Human factors of a microelectronic product: the central heating timer/programmer

The advent of microelectronics has enabled designers to incorporate considerably more functional capability and flexibility into products than was previously possible. Technical capabilities are no longer major constraints and designers are finding it increasingly difficult to choose between a vast range of alternatives. In an effort to narrow the range, designers are turning to behavioural scientists in marketing, ergonomics and psychology to guide them when selecting functions, specifying operating procedures and selecting components. This paper illustrates the application of human factors techniques to the analysis of problems with existing consumer products and to the synthesis of novel designs incorporating advanced microelectronics components. Within this general theme the paper concentrates on the design of a particular product - the central heating timer/programmer.