Human Centered Systems

The idea of Human Centered Systems arises from the idea that technology tends to undermine the skills that people use in their work. Some of these skills are probably tacit (hidden) rather than obvious. An example is the transition from hand tools to computer-controlled tools. Human Centered Systems aim to preserve or enhance human skills, in both manual and office work.

In the office, the introduction of a computer system often implies some work re-organization, and job losses or gains. The skills required by users can be enhanced or reduced. Most organizations depend on informal communication amongst workers, to get round the straight-jacket of more rigid forms, documents and procedures. (“What are we doing about back orders for rivets this week, Janet?”) A computer system can ignore, incorporate or eradicate such contact. Again, system development is generally carried out by men, but, in offices, the systems are used by women. So there is a danger that the particular outlooks of women are ignored. In the face of all these issues, it is no wonder that systems in offices commonly fail to meet the needs of their users. The problem is, of course, is that an office is a complex social organization.

The realization that people are an important ingredient in a system has prompted a lot of research into human-computer interaction - the psychology of how people use computers. The results are creations like the Microsoft Windows, with windows, mice, icons and menus. The limitation of this work is that getting the ergonomics right just isn't enough - we need the skills of human scientists to help get the social processes sorted out. A notable example of a collaboration of this kind has been the Utopia project in Scandinavia, where a group of computer scientists, social scientists and print workers together combined to design a workstation for newspaper layout.

In the UK, one of the leading proponents of this approach is Mike Cooley. Cooley pioneered the concept of Human Centered Systems and helped to set up the International Institute for Advanced Research into Human Centred Systems, of which he is now President. The Institute has facilitated a series of books and reports which highlight the misuse of new technologies and propose constructive alternatives.

A different approach, with a similar name is Human-Centered Computing.

References

Architect or Bee?, Mike Cooley, South End Press, 1982.

Labor and Monoply Capital. The Degradation of Work in the 20th Century, John Bellamy Foster and Harry Braverman, Monthly Review Press, 1998

Gendered by Design?: Information Technology and Office Systems, Eileen Green, Jenny Owen, Den Pain, Taylor & Francis 1993