Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

5-31-1985

Degree Name

Master of Science in Industrial Engineering - (M.S.)

Department

Industrial and Management Engineering

First Advisor

Howard Gage

Abstract

Computers are used for solving problems of various kinds and therefore, if the users are to fully benefit from the systems, they must be considered during the earliest stages of the system development. There are three major classes of computer users namely: naive, managerial, and scientific-technical. These users have different characteristics that the designer must consider within his/her system. Only by including such distinctions will these user groups each be able to perform at their respective optimum levels. Just as there are different users, there are also numerous applications to which computers can be applied. This thesis will be restricted to a discussion of computer graphics.

The thesis highlights the different factors or characteristics related to the system user which, when considered in the development of a computer graphics system, will yield a quality design that will enhance human performance. Man-machine interaction is fully discussed and in so doing, the hardware, software and the user interfaces are emphasized and given adequate treatment. In discussing the hardware interface, the following are exhaustively treated: (1) the Display, (2) the Typewriter Keyboard, (3) the Light Pen, (4) the Mouse and (5) the Tablet. The various display technologies available on the market are highlighted. Ways to arrive at human engineered displays are given in detail. Human engineering aspects of the basic input devices (the typewriter keyboard, the light pen, the mouse, and the tablet) are emphasized, and comparisons of their respective capabilities and limitations are outlined.

Human factors requirements must not be overlooked, but should be an integral part of any system development and design. It is expected that if a designer or potential designer reads this thesis, a system that will enhance performance and user satisfaction will most likely result from his/her design.

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