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The design engineering process is analysed from a cognitive ergonomics point of view, relating it to models of problem-solving and cognitive skills. Observations from several Swedish studies are discussed in this framework. Results indicate that CAD systems require some re-thinking; in particular concepts related to the computer storage have to be incorporated in the problem space of design. As to heuristics, CAD systems seem to offer a wide variety of working. Cognitive skills related to CAD seem to be easily acquired, although the transition between different CAD systems will cause some initial problems. In general it is found that current CAD systems mainly support the detail design phase. Some ideas for future systems which would support the conceptual design phase in addition are discussed.

We investigated a recently introduced office automation system at Swedish Telecom. In a first study, where 275 users answered an inventory, the users indicated that they found the system useful, b ...

Abstract. The development of a representational framework, based on Moran's Command Language Grammar, for constructing adaptive computer systems is the main topic of this paper. A model of the user interface is developed of which two aspects are discussed: the mental model in the mind of the user and the perceptual model on the side of the machine. Cognitive style and personality factors are considered in their relation to the development of the mental model. The concept of metacommunication is analysed and discussed on all levels of Moran's CLG.

The current paper analyses how human factors aspects and system design aspects may co-operate in the design of a particular application, i.e. electronic mail systems. A review of research on the experience of electronic mail systems is presented, as well as a pilot study covering the experience of mail systems in different user groups. The users were found to differ mainly in terms of the tasks they performed and wanted to perform. It is therefore suggested that a task analysis is essential in system design. Current practice on task analysis is presented, which shows that a more detailed task analysis is needed to be useful. In order to achieve flexibility, the subtasks found should be designed in a modular way. Here the system designer will need different supports. To facilitate co-operation between end-users and system designers some kind of communication support is also suggested.

As the use of computers increases, the cost of educating computer users rises. Therefore the need for extensive education of users should be avoided as much as possible. Instead computer systems should be adapted to the requirements and characteristics of computer users. Hereby the need to identify user characteristics arises. The less computer educated the users, the more their requirements of the systems will differ. Where user characteristics are difficult to change, it will be worthwhile to attend to user differences in the design of systems. The implications of user differences may vary depending upon the type of task to be performed. The present paper presents an analysis of different user characteristics and their possible interactions with different task requirements. Hereby some recommendations regarding the need to educate users or adapt systems to the user were derived.