Software Ergonomics : Effects of Computer Application Design Parameters on Operator Task Performance and Health

Evidence is reviewed that the operating characteristics ofcomputer application systems, in addition to physical characteristicsof display units (CRTs), are the cause of many observed effects onoperator health and task effectiveness. These effects arehypothesized to occur through changes in task structure, and theman-machine redivision of labor that results when computer applicationsystems are introduced into work settings. First, the associationbetween task dimensions and models of operator performanceeffectiveness and well-being are reviewed. Second, application systemdesign parameters that affect task structure are identified. Then,empirical evidence supporting this three part causal linkage -application system parameters to task characteristics to operatoreffectiveness and health - is presented.The findings suggest that by improving dialogue quality, takingadvantage of two way communication to reduce uncertainty, usingsmaller and less integrated systems and matching system performance tooperator needs a job can be created that is likely to improve bothoperator well-being and effectiveness