Enhancing the Dependability of Human-Machine Systems Using Brunswikian Symmetry

Brunswikian theory and the symmetry principle of information accessibility and processing are introduced to analyze the interaction between a technical system and their users on the example of an intelligent expert help system for a photocopy machine. To improve the interaction and thus to increase the system´s dependability, symmetry must be achieved in information accessibility and processing by generalizing the design-by-contract approach to human-machine interaction. Balancing asymmetry will enable more dependable man-machine systems.