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Flexible User Support with the Adaptive Bar
- Matjaz Debevc, Dali Donlagic, Rajko Svecko, Janko Spasovski, 
   and Beth Meyer,

presented by D. Jones

Introduction
- People work differently and have different needs
- Kuhme's classification of adaptive interfaces
- Goal:  Decrease stress and improve concentration

Possible realistic combinations
- Self Adaptation
- User-Controlled Self-Adaptation
- User-Initiated Self-Adaptation
- Computer-Aided Adaptation
- System-Initiated Adaptation
- Adaptation

Goals
- Easy, efficient, effective use
- Easier work with complex systems
- Presentation of what the user wants to see
- Faster use
- Simplified use
- Consideration of user’s increasing experience

Example:  Microsoft Word for Windows
- Toolbar contains icons for most common commands
- Improvement:  the adaptive bar

Features of the Adaptive Bar
- Automatic addition and removal of icons
- Automatic icon resizing based on frequency of use
- Storing of present icon arrangement

Metrics for Priority Calculation
- Common or absolute portion of command use
- Short-term portion of command use
- Counter of successive command use

Improvements for Next Version
- Identification of user needs and a user model
- Allowance for increasing user expertise
- Discreet adaptation suggestions
- Factor in previous reactions to suggestions 

Representation of Icon Priority
- Icons should not change position
- Indication through varying one or more icon attributes
- Icon height selected

Conclusion
- User evaluation showed positive results
- Effectiveness of the design should be further measured through
   performance testing
- Extensions for time-critical and dangerous situations

Discussion
- This interface enhancement addresses issues with toolbar content
   and icon size, but neglects problems with recognition of toolbar
   icon functions.  How could this problem be alleviated?
- Will the function of the adaptive bar be clear to novice users, or
   will it merely add to the frustration of learning?
- Should different (adaptive) toolbars be presented to the user with
   varying subtasks of the program (i.e. tables, drawing, etc.)?
- What alternative signals could be used to indicate an adaptation is
   possible to reduce or eliminate intrusiveness?