Technical Communication Quarterly Mar 1994

The unfortunate human factor: A selective history of human factors for technical communicators

Robert R. Johnson Miami University

Abstract

Human factors Is an important discipline for technical communicators to explore, but an examination of its historical bias toward the technological system and away from the user should be part of this exploration if we are to effectively use human factors methods in print and on‐line document development. Beginning with the advent of formal human factors in the early twentieth century, this essay reviews moments in the history of human factors that are especially relevant to technical communicators. The essay concludes with a discussion of human factors research that is most applicable to technical communications, specifically qualitative usability research, minimalism, and human activity interface design.

Journal
Technical Communication Quarterly
Published
1994-03-01
DOI
10.1080/10572259409364566
Open Access
Closed

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (6)

  1. Chong (2016)
    The Pedagogy of Usability: An Analysis of Technical Communication Textbooks, An…
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  2. Moran et al. (2012)
    A Bibliography of Works Published in the History of Professional Communication …
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  3. Breuch et al. (2001)
    Usability Instruction in Technical Communication Programs
    Journal of Business and Technical Communication
  4. Johnson (1999)
    Johnson responds
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  5. Madaus (1997)
    Women's Role in Creating the Field of Health and Safety Communication
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Show all 6 →
  1. Johnson-Eilola (1996)
    Relocating the Value of Work: Technical Communication in a Post-Industrial Age
    Technical Communication Quarterly

Cites in this index (0)

No references match articles in this index.

Also cites 15 works outside this index ↓
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