Mode errors: a user-centred analysis and some preventative measures using keying-contingent sound

International Journal of Man-Machine StudiesPublished 1 April 1986

Andrew Monk

Citations76

TL;DR

Experimental work presented shows that this mode-dependent keying-contingent sound can be an effective way of making users aware of mode changes and mode errors were reduced.

Abstract

It is often claimed that the user interfaces of advanced integrated systems are mode-free. However, if one applies the user-centred analysis developed in this paper, it is clear that almost any system of realistic complexity will have modes of some kind. By using this analysis it is also possible to identify the situations in which modes are likely to give rise to errors and those where they will not. Various measures for preventing mode errors are suggested. One of these is to signal mode by generating sounds which are contingent on the users' actions. Experimental work presented shows that this mode-dependent keying-contingent sound can be an effective way of making users aware of mode changes. Mode errors were reduced to a third of the number observed with a control group.

Keywords

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