CONCEPTUAL DESIGN OF MULTI-HUMAN MACHINE INTERFACES

Human-machine interfaces for cooperative supervision and control by se veral human users, either in control rooms or in group meetings, are d ealt with. The information flow between the different human users, and their overlapping information needs, are explained. The example of a cement plant illustrates this in more detail. Cognitive science concep ts for supporting visual and mental coherence, as well as multi-media, hypertext and CSCW (computer supported cooperative work) technologies , are discussed with respect to their usage in multi-human machine int erfaces. The design process for these interfaces is outlined, with emp hasis on the different design stages, user participation and the possi bility of knowledge-based design support. Some ideas for the conceptua l structure of multi-human machine interfaces are also presented. Copy right (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.