoning about electronic commerce (e-commerce) transactions. This article uncovers some of the hidden relationships between critical factors such as security, familiarity, design, and competitiveness. We analyze the effect of these factors on human decision process and how they affect the Business- to-Consumer (B2C) outcome when they are used collectively. This research provides a toolset for B2C vendors to access and evaluate a user’s transaction decision process and also an assisted reasoning tool for the online user.

The purpose of this article is to present an application of fuzzy logic to human reasoning about electronic commerce (e-commerce) transactions. This article uncovers some of the hidden relationships between critical factors such as security, familiarity, design, and competitiveness. We analyze the effect of these factors on human decision process and how they affect the Business-to-Consumer (B2C) outcome when they are used collectively. This research provides a toolset for B2C vendors to access and evaluate a user’s transaction decision process and also an assisted reasoning tool for the online user.

The purpose of this paper is to present an application of fuzzy logic to human reasoning about electronic commerce (e-commerce) transactions. This paper uncovers some of the hidden relationships between critical factors such as security, familiarity, design, and competitiveness. We analyze the effect of these factors on human decision process and how they affect the Business-to-Consumer (B2C) outcome when they are used collectively. This research provides a toolset for B2C vendors to access and evaluate a user's transaction decision process, and also an assisted reasoning tool for the online user.

Results of a field study of an open-access collaborative virtual environment in actual use suggested that awareness of others significantly increases the level of presence experienced by participants. Given the importance of copresence, this paper argues that, in the absence of other human collaborators in a collaborative virtual environment, copresence can potentially be simulated using agent technology. A controlled experiment deploying a prototype embodied conversational agent was conducted to investigate the potential of such agents to simulate copresence. This paper briefly introduces the concepts of presence and copresence, summarizes experiences drawn from the field study, reports on the controlled experiment, and discusses its results. Results suggest that even limited copresence as provided by the current prototype agent is sufficient to help users feel presence in the environment.

Instant Messaging has become an effective way for many to chat with friends and colleagues. The Messaging tool typically shows a picture of each interlocutor, supports text chat and allows exchange of emoticons, small emotional representations of one's feelings. This paper investigates how different ways of visualising such emotions can affect the user's experience. In particular, two versions of an Instant Messaging tool were evaluated: one that relied solely on emoticons for emotional expression, and one that also featured an animated 3D character representation of the interlocutor, capable of displaying facial expressions. In a between-groups experiment (N=32) conducted in pairs, the animated character was found to increase involvement in the debate. Further, empathy was identified as a key component for creating a more enjoyable experience, which does however not necessarily imply a better performance. Directions for future research are suggested.

As collaborative computer systems are evolving, the use of spatial, three-dimensional interfaces for multiplayer games, groupware systems, and multi-user chat systems, for example, is increasing rapidly. This paper provides a theoretical underpinning for understanding the relevance of user embodiments and copresence within such three-dimensional collaborative computer interfaces. Firstly, the issue of embodiment is traced back through its origins in philosophy and psychology literature, and theories are identified, potentially helpful in understanding key issues concerning user embodiments in collaborative virtual environments. A hybrid avatar/agent model to achieve permanent user embodiments in such environments is discussed. Since copresence of other users within such environments has been shown to be an important factor for the experience of presence, a prototype embodied conversational agent has been designed to simulate copresence. A series of controlled experiments involving the prototype agent is discussed, highlighting the effects of simulated copresence on users’ experience of presence. Results suggest that, despite its shortcomings, the prototype agent does seem to have increased participants’ experience of presence. Evidence was found that even limited copresence as provided by the current prototype agent is sufficient to help users feel presence in the environment. The results seem to confirm that copresence simulated by agents can complement avatar technology and therefore that a hybrid avatar/agent model can potentially achieve permanent virtual presence of all participants.

This paper presents a study that focuses on the initial trust that is developed even before the occurrence of the first transaction between a consumer and an online company. The study reveals how initial trust is formed without any previous experience by interacting with the Web site interface. This study analyzes how important it is for the Web site to have a trusted interface to keep the customer interested in their business. The study tests the premise that "consumer initial trust is positively related to a trust inducing user interface" and investigates what other features are important in assessing whether or not purchase.