Ecological interface to enhance user performance in adjusting computer-controlled multihead weigher

Abstract

This paper presents a case study on developing a smart user interface for supporting the adjustment works on automated weighing machines of computer-controlled multihead weighers. Based upon the theoretical and practical framework of Vicente and Rasmussen's Ecological Interface Design (EID), we clarified the functional structure of the work domain in terms of the means-end relations, and visualized it on the screen displays to encourage the human operator's "direct perception" of the meanings or values of his practicable actions to those automated processes. Comparative experiments using test subjects with a variety of skill levels confirmed the effectiveness of the redesigned user interface that can facilitate unskilled operators appropriately evaluating and effectively responding to their immediate work situations, and that will take the place of the experts' knowledge and insights on the works as one of the distributed resources for cognition. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.