Syndetic Modelling: Computer Science Meets Cognitive Psychology

This paper discusses an approach to combining user and system models within a common mathematical framework, to yield an integrated view of human-system interaction. Aspects of systems that affect usability can be described and reasoned about in terms of the conjoint behaviour of user and computer. The paper outlines the basic ideas behind the approach through a case study. The paper then reviews what has been achieved so far in this endeavour and concludes with a discussion of prospects and open questions.