Some characteristics of the human controller of domestic heating

Abstract

Designing systems for use by the general public presents a considerable challenge. This paper outlines the nature of the normal human controller. Little research effort has been devoted to studying the problems people face in controlling domestic heating systems, so our information has had to be drawn from related studies of the controllers of industrial and military devices. These point to the disconcerting conclusion that through their inherent nature, people are ill-equipped to manage the semi-automatic control systems which are so much in favour today. The wide range of knowledge needed to handle the ergonomic problems involved means that the designer of the next generation of equipment would benefit from professional advice on these matters.

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