Human-Computer Interaction, 2nd Edition

Chapter 2: The human factor

Abstract

This chapter examines the human factor in interactive computing systems. We begin with a brief review of human sensory, perceptual, cognitive, and motor processes. Human memory is examined from the perspective long-term and short-term memory, with short-term memory limited to about seven (±2) units or chunks. Language, and in particular written language, is examined from an information perspective in terms of entropy and redundancy. Human performance in simple reaction and visual search tasks is studied and illustrated through the setup and results of an experiment. Skilled performance, attention, and human error are presented and discussed using examples in computing.

Keywords

human senses; perception; motor ...