In current computer applications, the standard undo model typically allows users to reverse the most recent action. However, this model can be restrictive and does not always align with users' intuitive expectations. Prior research indicates that users often expect undo operations to behave differently depending on their mental models of interaction, which may not be fully captured by the conventional linear undo model. To address this gap, we propose a novel "Context Sensitive Selective Undo Model," which aims to improve the match between users' expectations and the actual behavior of undo functionality.
The Context Sensitive Selective Undo Model allows users to highlight specific portions of a document before performing an undo operation, limiting the undo action to only the selected region. In this model, users can interact with a context-sensitive undo menu that automatically adjusts the undo operation based on the highlighted content. For example, if a user highlights a portion of the text and presses Ctrl+Z, the system will only undo the change in the highlighted region, leaving the rest of the document intact.
Acknowledgements: I would like to thank the Department of Undergraduate Research and Department of Computer Science which provided us with necessary funds that made this research possible and the students at Union College who helped in the creation of the video for the study.