Human Interfaces for “Smart” Machines

Abstract

Microprocessor-based products pose human interface problems which are somewhat different from those encountered with either conventional equipment, or general-purpose computers. Some of the differences which lead to special problems are: (1) Special purpose interface hardware can usually be justified on the basis of production volume; (2) General purpose interface components can be easily accommodated, and shared among several display and control functions; (3) Controls, displays and functions can be (and usually are) linked through software rather than hardware, allowing interactive logic to be implemented at little cost. These capabilities expand the range of design choices beyond those covered by classical human engineering guides. Methods and data are needed to help the designer select effective interface hardware and procedures.

This paper describes a preliminary conceptual scheme for the design of “smart” interfaces. Several experiments concerned with specific interface features are discussed and related to the conceptual scheme.