ABSTRACT
Desktop and laptop computer systems have become ubiquitous in home, school, and work environments. Th ese systems’ fundamental components are a display monitor, a keyboard, and pointing device whose use is dependent upon the appropriate use and adjustment of furniture systems. Th ese components can aff ect the effi ciency of the human-computer system. Th e proper component confi guration and use can help maintain the health and performance of the computer operator. Th erefore, eff ective humancomputer systems design for applied ergonomics and human factors requires quantifying aspects of several interface components, including performance, usage patterns, postural congruency, applied forces, and muscle load. Quantifying these interface components brings together several instrumentation technologies, including embedded soft ware, electrogoniometers, inclinometers, strain gauges, and psychophysical instruments to quantify factors pertaining to human-computer interaction. Th ese instrumentation technologies have been utilized in several laboratory and a few fi eld studies that have explored and contributed to eff ective human-computer system designs.
