[comp.cog-eng] Can you predict what functions will be used in a system

thom@dewey.soe.berkeley.edu (Thom Gillespie) (10/12/90)

Does anyone knoew of any research which predicts on the basis of a model what
functions will be used by a user after they have reached a certain level of
user skill. For example, can it be predicted what a wordperfect user will
advance to after learning how to do basic word processing tasks? Does everyone
or most people follow a certain pattern of development?

I'm not really thing in terms of word processing, I'm thinking in terms of
large databases, such as DIALOG, BRS, and MELVYL. Obviously no one is going
anywhere if they depend upon the system because these systems are not very good
at leading users to new tools. But I wondered if users continue to develop in a
particular fashion or if they just sit in a rut and call pro searchers.

Any suggestions much appreciated.

--Thom Gillespie