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Problem: Taking notes on paper leads to several problems -- most notably the fact that multiple notebooks are needed to organize notes from multiple subjects. For many computer users, typing is actually faster than writing by hand, so typing notes may prevent a user from falling behind the lecturer, especially if the user wants to take notes on things that are said and not written. Users of text editing software have also complained about formatting text for notes, especially outline formats with bullet points, and integrating source code into text notes (in programming classes) while formatting the code nicely.
Why is the task being done? Taking notes on paper leads to several problems -- most notably the fact that multiple notebooks are needed to organize notes from multiple subjects. For many computer users, typing is actually faster than writing by hand, so typing notes may prevent a user from falling behind the lecturer, especially if the user wants to take notes on things that are said and not written. Users of text editing software have also complained about formatting text for notes, especially outline formats with bullet points, and integrating source code into text notes (in programming classes) while formatting the code nicely.
What does the user need to know of have before doing the task? The user will need to spend some time becoming familiar with the features of the note taking application. While the basic text editor will be familiar with anyone who has used a text editor before, getting used to some of the application's more advanced features will take some time.
Where is the task performed? The user will perform the note-taking task while in class. As the lecturer is talking and writing on the blackboard, the user will be entering and formatting text.
What is the environment like? Students who are taking notes in class are typically rushed and trying to write down a lot of information without much time for processing it. This environment can be stressful, but hopefully some stress can be eliminated if the user can type notes more quickly than he or she would write them by hand, allowing more time for thinking about the material.
How often is the task performed? A typical college student will probably have 8-10 hours of lecture a week, and he or she will likely be taking notes during all of this time. The task is performed almost daily for usually an hour or more.
What are its time or resource constraints?
how is the task learned
what can go wrong
who else is involved in the task
Inserting/Drawing diagrams
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