The end user in computer architecture and systems research

The ultimate goal of a computer design is to satisfy the end user. However, the design and optimization of computer architectures have largely left the user out of the loop. In this dissertation, I make the case that with modern computer architectures it is becoming increasingly important to take the end user into account. I then propose three specific aspects of the end user that should be explored when incorporating the end user into loop; (1) user perception, (2) user state, and (3) user activity. First, I show that that computer architects should study the end user’s perception of performance relative to actual hardware performance. User studies show that for satisfaction across different users. This variation represents opportunity for optimizing computer architectures subject to individual user satisfaction. Second, I make the case for measuring user state via empathic input devices, input devices providing a computer with information about user state. I demonstrate that three example empathic input devices (eye tracking, a galvanic skin response sensor, and force sensors) can be useful for understanding changes in user satisfaction for driving power optimizations. Third, I show that computer architects should begin studying the activity of the end user as an important part of the workload. I study real user activity on Android G1 mobile phones and to show that it can be important in characterizing power consumption, and developing new power optimizations. Overall, this work points towards a new approach to computer architecture and systems research that incorporates the end user into the loop. The findings show that if we place the end user into the design and optimization process, we can significantly improve the effciency of current computer architectures and systems, while maintaining or even improving individual user satisfaction at the same time.