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Set Phasers on Stun: And Other True Tales of Design, Technology, and Human Error,Used
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A disturbing share of technological disasters are caused by incompatibilities between the way things are designed and the way people actually perceive, think, and act. Structurally sound aircraft plummet to the earth, supertankers run aground in calm weather, and the machines of medical science maim unsuspecting patients all because designers sometimes fail to reflect the characteristics of the user in their designs.Designers and the public alike are realizing that many human' errors are more aptly named designedinduced' errors. Most consumers experience the frustration of using many new products; amusing stories about programming a VCR, operating a personal computer, or finding the headlight switch on a rental car are heard in everyday conversation. The problems consumers experience with modern everyday things are shared by the users of largescale technologies where the consequences of design can go well beyond simple matters of inconvenience or amusement.In the new second edition of Set Phasers on Stun' and Other True Tales of Design, Technology, and Human Error, noted designer and author Steven Casey has assembled 20 factual and arresting stories about people and their attempts to use modern technological creations. Although the operator or pilot usually gets blamed for a big disaster, the root cause can frequently be found in subtle characteristics of the device's human interface.' Technological disasters can often be traced directly to the interplay between people and the design of a device be it an airliner cockpit, the controls in an industrial plant, a spacecraft's instruments, a medical system, a nuclear reactor, or even a commercial dishwashing machine.The most effective way to convey the consequences of designinduced human error is with a good story and just the right level of technical detail, and this is what Casey has done in his new book. As stated by Alphonse Chapanis, one of the founders of the human factors engineering discipline, Set Phasers on Stun is A tour de force. A collection of gripping and often alarming true stories meticulously documented and skillfully told about designinduced human errors. It should be required reading for all engineers and designers, and everyone else concerned about the ways our modern technological creations can affect our everyday lives. Skylab4 astronaut Gerald Carr agrees: The book is ...an engrossing tour through the world of human susceptibility to subtle variations in environment and in design.
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This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
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- Q: What is the main theme of 'Set Phasers on Stun'? A: The main theme of 'Set Phasers on Stun' revolves around the concept of design-induced human errors, highlighting how technological disasters often stem from a disconnect between product design and user behavior.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Set Phasers on Stun'? A: The author of 'Set Phasers on Stun' is Steven M. Casey, a noted designer and writer known for his insights into design and technology.
- Q: How many pages does the book contain? A: The book contains 251 pages, offering a comprehensive exploration of design-related human errors through various true stories.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This book is available in hardcover binding, which provides durability and a professional appearance.
- Q: Is 'Set Phasers on Stun' suitable for engineers and designers? A: Yes, 'Set Phasers on Stun' is highly recommended for engineers and designers as it provides valuable lessons about the importance of user-centered design.
- Q: What is the publication date of this book? A: The book was published on January 1, 1998, and is available in its second edition.
- Q: Can I find real-life examples in the book? A: Yes, the book includes 20 factual stories that illustrate real-life instances of design-induced human errors and their consequences.
- Q: What is the condition of the book? A: The book is listed as 'New', ensuring it is in pristine condition for readers.
- Q: Is there any specific audience that should read this book? A: The book is aimed at a broad audience, including designers, engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the impact of technology on daily life.
- Q: What genre does 'Set Phasers on Stun' fall under? A: The book falls under the genre of Engineering, focusing specifically on design, technology, and human factors.