Usability: Turning Technologies into Tools [Hardcover] Adler, Paul S. and

Description: Usability: Turning Technologies into Tools [Hardcover] Adler, Paul S. and Product Description As more and more equipment incorporates advanced technologies, usability -- the ability of equipment to take advantage of users' skills and thereby to function effectively in the broad range of real work situations -- is becoming an essential component of equipment design. Usability: TurningTechnologies into Tools collects six essays that herald a fundamental shift in the way industry and researchers think about usability. In this new, broader definition, usability no longer means safeguarding against human error, but rather enabling human beings to learn, to use, and to adapt theequipment to satisfy better the demands and contingencies of their work. Following an introduction that develops some core concepts of usability, the subsequent chapters: -- describe the role of usability in guiding one of Xerox's largest strategic initiatives -- analyze a Monsanto chemical plantwhere a study of worker's conversational patterns contributed to the design of a more effective system of controls -- present an empirical study of equipment design practices in U.S. industry which contrasts technology-centered and skill-based design approaches -- summarize recent Scandinavianexperiences with user participation in design, with specific reference to the DEMOS and UTOPIA projects -- analyze European experiences that suggest five key criteria for effective human-centered design of advanced manufacturing technology --offer an insightful discussion of the powerful, oftenhidden human and organizational resources that conventional design processes overlook. Today, three quarters of all advanced technology implementations in manufacturing fail to achieve their performance goals because of inadequate usability. By viewing the human being as a mechanistic systemcomponent, and not a particularly reliable one, the traditional "human factors" model of usability virtually ensures that the uniquely human qualities -- experience, adaptation, innovation -- will be neglected, and therefore that new technologies will realize little of their true potential.Usability: Turning Technologies into Tools answers the need for better usability criteria and more effective design and usability assurance processes. In so doing, it leads the way to making a new, broader concept of usability central to design. Its chapters will be of interest to managers andprofessionals in computer systems, manufacturing engineering, industrial design, and human factors, as well as researchers in disciplines such as computer science, engineering, design studies, sociology, organizational behavior and human resource management, industrial relations, education, andbusiness strategy. Review "The book contains much insight." --B. Hazeltine, Computing Reviews"Unusual in that the research it brings together spans the perspectives of cognitive psychology, the sociology of work and technology, work-oriented systems design, computer-supported cooperative work, and human-computer interaction. Although most of these essays are not directly related to computersystems, they will nevertheless help anyone involved in building products design better ones." --Robert C. Briss, Computer/IEEE P&DT About the Author Paul S. Adler is at University of Southern California, School of Business Administration. Terry A. Winograd is at Stanford University. Fast Shipping We ship multiple times a week. DVD Media will generally be upgraded to First Class if under 1lbs. If over 1lbs then will usually ship via priority envelope. Most other products will ship via USPS Priority unless a faster service is located. Returns Returns are accepted for DOA products but are not accepted for incompatible, changed mind etc. The reason for this is that many of my products are vintage, such as software that does not work with modern-day computers. But each request will be considered. My Products My products range from DVDs, games, books, and small electronics. I generally do not carry mainstream current-day products.

Price: 159.32 USD

Location: Issaquah, Washington

End Time: 2024-11-19T00:29:18.000Z

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