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Scott S. Potter

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Publications by Scott S. Potter (bibliography)

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1992
 
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Woods, David D., Johannesen, Leila and Potter, Scott S. (1992): The Sophistry of Guidelines: Revisiting Recipes for Color Use in Human-Computer Interface Design. In: Proceedings of the Human Factors Society 36th Annual Meeting 1992. pp. 418-422.

A survey study of color guidelines for user-computer interface design was undertaken and assessed against relevant knowledge about the human perceptual system. The main problem found is that some guidelines are dissociated from knowledge of how the human perceptual system works in relation to the constraints of the computer as a medium for perception. The guidelines approach, whose goal is to produce straightforward, concise recommendations for a diverse audience, may encourage this situation. Some specific problems and gaps in color guidelines are discussed. An alternative approach based on gearing guidance to the difficulties and common problems faced by designers is sketched.

© All rights reserved Woods et al. and/or Human Factors Society

1990
 
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Potter, Scott S., Cook, Richard I., Woods, David D. and McDonald, John S. (1990): The Role of Human Factors Guidelines in Designing Usable Systems: A Case Study of Operating Room Equipment. In: D., Woods, and E., Roth, (eds.) Proceedings of the Human Factors Society 34th Annual Meeting 1990, Santa Monica, USA. pp. 392-395.

Recently, the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) adopted human engineering guidelines which represent the first formal compilation of general human factors materials for use by medical equipment designers. The applicability of these guidelines was addressed by evaluating a new microprocessor based device based on the AAMI guidelines and again using broader principles and techniques from human-computer interaction (HCI). While the device met the majority of applicable guideline recommendations, the second review identified more substantive human engineering deficiencies not addressed by the AAMI recommendations. Examples included hidden modes of operation, inconsistent signal-action mapping, complex resetting sequences, and violations of expectations. Application of these HCI issues predict confusion in using the device and limitations in diagnosing and correcting problems. Interviews with users of the device confirmed these predictions by finding that participants had major gaps, inconsistencies, and misconceptions in their mental models of the device. This investigation suggests that, in an era of microprocessor based devices, traditional human factors guidelines are only a starting point for a comprehensive approach to equipment design. To be effective as design aids (especially for designers not trained in human factors), human factors guidelines must address and incorporate HCI issues. Additionally, emphasis needs to be on methodologically oriented principles (Gould, 1988; Woods and Eastman, 1989) to aid designers in the process of design.

© All rights reserved Potter et al. and/or Human Factors Society

 
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Changes to this page (author)

19 Feb 2010: Modified
26 Jun 2007: Added
26 Jun 2007: Added

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May 23

Knowledge is commonly socially constructed, through collaborative efforts towards shared objectives or by dialogues and challenges brought about by different persons' perspectives.

-- G. Salomon (in "Distributed Cognitions: Psychological and Educational Considerations")

 
 

Featured chapter

Read the fascinating history of Wearable Computing, told by its father, Steve Mann

Read Steve's chapter !

 
 

Help us help you!