Man-machine systems of the 1990 decade : cognitive factos and human interface issues

Abstract

This paper presents the primary psychological concepts which are fundamental to the design of man-machine interfaces for intelligent systems of the 1990's. These concepts embrace perception, learning motivation, and cognitive capacities of human operators, in systems which require a high degree of operator-machine interaction. The central role of feedback is emphasized through simple schematic examples, designed to provide an understanding of the reciprocity requirements in man-machine communication. Cognitive theory and recent experimental data form the basis for discussion of visual image storage, short-term memory, long-term memory, transfer rates and buffering of information being processed by the human operator, under control of a 'central processor' with a cycle time of roughly 70 milliseconds. Systems of the 1990 era will provide increased capability for high-speed processing of data and will utilize increasing numbers of decision-aides, spreadsheets and AI tools. Users of these systems will be components of networks, linked via efficient communication systems to other users and other subsystems. These developments will lead to fundamental changes in the work place. Keywords: Interface; Artificial Intelligence; Systems; Feedback; Productivity; User Interface; Man-Machine; Cognitive