ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the communication process that takes place when people obtain information from people, machines, and other sources in their environment. The chapter begins by introducing the topic of communication theory. An important contribution of this theory is that it provides a quantitative measure of the information transmitted that is equivalent to the reduction of uncertainty. Applications of communication theory are discussed, before introducing several models of human information processing. The latter discussion focuses on the impact on communication effectiveness of selective attention, working memory limitations, the mode of processing, and other factors related to how people process information. Some general strategies for improving human-machine communication are also identified. Attention then shifts to the design of visual and auditory displays and hazard communication.
