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MM/1, a man‐machine interface
Author(s) -
Schofield D.,
Hillman A. L.,
Rodgers J. L.
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
software: practice and experience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.437
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1097-024X
pISSN - 0038-0644
DOI - 10.1002/spe.4380100907
Subject(s) - consistency (knowledge bases) , computer science , interface (matter) , human–computer interaction , user interface , software , software engineering , programming language , operating system , artificial intelligence , bubble , maximum bubble pressure method
This paper discusses the software interface between a computer system and its users, and how it can be made convenient and practical for both the users and implementors of systems. Consistency of interaction is essential, though it is argued that it is too early to define true standards. Standards must be based on experience of actual systems, and must meet specifications that can be justified from the performance of the best of such systems. As one contribution to such a specification, a description is given of MM/1, a family of user interfaces which can be used as a basis for interactive dialogues. MM/1 is suitable for both large and small computers. The thinking behind the interface is given, together with experience of its use in three different systems.