THE

INTERACTI
ON
CHAPTER 3
OVERVIEW
• Interaction models help us to understand what is going on in
the interaction between user and system. They address the
translations between what the user wants and what the
system does.

• Ergonomics looks at the physical characteristics of the

interaction and how these influence its effectiveness.

• The dialog between user and system is influenced by the style

of the interface.

• The interaction takes place within a social and organizational

context that affects both user and system.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3.3 Frameworks and HCI

3.4 Ergonomics

3.4.1 Arrangement of controls and displays

3.4.2 The physical environment of the interaction

3.4.3 Health Issues

3.4.4 The use of Color

3.4.5 Ergonomics and HCI

3.3 Frameworks and HCI
The passage discusses the importance of frameworks in
understanding human-computer interaction (HCI) and how they provide a
structure for discussing various aspects related to interactions. It
mentions a framework presented by the ACM SIGCHI Curriculum
Development Group, which helps to categorize different areas relevant to
HCI. The passage highlights the role of ergonomics in addressing user-
related issues, such as input and output, within the interaction framework.
It also discusses how dialog design and interface styles fit into the
framework, primarily focusing on the input side, but notes a bias towards
the computer's perspective in dialog design.
3.4 Ergonomics
Ergonomics, also known as human factors, focuses on the
physical aspects of interactions between humans and technology. This
includes the design of controls, the physical environment, and screen
layout, with a primary emphasis on enhancing user performance.
Ergonomics considers human psychology and system constraints to
evaluate interaction quality. While closely related to HCI, ergonomics is a
distinct field. Some key areas addressed in ergonomics include control
and display arrangement, the physical environment, health considerations,
and color usage, though this list is not exhaustive.
3.4.1 Arrangement of controls and display
Chapter 1 underscores the significance of addressing both
cognitive and physical aspects in interface design. It emphasizes the
importance of logically grouping controls and display elements for
efficient user access, particularly stressing its criticality in safety-critical
applications like plant control and air traffic management. The chapter
illustrates how poor layout can lead to frustration and inefficiency, citing
examples such as keyboard commands in electronic newsreaders. It
concludes by emphasizing the importance of appropriate layout in all
applications, regardless of their criticality.
3.4.1 Arrangement of controls and display
We have already touched on the importance of grouping controls
together logic- ally (and keeping opposing controls separate). The exact
organization that this will suggest will depend on the domain and the
application, but possible organizations include the following:

1. Functional controls and displays are organized so that those that are
functionally related are placed together;

2. Sequential controls and displays are organized to reflect the order of

their use in a typical interaction (this may be especially appropriate in
domains where a particular task sequence is enforced, such as aviation);
3.4.1 Arrangement of controls and display
3. Frequency controls and displays are organized according to how
frequently they are used, with the most commonly used controls being the
most easily accessible.

The passage emphasizes the importance of arranging the entire

system interface in relation to the user's position. It highlights the
necessity for users to reach all controls and view displays comfortably
without excessive body movement. Critical displays should be positioned
at eye level, while lighting arrangements should prevent glare and
reflection from distorting displays.
3.4.1 Arrangement of controls and display
DESIGN FOCUS
Industrial Faces
Industrial interfaces present unique design challenges compared
to office systems. While office systems primarily deal with textual
information and slow changes, industrial interfaces often require rapid
assimilation of multiple numeric displays that respond dynamically to the
environment. Additionally, environmental conditions in industrial settings
may restrict certain interaction styles, such as using a mouse in an oil-
soaked environment.
 3.4.1 Arrangement of controls and display
Glass Interfaces And Dials And Knobs

Traditional machine interfaces typically involve physical dials and

knobs directly connected to equipment. However, modern interfaces
increasingly utilize glass interfaces, which are computer screens used for
monitoring and controlling equipment. While both types of interfaces share
similar issues, glass interfaces offer unique advantages and challenges. They
can be cheaper and more flexible for complex systems, allowing information to
be presented in multiple forms and displayed on several screens
simultaneously. However, glass interfaces lack physical context cues, making
navigation through complex menu systems challenging.
3.4.1 Arrangement of controls and display
Indirect Manipulation
The concept of 'direct manipulation' is central to office system
design, where users have primary control over interface changes. However,
its appropriateness is debated. In direct manipulation systems, users interact
with a computer-generated environment, like an electronic desktop. This
model is not suitable for industrial processes due to their autonomous
nature, where user control over interface changes may not be feasible.
The industrial interface serves as an intermediary between the
operator and the real world. Unlike in office systems where users interact
directly with a computer-generated environment, industrial interfaces provide
feedback at two levels due to their indirect nature.
3.4.2 The physical environment of the interaction
Ergonomics extends beyond the layout and arrangement of machine
interfaces to encompass the design of the work environment itself.
Considerations include where and by whom the system will be used, whether
users will be sitting, standing, or moving. While the significance of these
factors may vary across different domains, they can profoundly impact user
acceptance, as well as the health and safety of users. Thus, the physical
environment should be carefully considered in all design processes.
The size of users is a crucial consideration in interface design, as it
varies significantly. Regardless of user size, the design should ensure that
even the smallest user, including those in wheelchairs, can access all
controls comfortably. Simultaneously, the environment should not be
cramped for larger users, ensuring usability for individuals of varying sizes.
3.4.2 The physical environment of the interaction
All users should be able to see important displays easily. When
sitting, users should have comfortable seats with back support. If they need
to stand, they should have enough space to move around and reach all the
controls without difficulty.
3.4.3 Health issues
While computer use may not seem hazardous, it's important to
consider the potential impact of design on user health and safety. Aside from
the obvious risks in safety-critical systems, such as aircraft crashes or
nuclear plant leaks, several factors can affect the use of general computers.
These factors, related to the physical environment, directly influence
interaction quality and user performance.

1. Physical position As we noted in the previous section, users should be

able to reach all controls comfortably and see all displays. Users should not
be expected to stand for long periods and, if sitting, should be provided with
back support. If a particular position for a part of the body is to be adopted
for long periods (for example, in typing) support should be provided to allow
rest.
3.4.3 Health issues
2. Temperature Although most users can adapt to slight changes in
temperature without adverse effect, extremes of hot or cold will affect
performance and, in excessive cases, health. Experimental studies show that
performance deteriorates at high or low temperatures, with users being
unable to concentrate efficiently.

3. Lighting The lighting level will again depend on the work environment.
However, adequate lighting should be provided to allow users to see the
computer screen without discomfort or eyestrain. The light source should
also be positioned to avoid glare affecting the display.
3.4.3 Health issues
4. Noise Excessive noise can be harmful to health, causing the user pain,
and in acute cases, loss of hearing. Noise levels should be maintained at a
comfortable level in the work environment. This does not necessarily mean
no noise at all. Noise can be a stimulus to users and can provide needed
confirmation of system activity.

5. Time The time users spend using the system should also be controlled. As
we saw in the previous chapter, it has been suggested that excessive use of
CRT displays can be harmful to users, particularly pregnant women.
3.4.4 The use of color
This section focuses on the ergonomics of physical system
characteristics and their relationship with the environment. However,
ergonomics also considers human psychology, particularly perceptual
limitations. For instance, the use of color in displays raises ergonomic
concerns due to limitations in the human visual system, such as the number
of distinguishable colors and lower blue acuity.

Display colors should be highly distinguishable, maintaining clarity

even with changes in contrast. Critical information should avoid blue, as it
can be difficult to perceive accurately. When color is used as an indicator, it
should not be the sole cue; additional coding information should be provided
for clarity.
3.4.4 The use of color
Colors should adhere to common conventions and user
expectations. For instance, red typically signifies emergency or alarms, green
indicates normal activity, and yellow denotes standby or auxiliary functions.
It's essential not to deviate from these conventions without valid reasons.
Color conventions vary based on cultural influences. For instance,
while red typically signifies danger and warnings in Western cultures, it
symbolizes happiness and good fortune in Chinese culture. Similarly, the
color associated with mourning differs across cultures, with black being
common in some and white in others. Understanding these cultural
associations is crucial when designing systems and websites for a global
audience.
3.4.5 Ergonomics and HCI
Ergonomics is a vast field that works alongside human-computer
interaction (HCI), offering valuable insights into designing systems. It
provides constraints and detailed guidelines for system design, contributing
to standardizing hardware designs. Ergonomic factors are widely recognized
and form the basis for standardization.
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