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he n rvey uss exp ner dera In this paper I aim to present a view of and research needs in human–computer i g the some years ll men ked, a will p y suc that The speed of growth has surprised everyone, even those di-rectly involved. It was caused by the reduction in size of the switching unit fundamental to all electronic computers. The first three generations of basic components, the valve, transistor and large scale integration, are already passing, and the fourth generation of Very Large Scale Integration is already well advanced. Evans (1979) nicely illustrated the change of scale by compar-ing it with the improvements in cars with advances in automobile the current models be? If you have not already heard the anal-2. The Information Age identified as historical references. Essentially, the other ages involved an increase in the physical powers of mankind over material objects and forces, and the machines all enhanced or re-placed human physicalmuscular capabilities. Whereas information is concerned with mental and logical powers in relation to human decisions and behaviour, Information Age machines will enhance or replace mankind’s intellectual powers and capabilities. Further, there have only been three major changes so far in the basic method of transferring information, since the oral tradition (the tribal memory transmitted by voice) of primitive times. These Interacting with Computers 21 (2009) 325–330 lab it.e