Human factors in and requirements of the OSI environment

Abstract

This paper examines the ISO open systems interconnection model as promulgated, from the standpoint of human factors research rather than from the traditional telecommunications perspective. It argues that the model needs refining in its top layer and that this layer should be considered as a general ‘function’ layer oriented towards users rather than just an applications layer. The vertical relationship between layers and the horizontal relationships within a layer are discussed with regard to the implications that a small change in user behaviour has for the technical specifications of the system and vice versa. Particular stress is placed on the need for a core ‘native’ language which would operate at any level to support human factors requirements. The surface features of the system that need to be optimized.for the user are defined in the context of existing human factors research. The paper concludes by specifying the human factors requirements for OSI