Blending Digital and Physical Interfaces: A Cognitive Ergonomics approach to smart usability while practicing for Academia

Blending Digital and Physical Interfaces: A Cognitive Ergonomics approach to smart usability while practicing for Academia.

1*Parag Sarma, 2*Nipan Das, 3Dr. Vijay Shah

1*Assistant Professor, Product Design Department,

School of Design, Anant National University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

2* Assistant Professor, Foundation Department,

Unitedworld Institute of Design, Karnavati University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat

3  Professor, Foundation Department,

Unitedworld Institute of Design, Karnavati University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat

Abstract

The research paper examines and explores the role of Cognitive Ergonomics (CE) in interface design by examining how the integration of digital and physical elements enhances user experience, usability, and accessibility while practicing for academia. The study, conducted as part of a design education module, involved students redesigning interfaces for products like coffee machines, vending machines, induction stove interfaces, digital cameras, and laser-cutting machines’ interfaces.

Traditional teaching methods in CE, such as lectures, case studies, and structured instructional design, focus on addressing principles like usability, accessibility, and user-centered design. These methods emphasize theoretical understanding and its application, with students expected to produce diverse deliverables, including improvised prototypes, usability reports, and research papers, to demonstrate their comprehension and ability to apply these principles to redesign (Gruber, C., Vergara, L. G. L., & Gontijo, L. A., 2019). However, students require more qualitative feedback on their outcomes in real-world scenarios. These outputs from students are not entirely appropriate unless they are incorporated with tangible mock-ups that provide the feel of real products. To examine this, we conducted research with students. The research done with a combination of qualitative methodologies, including case studies, user testing, prototyping, and observational analysis.

Results reveal that while initial digital prototypes offer a strong foundation, their effectiveness is markedly improved when integrated with physical, tactile models. The hybrid approach (digital + tangible blends) not only uncovers usability issues that may remain hidden in digital-only iterations but also facilitates an interactive, user-centered learning environment. Iterative feedback cycles—bolstered by exhibition-based peer reviews—prove critical in refining design concepts, ultimately leading to more intuitive and accessible interfaces. This study advocates for a balanced, user-centric design strategy that couples digital innovation with tangible interaction. Such an approach effectively lowers cognitive strain, enhances overall product usability, and enriches the design process through active, iterative learning. The evidence supports the broader integration of CE principles in interface development, positioning the synergy of digital and physical modalities as a cornerstone for future advancements in human-computer interaction.

Keywords: Cognitive ergonomics · Interface design · Usability · Human-computer interaction

Tangible interaction · Digital-physical integration · User experience · Product design · Interaction design · Design education · Accessibility · Hybrid interfaces