Factors that affect user-friendliness in interactive computer programs

The increased use of interactive programs on mainframe and personal computers has made designers (creators) of programs acutely aware of the man-machine (or user-program) interface. Such awareness is a result of users becoming more informed that computers and programs can be made friendly. This research discusses factors that affect the acceptance of interactive programs and presents the results of a survey of 124 computer program designers and users. Respondents rated the importance of 20 factors and the frequency with which they are used, and placed them in order of importance. The results should guide designers in improving acceptance of their product.