Living system theory as a cybernetic model for design and analysis of adaptive human-computer interface

Abstract This paper presents the Living System Theory as a cybernetic model and a tool in which biological methods of adaptation are used to design an adaptive human-computer interface. The rationale is that living systems, particularly humans, adapt to situations based on their goals and objectives. At a high level of information Abstraction, it can be reasonably deduced that an interface which adapts in a manner similar to or consistent with living systems would be equally successful in emulating changes in user characteristics, tasks and situations. A comparison of LST to other HCI relevant cybernetic models is made—particularly to social cybernetics and perceptual control theory.