Different aspects of human-machine interaction are discussed in the five brief papers that comprise this report. The first paper, "Some Observations on Mental Models," discusses the role of a person's mental model in the interaction with systems. The second paper, "A Psychologist Views Human Processing: Human Errors and Other…

The current emphasis on energy conservation in buildings must be balanced by a careful consideration of how proposed approaches affect building occupants. A headlong rush toward building designs that conserve energy at the expense of the quality of buildings as judged by occupants would be a very shortsighted approach. There must be a continual…

An attempt is made to provide a comprehensive guide to design of the dialogues between man and computer that take place at computer terminals. Particular topics include problems with conventional alphanumeric dialogues, dialogues with sound and graphics, pyschological characteristics of computer terminal users, problems of designing dialogues for…

Focusing on online library catalogs as examples of human relationships as they are involved in process of technological innovations, this paper discusses introduction of innovation using a process model based on public policy research (theory) and experiences of Northwestern University with its online catalog (application). Five references are…

Examines the typewriter keyboard--the major method of information entry for the computer--and describes efforts to rearrange keyboards to improve speed and ease of use. The Montgomery wipe-activated keyboard, based on the frequency of word use, is pictured and explained. (10662 Los Vaqueros Circle, Los Alamitos, CA 90720) (JJD)

Redesign of human-computer interface for users of computerized information systems can make substantial difference in training time, performance speed, error rates, and user satisfaction. Information and computer scientists are using controlled psychologically oriented experimentation, and evaluations during system development and active use to…

The model presented identifies three basic needs which must be met in order to increase our understanding of the user interface in computerized information systems: empirical studies of users' attitudes; systematic summaries and critical analyses of these studies; and an interim set of guidelines for user interface design. (EJS)

This report is a collection of 11 recent papers by the Human-Machine Interaction Group at the University of California, San Diego. The following papers are included: (1) "Stages and Levels in Human-Machine Interaction," Donald A. Norman; (2) "The Nature of Expertise in UNIX," Stephen W. Draper; (3) "Users in the Real…

Leading the teaching profession toward the best possible instructional programs for children and youth will be difficult because our concepts of teaching must change fundamentally. The intensity of the school must be enormously increased in light of other more potent factors determining what a child learns and becomes. In the current era…

The report is concerned with research performance and results at the Savoy Aviation Research Lab. Research accomplishments are described according to eight tasks which are of two general types, those dealing with human resources research and those dealing with manned systems research. Specifically, four tasks deal primarily with pilot selection…

A minimal class of cybernetic models needed in making the transition from a description of control systems to a description of social systems is discussed. Several applications are considered in connection with studies of learning and creativity in individuals and small groups. Possible extrapolations of these to social systems are suggested.…

Discusses health hazards associated with use of visual display terminals (VDTs) and provides guidelines for safe use of VDTs in the following areas: radiation, design of work stations, design of VDTs, illumination, glare, work/rest periods, visual testings, ion depletion. An 11-item annotated bibliography of recommended readings and bibliographies…

This digest highlights several psychological dimensions of user-computer interfaces. First, the psychological theory behind interface design and the field of human-computer interaction (HCI) are discussed. Two psychological models, the information processing model of cognition and the mental model--both of which contribute to interface design--are…

These 19 papers review current research and development work related to the operation of the instructor's station of training systems, with emphasis on developing functional station specifications applicable to a variety of simulation-based training situations. Topics include (1) instructional features; (2) instructor/operator station research and…

This paper provides an overview of the information currently available on the prospects of electronic work at home. The first major section examines the technological environment that makes electronic home work possible. Central and dispersed computer facilities, internal and external means of communication, work stations, software, and security…