Control Applications

Every day, we use controls to interact with machines and systems. We have become so accustomed to living in the age of automation that we give little thought to many of these interactions--unless an inappropriate design causes frustration.

Typically, we begin our day by manipulating the controls on an alarm clock (turning off the alarm or hitting the snooze button), we switch on the light control in the bedroom, head for the bathroom, switch on another light control, activate the water control, and maybe even push the electric toothbrush "on" control. Next, we are off to the kitchen where we activate the coffeepot by control switch or button and warm our oatmeal in the microwave by setting a rotary time control and pushing an activation button. And, our day is just beginning.

Throughout our day, we give instructions and commands to machines and systems through some type of control mechanism. Displays associated with the controls give us feedback on the response to our commands. The ease with which we accomplish our machine/system related tasks depends upon how well the associated interfaces incorporate human-centered design principles.

Each day, we use many controls at home, work, and play.