Modeling the Human Operator in Computer-Based Data Entry

Abstract

Meaningful human factors applications to the design of human-computer tasks require a quantitative data base that describes operator behavior as a function of various independent variables. Three classes of metrics (operator satisfaction ratings, work-sampling procedures, and embedded performance measurement) are described as important measures in evaluating a human-computer interface used to enter and update personnel records. Polynomial regression procedures were used to generate functional relationships between each of these metrics and four independent variables representing system delay, display rate, keyboard echo rate, and keyboard buffer length. Each of the 22 separate dependent variables showed different functional relationships among the four systems variables, but overall system delay and keyboard echo rate were the major determiners of operator behavior. Additionally, the three classes of metrics were combined into three underlying interface dimensions relating to operator production, waiting, and planning activities.