Work with Display Units 89

Book excerpt: Most of the articles contained in this volume are concerned with the prevalence of symptoms among VDU operators and the hazards involved with the use of this technology. Many authors suggest useful means of prevention. While recent emphasis has been on problems related to the physical VDU environment, attention is now being focused on the effects of work organization. In the same vein, the field of human-computer interaction has undergone rapid growth. The studies presented will help in the design of software and learning tools and will contribute to the reduction of the mental workload of operators. At the same time, it is important to assess the social consequences of the implementation of VDUs. A number of chapters analyze media communication of research results, and the resulting public debates, and researchers from developing countries describe the difficulties and opportunities associated with technology transfer.