Faulkner has managed to provide a surprising amount of information on human-computer interaction (HCI) in a slim volume. There are chapters on the relevant human physiology, psychological models of memory and human information processing, interface design principles, interface testing and evaluation, usability engineering, ergonomics and safety, and social implications and the future of HCI. Short citation lists and annotated bibliographies are supplied at the end of each chapter, as are exercises for the student. A reasonably complete glossary and index are also provided. Intended as a textbook for an introductory course in HCI, this book is part of a series of textbooks for core courses in computing.

The text is readable and well illustrated. In-depth exposition of material is avoided, but the exposition is reasonably suited to the intended audience. In a few places, more explanations would help; for example, students would benefit from a description of the GOMS methodology, which is mentioned but not described, though a reference is provided. The book is not intended for a full-length (semester-long) university course in HCI, but I would consider it for shorter courses for beginners or for introductory tutorials in HCI. Some of the anecdotes and a few contemporary references are UK-centric (for example, references to articles in UK newspapers and to British and European Community regulations), and might be difficult for American readers to find. I do not consider this an important issue, however, given that the well-known HCI works are mentioned wherever appropriate. This is a fairly competent piece of work for its intended purpose and audience.