Usability requirements for complex cyber-physical systems in a totally networked world

Abstract

“The Internet has made the world “flat” by transcending space. […] The Internet has transformed how we conduct research, studies, business, services, and entertainment.” [1] Cyber-physical systems (CPS) are engineered systems that are built from, and depend upon, the seamless integration of computational algorithms and physical components. Advances in CPS will enable capability, adaptability, scalability, resiliency, safety, security, and usability that will far exceed the embedded systems of today. CPS technology will transform the way people interact with engineered systems. “CPS have a highly disruptive effect on market structures. They will fundamentally change business models and the competitive field of today […]” [2] Usability is a driving force for the rapid take-up and acceptance of these Cyber-physical systems. [2] In this paper we define CPS and highlight the importance of usability for CPS. Then we describe two different cases and provide different methods how to improve the usability of CPS.