ABSTRACT

Performance of a person interacting with an interface is dependent on the location and arrangement of displays and controls, the mapping of display elements to controls, and the individual’s prior knowledge, expectations, and mental representation of the task. The display and control arrangements should allow the user to detect and identify critical information and to select appropriate actions, with minimal effort. The previous chapters focused primarily on the empirical and theoretical aspects of S-R compatibility because of their importance to understanding the relationship between perception and action. Designers need to be aware of these fundamental aspects of S-R compatibility because of their relevance to practical and applied problems. An understanding of the nature of compatibility effects and the factors that are likely to influence them in different contexts can allow a designer to make informed decisions about display layouts and mappings. In the present chapter, we conclude the book by highlighting the practical significance of research on S-R compatibility.