Interruptions
Subtitle: a criterion in the design and evaluation of human-computer interfaces.
Published: 2004
Language: eng
Number of pages: 96
Description: The main objectives of this study were to assess how interruptions affect human-computer interaction and to use interruptions to conduct representative evaluations of interfaces, the results of which can be more generalizable to the actual environments in which the interfaces are used. In order to achieve these objectives, an extensive literature review was first performed. Following this, a field study was conducted in a hospital recovery room to determine what types of interruptions nurses encounter as they care for patients. Simulated interruptions were then designed to match the type of those observed, and incorporated into representative experiments to evaluate interfaces for two infusion devices. Interruptions disrupted participants while they programmed both interfaces, although the interfaces designed by human factors principles seemed to lessen the disruptive effects of the interruptions in some cases. Limitations are discussed and recommendations are made for further improving the interfaces of both devices.
Notes: Adviser: Kim J. Vicente.

Thesis (M.A.Sc.)--University of Toronto, 2004.

Electronic version licensed for access by U. of T. users.

Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 42-06, page: 2320.

MICR copy on microfiche (2 microfiches).