Psychology of System Design

Introduction to the System. Overview. The Scope of the Book. Fundamental Concepts. The Nature of the System. A Model of System Functioning. System Structure. Overview. Introduction to System Structure. Size. Differentiation. Boundaries. Organization. Communication Channels. System Attributes. Centralization, Decentralization, and Autonomy. Hierarchical Levels. Goals, Functions, Tasks, and Outputs. Structure and Problem Solving. Uncertainty and Indeterminacy. Overview. Philosophical Assumptions. Uncertainty. System Variations. Uncertainty and Indeterminacy Across Systems. Summary. Inputs. Overview. Introduction. Problem Recognition. Problem Structuring. Types of Problem Inputs. Information Processing. Information Utilization. Threat and Information Processing. Input Characteristics that Lead to Indeterminacy. Input Interpretation. Hypothesis Generation and Testing. Computerization of Input Analysis. Outputs. Overview. Introduction. Output Characteristics. System Considerations in Decision Making. Variables in Decision Making. Types of Decisions. Decision Making Consequences. Organizational Structure and Decision Making. Feedback. Decision Making Models. Computer Applications to Decision Making. Idiosyncratic Variables. Overview. Introduction. Ineffective Variables. Effective Variables. Computer Usefulness. The System Design Process. Overview. Introduction. The Behavioral Design Process. The Computer Design Process. The Organizational Design Process. Behavioral Techniques for System Analysis. Eliciting Information from Experts. Design-Aiding Techniques. Concluding Comment. Computer Design Philosophy and Architecture. Overview. Introduction. Alternative Approaches to Computer Design. Cognitive Theories. Human-Computer Interface Models. Models and Computer Design. Layering. Design Architecture. Design of System Architecture. Cognitive Theory and Organizational Structure. Computer Unfriendliness. Measurement and Evaluation. Overview. Introduction. A Review of Some Basic Research on Systems. Methods of Measurement. Measurement Strategies. Test and Evaluation of Expert (and Non-Expert) Systems. Conclusions. Index.