Lesson 01: Topic Goals

Have you ever considered the importance of the design of an interface? The study and application of human computer interaction (HCI) and human factors is very important and can actually save lives. For example, interfaces that allow nurses to type in the digits of a drug dose are much more dangerous than the interfaces that force the nurse to dial the dose in using a wheel for each digit. When typing, a repeated digit can increase the dosage of medication by a factor of ten and can result in severe complications or even death to the patient. This mistake is not possible with the other dial-based interface.*

In 1989 in the Kegworth airplane disaster, forty-seven people lost their lives due to poor HCI and human factors work. This crash of a Boeing 737 was, in part, caused by poor cockpit and instrument design.*

The study and application of HCI and human factors can also save money. One example is the New York telephone company (Nynex) case. In the early 1990's Nynex considered upgrading their system. They believed that the new graphical user workstations could improve productivity. Just to be safe, they had an analysis done before implementing the system. The analysis found that the new system would in fact be four percent slower. That seems like a small amount, but the four percent loss in productivity was going to cost Nynex $2.4 million a year! Understanding the user is key to these issues.*

*Ritter, F. E., Churchhill, E., & Gilmore, D. (2003, Spring). Introduction to the user: the ABCs of user interface design. Unpublished manuscript.

After reading this topic, you should be able to:

• Describe the basic principles of human factors and the importance of ergonomics and anthropometrics.
• Discuss the role and importance of human factors and human computer interaction.
• Describe some basic principles of user centered interface design.
• Outline some elements of usability testing and systems evaluation.