ABSTRACT
What is the future of human-machine systems? In this chapter I focus on humanmachine systems in which the human and the machine engage in some form of collaborative action in order to achieve their defined goal. I examine the contemporary status of this human-machine interaction against the background of a paradigmatic evolution that is occurring in how such complex technical interaction can be understood. I point to the impact that innovations in both theoretical approach and technological instantiation may have on the design and use of future technology. I begin by examining the global forces that drive such technical developments and illustrate potential and actual roles that humans currently play with respect to machines. I posit that the evolution of human-machine interaction explains how a prescription based solely on an understanding of human cognition is unlikely to succeed, at least to the degree which is desired. I point to the reciprocity of complexity between the evolution of contemporary understanding of both the human and the machine and turn to the critical issue of intention in systems design and operation. I then use two metaphors for contemporary systems, being the way in which humans and machine are expected to interact in the near future and how systems can successfully interact within their operational environment. The metaphors are (i) the sheepdog and (ii) the Japanese garden. I use these metaphors as a basis for understanding the development, evolution, and future for human-machine interaction. I analyze the utility of considering the human-system-environment as the useful unit of analysis (see also Hoffman, Hancock, Ford and Hayes, 2002). I seek to integrate aspects of this construct, with the proven utility of the best elements of traditional approaches to the question of system development. Having embraced the more theoretical aspects of integration I conclude this chapter by looking at the innovation in recent technology and again consider the use of virtual reality as the modal interface of the future. I attempt to indicate how the tenets of ecological psychology can be employed in using virtual interfaces for system control.
