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Human System Interaction Model
Human-Machine Comparison
Human Variance
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Human Factors Model > Interaction > Human-Machine Comparison- 4 of 4
 
 
Human-Machine Differences

Other major differences between humans and machines are:

  • Machines can be modified, redesigned, and retrofit -- humans cannot.  Humans are born with innate, genetically determined differences that are shaped by the environment.  Innate aptitudes or abilities are developed through education and training.

  • Machines can be manufactured to be identical--with identical, or nearly identical, output or performance.  Humans are not identical and vary across all sensory, cognitive, physical, and performance characteristics.  Specific aspects of human performance can be made more equal through education and training.

Human variance and its impact on systems design are topics of the next section.

  
     
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