This summary of methods for improving the user-computer interface is based on a review of the pertinent literature. Requirements of the personal computer user are identified and contrasted with computer designer perspectives towards the user. The user's psychological needs are described, so that the design of the user-computer interface may be designed to accommodate them. Development of the user-computer interface is discussed in terms of the user's physical, perceptual, and conceptual contacts with the system, and the ideals of the system design--transparency and visibility to the user--are described. Twenty-one dialogue principles identified by a review of dialogue design studies are listed. Additional topics include work station design guidelines and some relevant variables that should be considered in the operator's physical environment. Further research is suggested that will explore the characteristics of efficacious menu selection, develop a theory of the operator, determine the best locus of control for dialogue features, provide guidelines for improving system documentation, and improve user work station habitability. Twenty-four references are listed. (Author/LMM)