Human machine interface

Introduction

Accidents involving machines or vehicles are often attributed to human error. However, when these accidents are investigated in detail, it can often be concluded that they were in fact caused by poor ergonomic design of the interface or by problems of interaction between the machine and the user rather than by negligent or careless use. It is therefore essential that the design of interaction and of the interfaces be based on principles governing the dialogue and human physical and mental characteristics. The following article will illustrate these basic human characteristics and show how they may best be considered by the design of…