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Efficiency in thermodynamics is measured based on the 1st Law of Thermodynamics: Energy is neither created nor destroyed. The efficiency of a mechanical interface is the quotient of the useful energy and the energy expended to operate the machine. When humans use computer interfaces they expend both kinetic and cognitive energy to successfully navigate to the desired result. Security usability presents a more unique problem than usability of typical computer interfaces. Unlike most functionality in computer interfaces, navigating security is an interruption to the primary objective. If the security is sufficiently disruptive to progress toward the primary objective, a user will either go around the security, or turn it off. Applying the 1st Law of Thermodynamics to the interaction of humans with computer security interfaces could improve usability by increasing efficiency, and reducing the motivation to avoid security.

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Less is More Usable: Measuring Security Usability as Energy Efficiency

Efficiency in thermodynamics is measured based on the 1st Law of Thermodynamics: Energy is neither created nor destroyed. The efficiency of a mechanical interface is the quotient of the useful energy and the energy expended to operate the machine. When humans use computer interfaces they expend both kinetic and cognitive energy to successfully navigate to the desired result. Security usability presents a more unique problem than usability of typical computer interfaces. Unlike most functionality in computer interfaces, navigating security is an interruption to the primary objective. If the security is sufficiently disruptive to progress toward the primary objective, a user will either go around the security, or turn it off. Applying the 1st Law of Thermodynamics to the interaction of humans with computer security interfaces could improve usability by increasing efficiency, and reducing the motivation to avoid security.