What is humanware?

Humanware is everything which helps human beings to handle (use and look after) a product, e.g. controls and indicators, program ergonomy, location of assembly divisions in parts to be put together, signs and other markings, instructions, training and technical consultation.

Qualified purchasers calculate the total lifetime cost of a product. One major part of this concerns handling and maintenance. But the general public is also beginning to become conscious of handling costs. Difficult apparatus makes purchasers reluctant. Furthermore, modern product legislation makes it possible to hold the manufacturer liable for handling errors caused by defective humanware.

"The human factor" must be taken into consideration in design work, rather than being blamed when things go wrong.