On the design of human-computer interaction for administrative offices

Abstract

After pilot research in public sector administration offices of the FRG state Baden-Württemberg, the registration and update of personnel data was simulated in an experimental terminal station. The dialogue style was varied: (a) Transaction-oriented: In this mode the data of a complete mask are sent widespread to a host and checked there for input errors. The feedback is then sent back to the terminal, (b) Field-oriented: In this mode the data of every field or character is checked and feedback is sent back immediately. 25 administration officials participated in the trial sessions. They solved real tasks (full case, update) with the different program versions. The experimental data consisted of behaviour registration and interviews about learning, working style and system features. From the results certain design principles were formulated.