The aim of this paper is to propose such a specification . Frameworks for specifying relations are proposed for : disciplines ; the human -computer interaction (HCI) general design problem ; and validation . The frameworks are used to model , and so to specify , the relations : between HCI research and the HCI general design problem ; and within the particular scope of HCI , to support HCI research . Together , the models specify the relations between HCI research and the design of human -computer interactions . Meeting these specifications renders HCI knowledge coherent , complete and ''fit-for-design-purpose'' . An illustration of the relations , thus specified , is provided by a model of the planning and control of multiple task work in medical reception and its hypothetical application . The same frameworks are also used to specify the relations between Cognitive Science and the understanding of natural and artificial forms of intelligence . Lastly , they are further used to identify the relations not specified between Cognitive Science and the design of human -computer interactions . The absence of such relations renders Cognitive Science knowledge not coherent , complete nor ''fit-for-design-purpose'' (as opposed to ''fit-forunderstanding-purpose'') . It is proposed how the relations specified for HCI and Cognitive Science might be used in the assessment of relations between other
research and the design of human -computer interactions . Finally , the paper recommends that such an assessment should be undertaken by any discipline , such as Cognitive Science , which claims a relation between its research and the design of human -computer interactions . Such an assessment would establish whether or not such relations are , or can be , specified . The paper concludes that specification of relations is required for more ef fective research support for the design of human -computer interactions .