Human error, interaction and the development of safety-critical systems

Johnson, C.W. (2011) Human error, interaction and the development of safety-critical systems. In: Boy, G.A. (ed.) The Handbook of Human-Machine Interaction: a human-centered design approach. Ashgate: Farnham, pp. 91-106. ISBN 9780754675808

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Publisher's URL: http://www.ashgate.com/isbn/9780754675808

Abstract

This chapter summarises the theoretical and practical consequences of human error for the design, operation and maintenance of interactive systems. The focus is on safety-critical applications, in industries ranging from aviation to healthcare. However, human error has an impact on all systems that require human intervention. Individual failures have enormous financial consequences, although most cost less than the 40.5 billion yen that was lost in 2005 when a Japanese trader agreed to sell 610,000 shares for as little as 1 yen each, rather than one share for 610,000 yen (New York Times, 2005). Human error also has a cumulative effect. Less dramatic errors contribute to the frustration that many computer users experience as they work to complete deadlines and make deliveries in everyday working environments (Reason, Human Error, 1990). If designers, managers and regulators can identify those situations in which users are likely to make errors then we can help to minimise their impact (Johnson, Handbook of Accidents and Incidents, 2003). This may save lives, avoid financial disaster or simply increase the sense of satisfaction that users experience when they operate complex systems.

Item Type:Book Sections
Status:Published
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Johnson, Professor Chris
Authors: Johnson, C.W.
Subjects:T Technology > T Technology (General)
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Computing Science
Publisher:Ashgate
ISBN:9780754675808
Copyright Holders:Ashgate

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