SCHOOL OF COMPUTING, TECHNOLOGY &

APPLIED SCIENCES

NAME: NAMONJE N. NYONDO

ASSIGNMENT:
FACTORS AFFECTING THE PERCEPTUAL AND MOTOR PERFORMANCE AND
HOW CAN THEY HELP OR INFLUENCE THE QUALITY OF DESIGNS AND
INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS.
A vital foundation for interactive system designers is having comprehensive knowledge of the
cognitive and perceptual abilities of the users (Blanck, 2014). This assignment outlines the
factors that influence human perceptual and motor performance and how they help or influence
the quality of design and interactive systems.

Factors Affecting Perceptual and Motor Performance

Several factors influence human perceptual and motor performance such as cognitive
processing, reaction, and efficiency. These factors are used in various fields, such as
psychology, ergonomics, and human-computer interaction. Comprehending these factors is
important for designing work environments, enhancing productivity, and ensuring there is
safety in critical tasks such as driving. Below are the factors highlighted:

1. monotony and boredom: attention levels drop because individuals engage in repetitive
tasks for long periods without a difference as this leads to slower response times and
reduced accuracy. Boredom can lead to individuals feeling disconnected thus affecting
their performance (Shneiderman, 2016).
2. sensory deprivation refers to a lack of environmental stimuli that impact cognitive
ability. When people do not have access to sensory elements such as light, sound, or
touch, may lead to hallucinations, confusion, and less decision-making.
3. nutrition and diet. Essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals are fundamental
for the brain to function properly. However, having a balanced diet gives energy to
cognitive and motor processes. Fatigue, decreased focus, and slow responses are some
of the deficiencies of vitamins and minerals hence making it dangerous in activities that
require high levels of alertness, such as driving or operating machinery.
4. Fear, anxiety, mood, and emotion also affect performance. High-stress levels and
anxiety can cause over-arousal, making concentration and performance of tasks very
difficult. Moderate stress levels can improve focus and motivation. Extreme fear and
anxiety can cause mistakes, uncertainty, and even physical symptoms such as shaking
hands that compromise motor abilities. Maintaining efficiency in perceptual and motor
activities requires emotional well-being.
5. drugs, smoking, and alcohol also affect human performance significantly. Alcohol
reduces reaction time, coordination, and judgment, so driving or operating machinery
is quite dangerous. Drugs such as stimulants can make an individual overly excited and
make it hard to control small movements. In contrast, depressants can slow down
reflexes. Smoking reduces the oxygen levels in the body, weakening your thinking
skills and stamina as time goes on.
6. Physiological rhythms, such as circadian rhythms and sleep cycles, greatly impact the
daily activities individuals perform. However, the human body follows a biological
clock naturally regulating alertness and energy levels. Any disruption in the cycle may
lead to fatigue and lessen cognitive functioning.
These factors play an important role in designing high-quality interactive systems, including
websites, software applications, and user interfaces. The below points illustrate how these
factors influence design quality:

1. Monotony and boredom: Interactive systems should be engaging and visually

2. Sensory deprivation: A lack of sufficient sensory stimuli can make an interface feel
unresponsive or difficult to use. Interactive systems should provide feedback through
visual, sound, and touch signals to ensure user engagement and maintain user awareness
in a slow or challenging interface.

3. Nutrition and diet: Designers can enhance the user experience by creating computer
systems with user-friendly menus, clear text, and organized layouts, which aids in
clearer thinking, particularly during periods of fatigue or distraction, by prioritizing
simplicity and clarity, thereby reducing the mental effort required to operate the system.

4. Fear, anxiety, mood, and Emotions: Emotions significantly impact user experience
(UX). If a system is difficult to use, it can cause frustration and anxiety. Good design
practices help users feel confident and in control.
Additionally, using calming colors and positive messages can improve the emotional
experience when using a system.

5. Drugs, smoking, and alcohol: In industries where users may be under the influence of
substances, interfaces must be clear and simple. Systems designed for critical
applications should use large, readable fonts, high contrast, and clear symbols to reduce
errors caused by compromised cognitive function.

6. Physiological Rhythms: Users interact with systems at different times of the day, and their
cognitive performance varies based on circadian rhythms. Features like dark mode,
adjustable brightness, and adaptable user interface elements make it easier for people to use
their devices both day and night. Using customizable settings allows users to adjust
interfaces depending on their alertness needs.

CONCLUSION

By understanding human factors that affect perceptual and motor performance, designers
can create interactive systems that are more intuitive, efficient, and accessible. Addressing
these factors improves usability, enhances user satisfaction, and ensures that systems are
functional in various real-world conditions
References
Blanck, P. D. (2014). EQuality : the struggle for web accessibility by persons with cognitive
disabilities. Cambridge University Press.
Shneiderman, B. P. (2016). Designing the User Interface: Strategies for Effective Human-
Computer Interaction. Pearson.