Set Phasers on Stun: And Other True Tales of Design, Technology, and Human Error

I had great expectations for this book, and on one it did deliver: the expectation that I wouldn't be able to put it down. I didn't, and 2-3 hours later I was basically horrified and afraid to do anything. That's because it is a catalog of horrible disasters that does make for gripping reading, but it left me vaguely unsatisfied and apprehensive that something was about to go wrong. I would have liked at least a little discussion after each episode. Instead it just stopped cold after each story, which I guess is an effective way to just let the reader reflect and draw his own conclusions, but left me with a cold, unsatisfied feeling. It also doesn't help that you pretty much know how each story is going to end. But if you are looking for a catalog of the anatomy of disasters, it excels at that, due to the very clear and readable writing. The title is very clever and well-considered - it kept me from forgetting it once I heard it.

A perfect 6.0 on technical merit and artistic interpretation! `Set Phasers on Stun' is a fascinating series of 20 true stories about human factors, user interface design, and design-induced human error. Like a well-told fable used to enforce a useful truth, each story cleverly teaches you something interesting and instructive about the importance of the user interface in modern technology. Casey tells each story from the perspective of the user of the thing or system, so you can really see how people get sucked into a particular situation and understand the unfortunate consequences of the designer's decisions. There is a good blending of technical detail, emotion, and great writing. Addressed are, among other things, a crash in the Airbus computerized cockpit, a Soviet space fatality, assorted medical errors (`Set Phasers on Stun' - - the title story about a patient being zapped during a radiation treatment), the launching of a rocket inside a building in Sweden, a diving accident, the Bhopal disaster, and the supertanker Torrey Canyon. I was originally introduced to this book in an engineering class, and it really "turned on the light" as the saying goes.

I'm not much of a book reader but when I delivered this book to the publisher had the chance to read this book and toatally enjoyed reading it , I had a hard time putting it down untill I was finished with it thanks steve for leting me read your book it was really good . the cfwy driver

Casey compiles short descriptions of technological, engineering, and every day disasters. Although each story is very interesting, it leaves with reader with unanswered questions and a desire for deeper explantions. If you are looking for something light and entertaining, its an enjoyable book. If you are interested in understanding and preventing the tragedies discussed, look elsewhere.

I first read Set Phasers on Stun (the first edition) as a textbook in one of my safety classes in college. In addition to being one of the most entertaining textbooks I ever had, it also had the deepest impact on me as far as illustrating how quickly and easily catastrophes can happen. Many of the cases presented in the book leave you shaking your head and wondering how such a simple mistake or oversight could lead to such horrific consequences.

I've used many of the cases in this book as examples when trying to make a point during my safety career. I would highly recommend this book to any engineer or safety professional. It's also entertaining reading for anyone with an interest in technology and complex systems.