Bartram – FITNESS FOR PURPOSE 1983

Description

This 27-page scanned document, primarily a March 1985 paper by David Bartram (University of Hull, Ergonomics Research Group), critiques London Transport’s bus passenger information design. It includes a supplementary comment by Jonathan Roberts and subsequent correspondence, forming a compelling academic dialogue. The typed manuscript, occasionally featuring handwritten annotations and two schematic graphs, advocates for a rigorous, user-oriented approach, introducing concepts like Means-Ends Analysis and System-Competence. Roberts extends this with a “control-satisfaction feedback” framework and methods for empirical assessment, stressing the importance of balancing user satisfaction with effort. This highly trustworthy resource offers timeless, foundational insights into applying human factors principles and empirical testing to complex public transport information systems, making it significant for anyone interested in user-centered design and human-computer interaction in real-world contexts.