Human-Machine Interface
Human-machine interface is the part of the machine that handles the Human-machine interaction.
This term is system-oriented. it extends the computer-oriented term of user interface, referring also to system operators who are not the machine users.
The extension is useful for modeling complex systems, such as in the process industry or in emergency control. For example, the users of alarm system are the public, or people who happen to be at the risky place. The interface to the audience may be by emergency lights or by loud-speakers. This interface is different from that used for the operators, who generate the alarms.
[edit] Overview
In complex systems, the human-machine interface is typically computerized. The term Human-computer interface refers to this kind of systems.
The engineering of the human-machine interfaces is by considering ergonomics (Human Factors). The corresponding disciplines are Human Factors Engineering (HFE) and Usability Engineering (UE), which is part of Systems Engineering.
Tools used for incorporating the human factors in the interface design are developed based on knowledge of computer science, such as computer graphics, operating systems, programming languages.
Primary methods used in the interface design include prototyping and simulation.
[edit] Interface design
Typical human-machine interface design consists of the following stages: interaction specification, interface software specification and prototyping:
- Common practices for interaction specification include user-centered design, persona, activity-oriented design, scenario-based design, resiliency design.
- Common practices for interface software specification include use cases, constrain enforcement by interaction protocols (intended to avoid use errors).
- Common practices for prototyping are based on interactive design based on libraries of interface elements (controls, decoration, etc.).
