HUMAN FACTORS, CHI, AND MIS - Human-Computer Interaction and Management Information Systems: Foundations - page 384

C HAPTER 19
HUMAN FACTORS, CHI, AND MIS
J ONATHAN G RUDIN
Abstract: Human-computer interaction research has been pursued in different disciplines with
different emphases. Human factors and ergonomics has primarily focused on hands-on operation by
people employed to operate hardware, enter data, and carry out other essential tasks. The MIS focus
has been more managerial, considering decisions about hardware and software acquisition, over-
sight of operational aspects, and use of computer output. A third focus, embodied by ACM SIGCHI,
recruited cognitive scientists and computer scientists to study users whose hands-on technology use
is more volitional. These three approaches map to the early computer professions of operator, sys-
tems analyst and manager, and programmer. Better understanding of similarities and differences
across disciplines may improve the prospects for interaction. One conclusion is that cultural and
methodological differences among these groups have impeded efforts to find common ground.
Keywords: Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors, Ergonomics, Information Systems,
Computer-Human Interaction (CHI), Discretionary System Use
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, the term “human-computer interaction” (HCI) is used inclusively. HCI is often
used more restrictively. For example, Zhang and Dillon (2003, pp. 398-399) wrote:
HCI places strong emphasis on understanding how users can perform certain tasks in given
work contexts and on using such understandings to inform the design of technology that is
both useful and usable. . . . HCI has tended to be located in Computer Science and/or
Psychology programs. . . .
To date however, the HCI and MIS fields have largely evolved independently with only
minimum influence on each other. Leading researchers in one field tend not to publish in
the journals and conference proceedings of the other field. . . . They share some common ref-
erence disciplines such as cognitive psychology, social psychology, computer science,
communication, and many others. They also share many common research methodologies.
Most importantly, the two fields share common research issues and problems. . . .
In a nutshell we might summarize the shared research goal as being the increased theo-
retical and practical understanding of how information technology can best be designed and
implemented to suit user and organizational needs.
HCI is also defined in terms of the cognitive psychology and computer science orientation of
research in the ACM Special Interest Group on Computer-Human Interaction (CHI) by CHI
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