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Usability and Man-Machine Interaction

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Systemics of Emergence: Research and Development

Abstract

This paper deals with the issue of usability of computer software, mainly as regards the one supporting web navigation. It is evidenced how the concept of usability cannot be defined in an objective way, bur results from an interaction between user characteristics and environmental demands. It is proposed that the study of such a question should start from a monitoring of user expertise. In this regard the paper introduces a new model for designing web search engines, called Guest Resource Model. It states that each expertise level should trigger the operation of a different kind of search engine. A possible practical implementation of this model is discussed, having in mind the goal of protecting children accessing Internet from the dangers of web navigation.

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© 2006 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc.

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Penna, M.P., Rani, R. (2006). Usability and Man-Machine Interaction. In: Minati, G., Pessa, E., Abram, M. (eds) Systemics of Emergence: Research and Development. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-28898-8_18

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