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Human System Interaction Model
Human-Machine Comparison
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Human Factors Model > Interaction > Human-Machine Comparison- 3 of 4
 
 
Human-Machine Comparison

Early in the development of Human Factors as a discipline, Paul Fitts proposed the following comparison of human and machine abilities.   Although rapid advances in technology promise to significantly increase "machine" abilities, this summary remains valid and a "classic" in the Human Factors field.

HUMANS SURPASS MACHINES IN:

  1. Ability to detect small amount of visual and acoustic energy.
  2. Ability to perceive patterns of light or sound.
  3. Ability to improvise and use flexible procedures.
  4. Ability to store very large amounts of information for long periods and to recall relevant facts at the appropriate time.
  5. Ability to reason inductively.
  6. Ability to exercise judgment.

MACHINES SURPASS HUMANS IN:

  1. Ability to respond quickly to control signals, and to apply great force smoothly and precisely.
  2. Ability to perform repetitive, routine tasks.
  3. Ability to store information briefly and then to erase it completely.
  4. Ability to reason deductively, including computational ability.
  5. Ability to handle highly complex operations--to do many different things at once.
 		 
     
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