Designing Human-Machine Systems to Match the User's Needs

Abstract Cognitive compatibility of human-machine interfaces implies that the structure of the interface should match the cognitive structures of the users. A theory of mental models (structures of analogue knowledge) is described. A methodology incorporating this theory has been used to analyse the user’s mental models in work settings. It has been embedded into a research-based set of criteria for system design to match the user’s needs. Furthermore, it has been employed to generate variants of human-machine interfaces with direct user participation. As an example, a new CNC system was developed.