DESIGN METHODS FOR HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERFACES

Design methods for human-computer interfaces have developed to be interdisciplinary. Originally, Human Factors (i.e., Ergonomics and Cognitive Psychology) contributed from the humanities point of view, whereas Computer Science (mainly Software Engineering) contributed from the technological and design aspect. In recent years computers are no longer used as stand alone devices for single users. Networking, information technology for collaborative work, and complex work organization have given birth to a new branch of human-computer interaction that has been coined ''CSCW'' (computer supported cooperative work). This new focus started mainly as a new kind of interdisciplinarity, merging technology (multi-media and networking) with social science design contributions (sociology, ethnography). These developments are often viewed as competitive or even conflicting. We will propose an approach towards design that integrates methods from both streams, providing design specifications for both interface representations, interactions, and functionality for individual work spaces.