Achieving Compatibility in Design and Evaluation
Waldemar Karwowski

The intent of this chapter is to discuss the computer artifact-human compatibility in the process of design and evaluation of computer-based systems. The concepts of an artifact-human compatibility will be introduced, and the methodology for quantitative assessment of compatibility will be proposed. Two numerical examples will be used to illustrate the proposed methodology. The compatibility will be discussed in relation to system complexity. Finally, the emerging science of an artifact-human compatibility and its role in the HCI area will be discussed.

1. Introduction
   • The concept of compatibility
   • Computer-human compatibility
   • Compatibility in design and evaluation
   • Symvatology: The science of human-artifact compatibility
2. Compatibility and ergonomics of HCI
   • HCI complexity
   • HCI adaptability
   • HCI compatibility
   • HCI entropy
3. Nature of compatibility in HCI
   • Perceptual compatibility
   • Cognitive compatibility
   • Physical compatibility
   • Human-system compatibility
4. The compatibility complexity paradigm
5. Compatibility requirements and system design
6. Compatibility requirements and system evaluation
7. Requisite HCI complexity and compatibility regulation
8. Methodology for compatibility-complexity quantification
9. Examples of application in HCI
   • Computer workstation design and evaluation
   • Information display design and evaluation
10. Areas of Future Research