Human factors in the digital world enhancing life style--the challenge for emerging technologies
International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 55 (4):
377--403 (October 2001)DOI: 10.1006/ijhc.2001.0490
Abstract
Life at the beginning of the 21st century is characterized by the ever-increasing pace of technological development and the associated changes in patterns of communication, work and leisure. This paper comments on some of the benefits and limitations of current technology, the potential of emerging technologies to deliver enhanced quality of life for all on a global basis, and the role of human factors in enabling such a vision to become a reality. The author presents an integrative framework for the human factors (HF) domain. In this framework the key HF inputs to be made at each stage of the innovation design life cycle are identified, as well as the crucial enabling processes associated with change management necessary for HF to have a significant impact. Combined together, these elements constitute a human factors strategy. The author suggests that such strategies have a powerful capability to harness information and communications technologies and to ensure the delivery of wide-ranging benefits.