ABSTRACT
The man– machine interface (MMI) is the facility by which the bidirectional transfer of information required for system operation is provided. The MMI is therefore primarily concerned with the ergonomic aspects of the design and covers areas such as the display of information, operator systems, environmental factors and safety. Aesthetics and style are concerned with that combination of shape, form, colour and materials which the system presents to the observer. Ergonomics or human factors engineering is concerned with the application of the knowledge about the physical skills and limitations of a human being to provide a safe and effective working environment. The levels of information transfer involved in meeting this requirement range from the simple –for example in a washing machine, where all that is needed for normal operation is an indication of the current status and the time required to complete the selected sequence –to the complex.
