A Tool Perspective on Design of Interactive Computer Support for Skilled Workers

Abstract

This paper presents a conceptual framework, useful when designing computer support for skilled workers. We call this framework a tool perspective. It has emerged as a result of a growing dissatisfaction with the systems perspective, which tends to give an outwardly understanding, making men, machines and materials look alike and reducing work to algorithmic procedures, some of them candidates for inclusion into the edp programs.

The tool perspective takes the labour process as its origin rather than data or information flow, emphasising the development of tools to be used with skill by workers in control of the production. Development of professional education is in focus, rather than detailed analysis and description of the work.