Issues Concerning the Use of Technology

The study of "using technology" includes historical methods, clinical experiments, surveys of users or potential users, the usability testing of products, the design of environments and devices to promote "userfriendliness," and a host of other areas.

Typical questions one might raise concerning use are:

• Is this the best product for the task?
  
• How do we help people learn how to use this technology?
  
• Does it fit the human body?
  
• Should we use this technology?
  
• What technologies can be used to meet special needs?
  
• How durable is the technology?
  
• How can this item be redesigned to improve usability?
  
• Is the technology supported sufficiently (by technical backing, not by cast iron legs)?
  
• Is the technology cost effective?
  
• What is the break even period for this technological adoption?
  
• What are user's beliefs about this technology?
  
• What are the psychological factors involved in the human interface?
  
• What are the assumptions and implications of this technological adoption?