I once worked in Tektronix (Hinditron) around 1999 for a very short period. I got to experience the 2235 and 2465 analog scopes and their controls. The 2465 was a 400 MHz Digitally Controlled Analog Scope. 

I also used the Plugin Scopes and Calibration systems that were Tek Culture and Tech contribution to the Instrumentation world, it probably evolved into VXI-PXI as uC systems took over.

I also had a chance to look at DSO/Logic Analyzers  and the just developed TDS Series. Then came the first Low Cost Scope from Tek China 2205GM. The older tek analog scopes made me understand about usability and panel layouts. Many controls are inevitable in a Analog Scope with Electromechanical Interface.

In a Digital World that can be largely changed using the Monitor and Trackballs. The older BlackBerry phones are also good study for usability before Touch Screens came.

Talking of Touch Screen, i had seen a HP Monitor in a Universal Pick-Place Assembly Machine. A Huge Pneumatic System, Not a SMT, there was no SMT then. This monitor had IR LED and Opto Transistor Array over the monitor. That sensed the finger Probably.

Capacitive Touch Screens and Accelerometers have given a new dimension to Ergonomics.  

Then came Euro controls for Consumer Electronics. Like remote controls. Look at the National Panasonic VCR Remote on the right. It could be in the 90's. It is so easy to operate the VCR, you do not need a manual. Flap a Lid and you have many things to do, including control any brand of TV in tandem with the VCR.

Software or hardware it is the same thing. The way the Common man sees a Gadget, like a Lamp Switch or a Water Tap. I tried Namesake and even Pinterest for usability recently. It is amazing to know that Ajax and sometimes flash enhances usability. The HTML5 thing also is in the same direction, which empowers Web Designers to make Usable Apps and Sites not just Flashy Mazes where one can get lost for eternity. Some of the sites i built are like that, Labyrinth of Docs which only the Search can Reveal.      

Then when Google gadgets came, i did some experiments ....

Alarm Clock Gadget A Web Gadget (Satirical) for iGoogle that i made to Demonstrate the importance of Ergonomics in Small Devices like Remote Control and Telephone.	See Time and Date, Set upto Five Alarms, Reminds of Tasks, Wild Nature Sounds. This clock is the recent one with flash. Get Alarm Clock Gadget
Audio Music Jukebox This Gadget demonstrates the use of css-js-dhtml for maximum controls within a small footprint, without menus.	Music Player Gadget, Plays small midi, mp3 and real media tunes, Three Skins, Stores 99 Tracks URL and Title, PSV PodCast, PSV Playlist. Get Audio Music Player.

Conclusions -

1. Reduce the number of operations a user would do at achieve a purpose. Auto, Intuitive, Context Gui.
2. When a Customer comes to buy Trousers, Take him to the Trouser Corner. Do not show Tuxedo option.
3. The colors have good contrast and the text clearly visible. A HighLighted reaction to user action. Tactile.
4. Dynamic GUI, see in Gadgets above. GUI Elements appear only for that sequence of actions. No clutter.
5. Menus if used, should not get stuck. Should not be fidgety, should not be menus at all if possible.