Five interruption types, rendered three ways: a person cutting in (a
different voice), a sound event (synthesized effect), or the user correcting
themselves (no second voice). Each is a full side sequence, and the task
constraints survive the break.
Barge-in (a person cuts in)
Pick up laptop and turn on lamp
interrupter: “Hey, have you seen my keys?” answer: “Oh, no, I haven't.” → resume: “Anyway, where was I?”
Examine a laptop by the light of a tall lamp.
interrupter: “Did you finish that book?” answer: “Not yet, still working on it.” → resume: “Now, back to what I was saying.”
Examine a laptop using the light of a floor lamp.
interrupter: “Is dinner ready?” answer: “It'll be ready soon.” → resume: “Let's continue with the task.”
Examine a computer by the light from a lamp.
interrupter: “Can you help me with this?” answer: “Sure, in a minute.” → resume: “So, as I was saying.”
Turn on the light while holding a laptop.
interrupter: “What's the weather like?” answer: “It's sunny out.” → resume: “Let's get back to what I was doing.”
Carry a laptop while turning on a lamp
interrupter: “Do you want to join us later?” answer: “I'll let you know.” → resume: “Now, where was I?”
Examine a notebook computer by the light of a lamp
interrupter: “Are you busy right now?” answer: “A little bit, yes.” → resume: “Resuming my task.”
Examine the laptop under the light of the lamp
interrupter: “Can I borrow your pen?” answer: “Of course, here you go.” → resume: “Picking up where I left off.”
Side question (someone asks something off-topic)
Put a heated apple in the fridge.
interrupter: “Do you want coffee?” answer: “Yes, please.” → resume: “Getting back to the task at hand.”
Put a heated apple next to the lettuce on the middle shelf in the refrigerator.
interrupter: “Can I ask you something?” answer: “Sure, what's up?” → resume: “Returning to my task.”
cook the apple in the microwave, put the apple in the refrigerator
interrupter: “How do you spell that?” answer: “It's B-R-O-W-N.” → resume: “Continuing on.”
Cook apple and place in fridge.
interrupter: “What's your favorite movie?” answer: “I love that one too.” → resume: “Now, back to work.”
Place a heated apple in a fridge.
interrupter: “What time is it?” answer: “It's half past two.” → resume: “Picking up where I was.”