ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses human-machine interaction and its associated conceptual frameworks and design methods. Human-machine interaction is a study of the interaction between humans and machines. Human-computer interaction research dwells on the usability of computer technology and interactive interfaces, whereas human-robot interaction research aims to develop robots that communicate socially and interact with people in everyday life settings. Well-known functions in interactive computer devices include haptic devices such as keyboards and touch screens, speech and auditory recognition systems, and gesture recognition. Designers of social robots therefore need to take into consideration the effects of form and appearance on a person’s appreciation, reaction and possible positive or negative interaction with a robot. Participatory design refers to a method emphasising the involvement of the end-user of a product from the very beginning of the design process.
