|
Information Displays (2000)
Technological progress has led to the development of artifacts whose functioning depends on hidden parts. Unlike simple machines, such as hammers, whose effect depends completely upon easily visible motion, more complex devices such as clocks, automobiles, aircraft, or computers may only be used effectively with knowledge of many concealed conditions. Accordingly, these complicated devices need subsystems to reveal their hidden status. Those subsystems are information displays.
These displays share the annotation, annunciation, or visualization functions of the common static displays such as road signs, warning placards and maps. But through their interactivity, they also have become critical links for users having only a schematic idea of how modern devices work. The job of these and all information displays is to provide users with correct, appropriate information of adequate recency, frequency and fidelity, and structure sufficient for intuitive, dexterous interaction.
Displays, Ellis, Information, Stephen
Ellis, Stephen R. (2000) Information displays in Encyclopedia of Psychology, Kaxdin, Alan E. (ed.) American Psychological Association, Washington, D. C.
|
