The increasing size of datasets acts a critical issue for eResearch, especially given that they are expanding at a rate greater than improvements in desktop application speed, suggesting that HPC knowledge is requisite. However knowledge of such systems is not common.

This leads to two alternatives poles; "dumb down" the user interface or "skill up" the user. Most IT managment and development has moved towards the former. However it may be more cost efficient and effective to take the alternative path. This paper explores the limits and successes of interface improvements and the andragogical techniques for skill improvement, with some empirical backing.

Presentation to eResearch New Zealand, 25th March, 2015