Building high performance interactive computer systems requires the understanding of the cognitive processes by which users interact with such systems. Unfortunately, capturing and interpreting this information is very difficult. Current user protocol collection strategies are either obtrusive or capture data at too low a level (e.g. individual key strokes). Previous work has shown that a formal cognitive grammar can be a powerful tool in capturing and analyzing users' interaction. Parsing a low level interaction protocol with this grammar can reveal the user's higher level cognitive strategies. Unfortunately, such cognitive grammars are complex and very difficult to develop. The goal of this research is to develop a set of tools an procedures for creating cognitive grammars. The research has three components. The first, is to build a computerized environment for developing cognitive grammars. Second, is to include in that environment facilities to capture and analyze user protocols. And finally the implications of this work in the study of human-computer interaction will be examined.
