Simulation of Man-Machine Interaction
Simulation, interaction and product development

Year: 1995
Author: Hansen, Claus Sehested
Supervisor: Buur, Jacob; Andreasen, Mogens Myrup
Institution: Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
Page(s): 161

Abstract

The subject of this dissertation is simulation of interaction for the development of user interfaces. Simulation is applied in order to improve usability of products, thus improving competitiveness. The products in focus are mechatronic products, i.e. products with a few buttons and a display. Not large computer systems. The dissertation documents a multi-disciplinary research where theory from different research areas are integrated, in order to establish a theoretical basis for the application of simulation in design. The main theories included are theory for technical systems, cognitive science and activity theory. The theoretical basis comprises concepts of man-machine interaction, design theory, user involvement, and simulation of interaction. The design domain of man-machine interaction is described and discussed in relation to the design domain for technical systems. Where the design domain of technical systems is structured by laws of nature, the design domain of man-machine interaction is, because of the human element, less causal and stochastic in nature. Two scientific research paradigms are brought together. These form a theoretical basis for the discussion of user involvement. The scientific approaches focus on analysis and observation. Participatory theory provides a framework for user involvement in synthesis activities. Simulation is identified as a method in which a model of an object is applied in experiments. A simulation model comprises four elements: user, product, environment and task. Models do not have to be computerized to be applied in simulation. However, this research is focused on simulation models where the product model is implemented by a computer. Six prototypical simulation situations are described by use of the theory identified. These are described towards the end of the dissertation in chapter 7. Resumé Denne afhandling handler om simulering af betjening til konstruktion af brugergrćnseflader. Simulering anvendes for at opnå forbedret brugervenlighed og hermed øget konkurrence kraft. Afhandlingen omhandler mekatroniske produkter, hvis brugergrćnseflader typisk består af nogle få knapper og et display. Ikke store computersystemer. Afhandlingen dokumenterer et mange-disciplinćrt forskningsarbejde i hvilket flere forskningsområder er integreret. Det er gjort for at etablere en teoretisk basis for anvendelsen af simulering i konstruktion. De vćsentligste teoriområder er: Teori for Tekniske Systemer, kognitionsvidenskab og ""activity""-teori. Den teoretiske basis indbefatter begreber tilhørende menneske-maskin samspil, konstruktionsteori, brugerindvolvering, og simulering af interaktion.
Konstruktionsdomćnet menneske-maskin samspil er beskrevet og diskuteres i relation til konstruktionsdomćnet for tekniske systemer. Hvor konstruktionsdomćnet for tekniske systemer er struktureret ved naturlovene, så er konstruktionsdomćnet for menneskemaskin samspil mindre kausalt og af stokatisk natur. To videnskabelige paradigmer stilles over for hinanden og udgør et grundlag for en diskussion af brugerinvolvering. De videnskabelige angrebsvinkler fokuserer på analyse og observation. Participatory-teori udgør et rammevćrk for brugerinvolvering i syntese aktiviteter. Simulering identificeres som en metode, hvor en model af et objekt anvendes i eksperimenter. En simuleringsmodel indeholder fire elementer: bruger, produkt, omgivelser og opgave. En model behøver principielt ikke at vćre implementeret på en computer for at kunne anvendes i simulering, men dette forskningsarbejde er afgrćnset til simuleringsmodeller, hvor dette er tilfćldet.
Seks prototypiske simulerings-situationer er beskrevet ved hjćlp af den teori,som er blevet beskrevet tidligere i afhandlingen.

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