Learning by Doing

Learning by doing is a pedagogical and interface design principle in which skills are acquired through the process of performing tasks rather than through separate, explicit instruction. In human-computer interaction, interfaces designed around this principle enable users to build the knowledge and motor skills required for expert-level use as a natural byproduct of using the system for real work. Kurtenbach and Buxton (1994) articulated this as design principles of Revelation (the interface reveals what functions are available), Guidance (the interface guides users through the actions needed to execute a command), and Rehearsal (guidance provides physical rehearsal of expert-level input). For accessibility, this principle is relevant to assistive technology design: AT interfaces that build user expertise through natural task engagement reduce the burden of separate training and support adoption by users who lack time, support, or motivation for formal instruction.