Today computers are no longer considered to be devices for single users. The appropriate communication metaphors and the design of advanced internet and intranet applications are becoming central issues in determining the success of these systems. Virtual Environments Advances in modern computation and computer graphics make representation of virtual environments on the computer screen feasible today. Design issues related to a user's feeling of immersion in the virtual environment while minimizing disorientation need to be addressed. Advanced interfaces in virtual environments are needed to incorporate a variety of sensory modalities simultaneously, to share views of another user of the virtual environment, to augment the real world with the virtual world, and to network virtual environments.
Many computer users have special needs due to sensory, physical, and cognitive disabilities.
For example, little research has addressed computer interface design for cognitive disabilities, but the largest number of students requiring special needs on our campus have learning disabilities. Additionally, software applications need to be designed to handle age-related differences to accommodate both the very young and the elderly. Designing for special needs requires flexibility and participation of the end user in the design process. Computers need to be designed for the extremes NOT just the mean. Usability Engineering Usability engineering includes a systems approach, iterative design, and evaluation.