Emotion in interactive systems: applying transactional analysis

This paper argues the need for, and the possible benefits of, taking a more subjective, emotional view of users and interactive systems. A brief résumé of the Transactional Analysis model from behavioural psychology is given. Two examples representing computer mediated interaction and direct human computer interaction are considered. An investigation is described in which the Transactional Analysis model is used to analyse interaction over an email discussion list, and between two subjects and a computer application. This analysis illustrates how the model can be applied to the study of emotion within interactive systems, and used to inform the design process. The closing discussion also comments on the nature of current interfaces and their creators