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IB Design and Technology Standard Level Topic 1 Human Factors and Ergonomics Topics 1.1a Anthropometrics 1.1b Psychological factors 1
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Page 1: Topic1-ergonomics- KGV - Wikispaces Web viewThe word “ergonomics” is derived from the Greek words ‘ergon” (work( and ‘nomos’ (law). ... A nominal scale classifies data

IB Design and TechnologyStandard LevelTopic 1Human Factors and Ergonomics

Topics1.1a Anthropometrics1.1b Psychological factors1.1c Physiological factorsEssential Idea: Designers consider three human factors to ensure products meet ergonomic needs.

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Page 2: Topic1-ergonomics- KGV - Wikispaces Web viewThe word “ergonomics” is derived from the Greek words ‘ergon” (work( and ‘nomos’ (law). ... A nominal scale classifies data

The word “ergonomics” is derived from the Greek words ‘ergon” (work( and ‘nomos’ (law). In the U.S the term human factors is often used.Ergonomics is about designing for people, wherever they interact with products, systems or processes. We usually don’t notice good design (unless perhaps, it’s exceptional) because it gives us no cause to, but we do notice poor design.http://www.kkstudio.gr/#the-uncomfortable

Look at the link above. choose three products. Sketch them and explain what makes them unsuitable for ergonomic needs.The artist has deliberately designed products that are impossible to use like the one below.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1.1a Anthropometrics- theoretical knowledge

Design is human centred and, therefore, designers need to ensure that the products they design are the right size for the user and therefore are comfortable to use. Designers have access to data and drawings, which state measurements of human beings of all ages and sizes. Designers need to consider how users will interact with the product or service. Use and misuse is an important consideration

1.5 Design is human centred and focuses on the needs, wants and limitations of the end user

1.18 Designers must consider how users will interact with, use and misuse the products they design

1.20 Design Permeates every aspect of human experience. Individuals make design decisions in all areas of their work, home and leisure.

International Mindedness- A wide selection of anthropometric data is published and regionalised, for example, Asian data v European data. The designer must work with data appropriate to the target market

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TaskLook at the information in The Measure of Man and Woman on pages 25 and 26 (computer stations). What parts of the computer stations design is considered as human centered and why?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

.

TaskHow is the data represented in The Measure of Man and Woman to enable the designer to design and create products and environments that are suitable for a range of target markets?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Anthropometric Data: The measurement and collection of data concerning the different sizes of men, women and children.

Anthropometric data is more than a simple measurement, it can be sub-classified as

Static Data (also known as Structural data)…...this refers to measurements taken while while the subject is in a fixed or standard position, e.g. height, arm length

Dynamic Data (also known as Functional data)…..this refers to measurements taken during physical activities, e.g. crawling height, overhead reach and a range of upper body movements.

Why static data is is much easier to gather than dynamic data?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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User PopulationsIt is important to consider the intended User Population for any product (or system) you are designing. It can be defined as the range of users for a particular product or system. These can be

defined by age, gender, physical condition, socio-economic class etc.

Population StereotypesPopulation stereotypes: responses that are found to be widespread in a user population. “Long-term habits and well-ingrained knowledge that we have about the world” (Kantowitz & Sorkin, 1983).

When walking into a room, assuming it is dark, what way would you flip a toggle switch to turn the lights on? You have two choices, up flip or down flip.

Indeed, most Americans think that up is on but in other countries, the opposite is true.Making use of population stereotypes in the design of the controls for products is relevant. It is usually anti clockwise for ‘on’ when dealing with fluids and gases (a tap) and clockwise for ‘on’ when dealing with mechanical products (a radio). Population stereotypes can be displaced (changed or relearned) by alternative learnt responses, but they frequently reassert (return) under conditions of stress such as tiredness or panic.

Why is this concept dangerous?___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Give one example of population stereotypes that you have discussed in class______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Collecting Anthropometric DataThe actual data is collected using a range of different tools, sliding calipers, skinfold calipers, fabric tapes and stadiometers.

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PercentilesWhen data has been collected and placed into a table for analysis, it is almost always going to look like the graph shown. The graph below shows the height of a group of adults.First, notice that the graph is symmetrical – so that 50% of people are of average height or taller, and 50% are of average height or smaller. The graph tails off to either end, because fewer

people are extremely tall or very short. To the left of the average, there is a point known as the 5th percentile, because 5% of the people (or 1 person in 20) is shorter than this particular height. The same distance to the right is a point known as the 95th percentile, where only 1 person in 20 is taller than this height. So, we also need to know whether we are designing for all potential users or just the ones of above or below average dimensions. Now, this depends on exactly what it is that we are designing.

How are percentiles used?Referring back to the graph on the previous page. Let's say the adult population makes up 100%, researchers break down the group into 100 percentile groups with the first percentile being the smallest and the 100th percentile being the largest. As designers, most of the time, it suffices to limit ourselves to dealing with the 5th to the 95th percentile, meaning that we would cover 90 out of 100 adults.

A constant problem for designers is the conflict between designing for as wide variety of people as possible, and, at the same time, helping the manufacturer to keep the production costs down.For example, if we were designing a doorway using the height, shoulder width, hip width etc., of an average person, and then half the people using the doorway would be taller than the average, and half would be wider.Since the tallest people are not necessarily the widest, more than half the users would have to bend down or turn sideways to get through the doorway. Therefore, in this case we would need to design using dimensions of the widest and tallest people to ensure that everyone could walk through normally.Deciding whether to use the 5th, 50th or 95th percentile value depends on what you are designing and who you are designing it for.Usually, you will find that if you pick the appropriate percentile, 95% of people will be able to use your design. For instance, if you were choosing a door height, you would choose the dimension of people's height (often called 'stature' in anthropometry tables) and pick the 95th percentile value – in other words, you would design for the taller people. You wouldn't need to worry

about the average height people, or the 5th percentile ones – they would be able to fit through the door anyway.

At the other end of the scale, if you were designing an aeroplane cockpit, and needed to make sure everyone could reach a particular control, you would choose 5th percentile arm length – because the people with the short arms are the ones who are most challenging to design for. If they could reach the control, everyone else (with longer arms) would be able to. This should also reinforce the requirement to ensure users can safely interact with their environments.

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Tasks

2. Give an example of products for each of the given percentiles and explain why that percentile would be used. Use the information on the link below to help.http://www.ergonomics4schools.com/lzone/anthropometry.htm

5th Percentile________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________50th Percentile_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________95th Percentile__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

TaskFor this task you need to work with a partner from a different ethnic group to yourself (if possible).Your task is to design train bench seating for those two groupsFind relevant examples of regionalized anthropometric data for yourself and your partner. Decide which measurements are relevant in the design of the train seat below. Which percentile range will you use and why?______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________How might the measurements differ for your two ethnic groups and why? Add measurements to the two diagrams below.

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__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________What problems may a train passenger travelling outside of their home country have when using the train seat?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Add your own dimensions. What do you notice about them?_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ethnic group 1 Ethnic group 2

Primary and Secondary Anthropometric DataAs this suggests, there are 2 forms of info. There are many secondary sources of anthropometric data available, both in print and online. This is probably where most of your data will come from. However, if you have a particular client or access to the user population you wish to design for, you may wish to collect measurements yourself and generate your own primary data.

As mentioned in the first slide, it is important to consider the reliability of the data you are using or generating. For secondary sources, is it appropriate in terms of age, gender, race or geographic region?

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If it is primary data, consider the conditions under which it was collected, were the subjects wearing bulky clothing, or gloves? If it was a part particularly hot/cold day, the measurements collected may not be that reliable.

QuestionHow could you make sure that the data collected is reliable? What limitations might this have?______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Range of Size and AdjustabilityCertain products tend to be available in different sizes or with adjustability built in as there really is no ‘one size fits all’. Consider the following examples:Clothing comes in a range of sizes. For manufacturers to make clothing fit every individual variance would not be economically

possible, thus it tends to come in a range of sizes based on percentile ranges.

AdjustabilityIroning tables can be adjusted to allow for people of a different height to use comfortably.This has an effect on the design of the legs, as this is how the board is adjusted in height. What design features allow for the ironing board to be adjusted?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Children’s car seats are adjustable to allow for a range of sizes and a growing child.

As are other items in a car, such as adjustable seat backs, adjustable leg room, adjustable seat belts, adjustable steering wheels, adjustable mirrors, adjustable headrest, etc.

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TaskWhat 2 types of clothing do designers design to ensure that they fit a wider range of users? Sketch two examples and label the design features used

Percentile RangesWhich user population and percentile ranges would be required for the following products? Are all of the measurements

necessary?

Childs Car Seat User population _____________________________________Percentile rangesSitting height:Leg room:Arm reach:Viewing angles:Hip breadth:Thigh length:

Office ChairUser population ________________________

Sitting height:

Leg room:

Arm reach:

Viewing angles:

Hip breadth:Thigh length:

TaskWork in pairs. Look at the anthropometric dimensions in “The Measure of Man and Woman” ( Drawing page 11,12). Your teacher will ask you to compare your measurements to those in the charts. What do you notice about your dimensions?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Clearance, Reach and AdjustabilityClearance

Sometimes people or machines have to move through or work in restricted areas, for example, maintenance work. Clearance can be seen as the minimum distance required to, enable the user group into or through an area. This is especially important when designing emergency exits and safety hatches

Reach-The workspace envelope.A 'workspace envelope' is a 3-dimensional space within which you carry out physical work activities when you are at a fixed location. The limits of the envelope are determined by your functional arm reach which, in turn, is influenced by the direction of reach and the nature of the task being performed. Most of the things that you need to use to carry out your tasks should be arranged within this area. Workspace envelopes should be designed for the 5th percentile of the user population, which means that 95% of users will be able to reach everything placed within the envelope.

http://www.ergonomics4schools.com/lzone/workspace.htm

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TaskUsing the ergonomics4schools website, calculate the workspace envelope needed for using a computer workstation and working in a kitchen. Computer workstation envelope dimensions

Kitchen dimensions

Examples

What are aiming for with your design?

Design examples: Examples of measurements to consider:

Users that your design should accommodate:

Easy reach Vehicle dashboards, Shelving Arm length, Shoulder height Smallest user: 5th percentile

Adequate clearance to avoid unwanted contact or trapping

Service Covers, Cinema seats Shoulder or hip width, Thigh length

Largest user: 95th percentile

A good match between the user and the product

Seats,

Cycle helmets, Pushchairs

Knee-floor height, Head circumference, Weight

Maximum range: 5th to95th percentile

A comfortable and safe posture Lawnmowers, Monitor positions, Worksurface heights

Elbow height, Sitting eye height,Elbow height (sitting or standing?)

Maximum range: 5th to95th percentile

Easy operation Screw bottle tops, Door handles, Light switches

Grip strength, Hand width, Height

Smallest or weakest user: 5th percentile

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To ensure that an item can't be reached or operated

Machine guarding mesh,

Distance of railings from hazard

Finger width

Arm length

Smallest user: 5th percentile

Largest user: 95th percentile

Anthropometrics Teacher Directed Activity

TextilesAnthropometric data sets can vary significantly between populations. Particularly in the fashion industry, the variance in these data sets impacts the size range of clothes for particular markets.http://jezebel.com/5284796/plus-vs-petite-why-retailers-find-it-hard-making-clothes-to-fit-most-womenLook at the issues on the website

Graphics and Product design ( thanks to Technology student.com for this activity)http://www.hermanmiller.com/products/seating/lounge-seating/eames-lounge-chair-and-ottoman.html

The classic chair seen below, was designed by Charles and Ray Eames in the 1950s. It was first manufactured for sale in 1956 by the Herman Miller Furniture Company of Michigan, USA. The angle of recline cannot be adjusted, as it is set in one position permanently.

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1. Explain in detail, how and why you think anthropometric data / information was collected and considered during the research and design of the chair.2. Explain how you think the anthropometric data / information was then applied ergonomically to the chair.

You may wish to read the reference sheet (below the diagrams), which is guide as to how to answer this question.

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Ergonomics is all around you. Consider...the toothbrush you used this morningthe transport you took to get herethe shoes you’re wearingthe chair you sit on at school or workthe computer you work onthe kettl you boil in your kitchenthe mobile phone you text on

1.1b Psychological factors

Nature of Design:Human beings vary psychologically in complex ways. Any attempt by designers to classify people into groups merely results in a statement of broad principles that may or may not be relevant to the individual. Design permeates every aspect of human experience and data pertaining to what cannot be seen such as touch, taste, and smell are often expressions of opinion rather than checkable fact.

Concepts and principles:● Psychological factor data● Human information processing systems● Effect of environmental factors● Alertness● Perception

Guidance:● Data in relation to light, smell, sound, taste, temperature and texture as qualitative or quantitative (ordinal/interval)● Methods of collecting psychological factor data● Representing the human information processing system using flow diagrams● Applying the human information processing system to a common task● Evaluating effects and reasons for breakdown in the human information processing system● User responses to environmental factors● How environmental factors induce different levels of alertness● The importance of optimizing environmental factors to maximize workplace performance● Assessing the impact of perception in relation to the accuracy and reliability of psychological factor data

Links and resourseshttp://www.digitalartsonline.co.uk/features/graphic-design/psychology-of-design-explained/http://youtu.be/1KEse_x1Skohttp://www.slideshare.net/Applied_Cognitive/hs-2013-what-is-human-factors?qid=65a0edb7-f8dc-4c8d-b4d6-2828bc82f1a3&v=default&b=&from_search=12http://www.io.tudelft.nl/fileadmin/Faculteit/IO/Onderzoek/Publicaties/Top_wetenschappelijke_publicaties/top10_-1/Top_10-1_Abstracts_en_Lijst_-_oud_van_IO_Campus/doc/Schiffersteinsplitmodality.pdf

Human error & Human Information processinghttp://nas.psych.uidaho.edu/~ad.uidaho.edu%5Cbdyre/psyc562/readings/Human_Reliability_and_Error/Sharit(2006).pdf

http://www.hfes.org/Web/EducationalResources/textbooksmain.html

http://psychtoolbox.org/HomePage

http://www.merlot.org/● http://hsi.arc.nasa.gov/index.php ● http://hsi.arc.nasa.gov/web/humanfactors101/index.html ● complete these lessons from NASA

http://baddesigns.com/http://www.ergonomics.org.uk/

Human Factors

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http://youtu.be/bSK-Z6UZsIM

http://quizlet.com/6128108/option-e-human-factors-design-flash-cards/

Pedestrian urbanisation - Human Factorshttp://trid.trb.org/view.aspx?id=114653

book: Human Errorhttp://www.google.com.hk/books?hl=en&lr=&id=CT_wFPljJ-EC&oi=fnd&pg=PR17&dq=human+factors+Psychological+factors&ots=SqD8UVqcwP&sig=FosbtPtezUQyiWuuhPWjJylmAFg&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=human%20factors%20Psychological%20factors&f=falsePDF Copyhttp://nas.psych.uidaho.edu/~ad.uidaho.edu%5Cbdyre/psyc562/readings/Human_Reliability_and_Error/Sharit(2006).pdf

4 pleasureshttp://www.google.com.hk/books?hl=en&lr=&id=0s3el8sDjHsC&oi=fnd&pg=PR6&dq=human+factors+Psychological+factors&ots=jEwHfTU_iA&sig=TQqwKzi2WOCQH-yBBdRwUN9qFyw&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=human%20factors%20Psychological%20factors&f=false

Psychological factor dataWrite a definition of what is meant by psychological human factors__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Cognitive psychology / cognitive ergonomics is concerned with mental processes, such as perception, memory, reasoning, and motor response, as they affect interactions among humans and other elements of a system.

In their everyday practical work ergonomists may well be more interested in improving what people do rather than what people know or feel. However an enduring improvement of performance seems to be possible only if the underlying cognitive representations as well as attitudes and competences of participating persons are known. This is why, the Chomskian distinction between competence and performance become very important for cognitive ergonomists (Amalberti, 2001).

We want to feel pleasure when we use products. Good design creates an emotional interaction between product and user

The “four pleasure framework” was identified by Professor Lionel Tiger from Rutgers University in New Jersey, US. It includes the four areas of physio-pleasure, psycho-pleasure, socio-pleasure and ideo-pleasure.

Note- You will study this in more detail in higher topic 7- User centered design.

Physio-pleasure can be derived from the feel of a product during use, (for example, wearing a silk garment or the smooth feel of an iPod), its taste (for example, from eating chocolate) or its smell, the smell of leather, a new car, coffee, fresh bread from a bread-making machine

Socio- pleasureProducts and services can facilitate social interaction in a number of ways. E-mail, Internet and mobile phones, for example, facilitate communication between people. Other products may promote social interaction by being conversation starters, for example, jewelry, artwork or furniture. Clothing can communicate social identity and indicate that a person belongs to a particular social group.

Psycho-pleasureIn the case of products, this includes issues relating to the cognitive demands of using the product or service and the emotional reactions engendered through the experience of using it. For example, it might be expected that a Smart Phone is better than they expected.

Ideo-pleasureProducts that are aesthetically pleasing can be a source of ideo-pleasure through appealing to the consumer’s tastes. Values could be philosophical or religious or may relate to some particular issue such as the environment or a political movement. These values can be embodied in products. For example, a product made from biodegradable materials might be seen as embodying the value of environmental responsibility.

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Task- How are the products below examples of Tigers concepts? Which one of the four pleasures are they satisfying and why?

Human Factors PsychologyWhat Makes Human Factors Psychology Different?Human factors psychology is generally very applied, with most employed in this area working directly in the field. Psychologists working in human factors spend much of their time performing research and applying what they know about human behavior, perception, and cognition to create more usable products and work environments.http://www.jnd.org/Don Norman is an academic in the field of cognitive science, design and usability engineering and a co-founder and consultant with the Nielsen Norman Group. He is the author of the books The Design of Everyday Things and Living with Complexity.Much of Norman's work involves the advocacy of user-centered design.[1] His books all have the underlying purpose of furthering the field of design, from doors to computers. Norman has recently taken a controversial stance in saying that the design research community has had little impact in the innovation of products, and that whereas academics can help in refining existing products, it is technologists that accomplish the breakthroughs.[2]

Below is a great video where he discusses emotion and design.

Watch the two videos below. Then

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Explain what is meant by psychological human factors http://www.ted.com/talks/don_norman_on_design_and_emotion (12 minutes)http://labs.ideo.com/2011/09/08/musical-staircase/

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Psychological factor dataData in relation to light, smell, sound and taste, temperature and texture as qualitative or quantitative (ordinal/interval) Methods of collecting psychological factor dataErgonomists collect data in relation to a range of psychological human factors.

Complete the table below and explain the most relevant psychological factors

Product Psychological

Human factors

Explanation

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Task- perceived dataHold a coin and a tissue to your cheek. Which one feels cooler and why?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________TemperatureDiscussion pointWhat do you think about the temperature in this room? Why is Mrs. Ford wearing a jacket? Why are you wearing a thin shirt? The temperature is not different where you are sitting.______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWTdCCFpzWsWatch the video aboveDescribe what thermal comfort is using the link below. What are the six factors that contribute to thermal com http://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/thermal/factors.htm______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Below are four examples of psychological factorsLight

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SmellSound Taste

TaskGive examples of products where the factors above are important. Sketch each product

Specializations within Human Factors Psychology● Human-computer interaction● Cognitive ergonomics● Usability● User experience engineering● Product design● Error prevention

Important Topics in Human Factors Psychology● Cognition● Perception● Educational technology● Graphic design● Instructional message design● Human capabilities and limitations in specific work● The use of virtual reality in employee training

Problems that may arise from collecting this type of data is that people’s perception can differ and often it can give inaccurate results. Also it does not take into account adverse or stressful situations and population stereotypes.

There are 4 main scales used when collecting ergonomic data:● Nominal● Ordinal● Interval● Ratio data scales

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Experiments need data. To get data, a researcher must measure something. Measurements come in many different varieties. For example, it is possible to measure time, weight, length, number of responses, height, pleasantness and brightness. The way numbers represent a particular measurement is called the "scale" (scales of measurement).Nominal ScaleA nominal scale classifies data according to a category only. For example, an experiment may examine which color people select. No assumptions are made that any color has more or less value than any other color. Colors differ qualitatively from one another, but they do not differ quantitatively. A number could be assigned to each color, but it would not have any value. The number serves only to identify the colour. Example

Ordinal scaleAn ordinal scale classifies data according to rank. With ordinal data, it is fair to say that one response is greater or less than another. For example, if people were asked to rate the hotness of three chili peppers, a scale of "hot", "hotter" and "hottest" could be used. Values of "1" for "hot", "2" for "hotter" and "3" for "hottest" could be assigned. However, and this is important, you cannot say that the difference between the hot pepper and the hotter pepper is the same as the difference between the hotter pepper and the hottest pepper. It may be that you can eat a hot pepper without feeling any pain. You may also be able to eat the hotter pepper, but your mouth just tingles a bit. However, the hottest pepper is really, really hot...so hot your whole mouth burns.

Interval ScaleAn interval scale assumes that the measurements are made in equal units. However, an interval scale does not have to have a true zero. Good examples of interval scales are the Fahrenheit and Celsius temperature scales. A temperature of "zero" does not mean that there is no temperature...it is just an arbitrary zero point.

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Ratio ScaleThe difference between a ratio scale and an interval scale is that the zero point on an interval scale is some arbitrarily agreed value, whereas on a ratio scale it is a true zero. For example, 0°C has been defined arbitrarily as the freezing temperature of water, whereas 0 grams is a true zero, that is, no mass. Ratio scales are similar to interval scales. A ratio scale allows you to compare differences between numbers.

For example, if you measured the time it takes 3 people to run a race, their times may be 10 seconds (Racer A), 15 seconds (Racer B) and 20 seconds (Racer C). You can say with accuracy, that it took Racer C twice as long as Racer A. Unlike the interval scale, the ratio scale has a true zero value.

http://psychology.ucdavis.edu/faculty_sites/sommerb/sommerdemo/scaling/levels.htmGive examples of collecting of data using each of the data scales above in relation to the psychological factors of Light Smell Sound and Taste

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Methods of collecting psychological factor dataQualitative psychological research is where the research findings are not arrived at by statistical or other quantitative procedures. Quantitative psychological research is where the research findings result from mathematical modeling and statistical estimation or statistical inference. Since qualitative information can be handled as such statistically, the distinction relates to method, rather than the topic studied.

Task- There are many ways of collecting psychological human factors data. Chose the most relevant from the list on the link below and explain how they are conductedhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_factors_and_ergonomics http://youtu.be/UPCItrMUNXY http://youtu.be/C1FQf3Rpu4c1. Human performance data collectionhttp://youtu.be/zWmH2IGK--s2. Samplinghttp://youtu.be/F8EyAoPyFKI4. Collecting human factors datahttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSK-Z6UZsIM&feature=youtu.be3. Collecting , interpreting and analyzing data slideshare:http://www.slideshare.net/manojrkasare/human-factors-topic-1-introduction?qid=65a0edb7-f8dc-4c8d-b4d6-2828bc82f1a3&v=default&b=&from_search=7__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Human information processing systemsRepresenting the human information processing system using flow diagramsWhen understanding how humans process information it can be useful to represent this as a flow diagram.

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The arrows represent the flow of information through the system. The boxes represent functional elements in the processing chain, where information is processed, these are the motor processes.

Look at the diagram to the right and explain it

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Applying the human information processing system to a common task- making a phone callThe arrows represent the flow of information through the system. The boxes represent functional elements in the processing chain, where information is processed:

TaskExplain the process of using a mobile phone to make a call

Evaluating effects and reasons for a breakdown in the human information processing systemInformation may be incorrect or no suitable responses to it are available. The motor output stage may be unable to perform the actions specified by the central processing unit. Explain how the human information processing system may break down at each stage of the example above_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Young children and elderly, infirm or disabled people can encounter a range of problems which are highlighted by some examples shown below taken from this website: http://www.baddesigns.com/

Design issue 1The lids on oatmeal containers were recently redesigned. The new style lid fits down into the top of the oatmeal container. There's a lip all the way around the inside of the lid (arrow). The lip, which looks like it could work as a handle, affords sliding one's fingers underneath to pick up the oatmeal container. The other day I reached into the pantry to grab the oatmeal. I put my fingers under the lip of the lid using my thumb to hold the side on the container the lids on an oatmeal container. I got just a few steps from the pantry before the lid came off dumping oatmeal all over the floor! The problem is that it looks like you can pick up the container by the lid, but you can't. Maybe the purpose of this new lid is to get people to buy more oatmeal, since half of it ends up on the floor! The old-style lid doesn't look like you could use it as a handle to pick up the oatmeal container, so people

probably aren't inclined try it. People are probably more apt to use two hands to pick up containers with these old-style lids.Design suggestionThe lid on the new-style container should not look like it could work as a "handle" to pick up the container. This might be done by: Not making the center of the lid set down in the top of the container so deeply. Removing the "handle" from the inside of the lid by curving the lip outward rather than inward.

Design issue 2Why might you have trouble with this tap? The owner repeatedly find himself turning these cross-shaped handles the wrong way. So instead of turning the water off, he ends up turning it on full blast. Analyze this tap and figure out the problem.

The main problem is that the cold water handle opens clockwise, whereas the hot water handle opens counter-clockwise. Traditionally, faucets with these cross-shaped handles, both hot and cold, always open counter-clockwise. As the saying goes, "lefty loosely, right tightly". Like a screw, you turn left to loosen and right to tighten. Think of the number of things you use everyday, such as jars, bottles and caps of toothpaste tubes, which follow this same principle! Thus, the way the cold-water handle opens is unexpected and causes mistakes.

Why is the tap designed like this? During a trip to the local hardware store it was found that manufacturers have designed one basic tap that is sold with two different handles: cross-shaped handles and lever handles, like the faucets pictured here. They probably do this to save money. Apparently, some people prefer the way the cross-shaped handles look and some prefer the lever handles. The lever handles, shown in this picture work well with the way the faucet opens. You expect the right lever handle to open clockwise and the left handle to open counter-clockwise (as shown).

People expect familiar controls like cross-shaped faucet handles to work in a certain way (to open counter-clockwise). When they don't work in the expected way, people have problems. Manufacturers

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must consider people's expectations. Therefore, when the cross-handles are used, the faucet should be equipped with a cold water valve that opens counter-clockwise. When the lever handles are used, the cold water valve should open clockwise

Design issue 3This picture shows a dirt path worn across the grass on a university campus. Notice how the path is in the most convenient place to walk relative to the crosswalk painted on the street and the dip in the curb. It looks like there should be a sidewalk here, but someone forgot to put it in. Instead of putting in a sidewalk, someone put in a sign to try to tell people not to walk on the grass.Here is a close-up picture of the "Keep off the grass" sign! Do you think this sign is really going to work?

Design suggestionTake a hint from people's behavior. If they find it convenient to walk in a particular place, put in a sidewalk, not a barrier. This is an example of "natural" design.

http://www.baddesigns.com/

TaskSelect another issue from the website above and explain the possible solution outlined__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sketch the issue and the solution in the space below and over the page

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AlertnessFatigue, stress, temperature and noise levels have a significant impact on alertness. Long repetitive task may often lead to a lack of concentration and errors/accidents may occur. Dangerous or very stressful situations can also affect people’s judgments.

TaskThink of an example of a situation where you may not have been alert as you should have been. What factors lead to this and how could you have solved them. Could this situation been dangerous? How?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Situation awareness

This is the perception of environmental elements with respect to time and/or space, the comprehension of their meaning, and the projection of their status after some variable has changed, such as time, or some other variable, such as a predetermined event. It is also a field of study concerned with perception of the environment critical to decision-makers in complex, dynamic areas from aviation, air traffic control, ship navigation, power plant operations, military command and control, and emergency services such as fire fighting and policing; to more ordinary but nevertheless complex tasks such as driving an automobile or

bicycle.

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This involves being aware of what is happening in the vicinity, in order to understand how information, events, and one's own actions will impact goals and objectives, both immediately and in the near future. One with an adept sense of situation awareness generally has a high degree of knowledge with respect to inputs and outputs of a system, i.e. an innate "feel" for situations, people, and events that play out due to variables the subject can control. Lacking or inadequate situation awareness has been identified as one of the primary factors in accidents attributed to human error. Thus, situation awareness is especially important in work domains where the information flow can be quite high and poor decisions may lead to serious consequences (e.g., piloting an airplane, functioning as a soldier, or treating critically ill or injured patients).

Having complete, accurate and up-to-the-minute SA is essential where technological and situational complexity on the human decision-maker is a concern. Situation awareness has been recognized as a critical, yet often elusive, foundation for successful decision-making across a broad range of complex and dynamic systems, including aviation, air traffic control, ship navigation healthcare, emergency response and military command and control operations, and offshore oil and nuclear power plant management.

TaskRead the information above. Use the same headings as the diagram above. Select a task and analyse the issues associated with it

Task-Informational influences-

Environmental influences-

Personal influences

Organizational influences

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The importance of controlling environmental factors to maximise workplace performance.

The influence of the psychological human factors of noise and temperature on the design of an open-plan office.

Consideration should be made for sound-absorbing acoustic partitions to keep noise of conversations isolated. Noisy equipment such as photocopiers and printers might be also isolated in a separate area.

Low silent phone tones, ventilation flow, static and dynamic tasks also need to be considered to make the environment effective and productive. Space is often allocated based on standardized tasks or office status.

Office environments are more beneficial if they are well lit with natural lighting and have some natural influences such as the use of timber and views and use of indoor and outdoor plantsPerceptionAssessing the impact of perception in relation to the accuracy and reliability of psychological factor data. Perception (from the Latinperceptio, percipio) is the organization, identification, and interpretation of sensory information in order to represent and

understand the environment. The issue is that we all perceive things differently. Look at the slideshare presentation below and discuss some of the issueshttp://www.slideshare.net/CommunicationKC/measuring-perception-for-beginners-comm-kc

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1.1c Physiological Factors

Nature of design:Designers study physical characteristics to optimize the user’s safety, health, comfort and performance. (1.5, 1.18, 1.20, 2.9)

Concepts and principles:

Physiological factor data

Comfort and fatigue

Biomechanics

Guidance:Types of physiological factor data available to designers and how they are collectedHow data related to comfort and fatigue informs design decisionsThe importance of biomechanics to the design of different products considering muscle strength, age, user interface and torque

Physiological factor dataTypes of physiological factor data available to designers and how they are collected

When designing industrial or consumer products, physiological factors must be taken into accountie. How users interact with products and specifically their physical comfort.Physiological factors that affect ergonomics:Physical limitationsHow the body movesHand/eye coordinationStrengthSizeStamina - muscle strength/endurance in different body positionsVisual sensitivity ie. To lightTolerance to extremes of temperature

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Frequency and range of human hearingBody Tolerances: How much the body can withstand when using or working with a product

Look at the interesting link below. Curious Rituals is a fascinating design study that illustrates all of the strange ways we bend our bodies (and our psyches) for the technology we hold so dear.http://curiousrituals.wordpress.com/

You can download the free book that was created here

Types of physiological factor data available to designers and how they are collectedBelow are examples of the instruments used to collect human factors data and how they are usedTorso CaliperThis caliper works similar to those used in our workshops- vernier caliper. These torso calipers make a direct reading of the distance between the subject's back and the front of the subject's abdomen.

AnthropometerThe Anthropometer is a counter recording instrument which can be effortlessly operated from the tips of its branches. Its user can, therefore, by means of his free fingertips actually feel his way to his desired measuring points in order to obtain a degree of accuracy.

Cloth TapeFlexible cloth or ribbon tape measure which can be moulded round the body.

Sitting Height Table

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The Sitting Height Table has a standard type of ball-bearing mounted, counter-balanced head block, giving accurate and direct readings from 320 mm to 1090 mm.In Addition it has a secondary carriage, fitted with an anti-reverse carriage lock, in order to compensate for upper leg variations: and an adjustable foot-rest in order to compensate for lower leg variations.

StadiometerThe Stadiometer is a counter recording instrument, with an effortless counter balanced movement. It will give an accurate and direct reading, to the nearest millimeter over a range of 600 mm to 2100 mm.

How data related to comfort and fatigue informs design decisions

ComfortWhat is Comfort?

Physical comfort, i.e. how pleasing it feels to use a product, is one of the first things a human will notice If something is not pleasant to the touch, people will not want to touch it or ultimately use or operate it/.

Comfort is of primary concern to designers. It determines how effective a design is and how well a human can interact with a product.

How comfortable to use something is to use is extremely important. If it’s comfortable the user will want to continue using it, if it’s not they won’t. The utility of an item is a good way to measure the quality of a design.

The job of any designer is to find innovative ways to increase the utility of a product. Making an item intuitive and comfortable to use will ensure its success in the marketplace. Physical comfort while using an item increases its utility.

The mental aspect of comfort in the human-machine interface is found in feedback. You have preconceived notions of certain things. A quality product should feel like it is made out of quality materials. If it is lightweight and flimsy you will not feel that comfortable using it.

The look, feel, use and durability of a product help you make a mental determination about a product or service. Basically it lets you evaluate the quality of the item and compare that to the cost. Better ergonomics mean better quality which means you will be more comfortable with the value of the item.

Below is a great article explaining how Fastco ensure comfort on the new airbushttp://www.fastcodesign.com/3028839/terminal-velocity/350-people-8-hours-airbus-tests-how-not-to-make-passengers-go-nuts?partner=newsletter

http://www8.hp.com/us/en/hp-information/ergo/index.html#work-betterhttp://www.apple.com/about/ergonomics/index.html

Task- Look at the information on the sites above. Explain the main issues and solutions to how comfort can be improved in the office workspace

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How data related to comfort and fatigue informs design decisions

FatigueFatigue is the temporary diminishment of performance. Fatigue can be physical and/or mental.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsxaD3Euz2Q

Watch the video above.

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What are the main factors that create fatigue?

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In the workplace what are the main factors that create fatigue in the workplace?

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What are the short term and long term effects in the workplace and what are the major hazards?

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Read the information below

http://www.hse.gov.uk/humanfactors/topics/specific2.pdf

How can fatigue issues be managed in the workplace?

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Human ErrorHuman error has been seen as a key factor associated with almost every major accident, with catastrophic consequences to people, property and the environment. Accidents with major human contributions are not limited to any particular parts of the world, or any particular industry, and include the Aberfan mining disaster (1966), the Bhopal chemical release (1984), the Chernobyl meltdown and radioactivity release (1986), the Piper Alpha platform explosion (1988) and the Kegworth air disaster (1989).

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/461738.stm

Human Reliability Assessment (HRA) can be defined as a method to assess the impact of potential human errors on the proper functioning of a system composed of equipment and people. HRA emerged in the 1950s as an input to Probabilistic Safety (or Risk) Assessments (PSA or PRA). HRA provided a rigorous and systematic identification and probabilistic quantification of undesired system consequences resulting from human unreliability that could result from the operation of a system. HRA developed into a hybrid discipline, involving reliability engineers, ergonomists and psychologists.

Here is some useful information on what human error is and how it is caused. Read the information http://ergonomics.about.com/od/ergonomicbasics/a/What-Is-Human-Error.htmWhat are the main causes of human error?

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Designing ergonomically enhanced work environments and products, has advantages for the employer and employee.

Healthy Workforce – Instead of workers adjusting to standard tools and equipment, ergonomics promotes product designing based on human body structure and requirements. Therefore, these products drastically reduce the strain workers experience due to repetitive use of machines, computers, scanners, industrial apparatus and related instruments. Less strain equates to reduced instance of occupational illnesses and therefore healthier employees.Enhanced Productivity – A healthy workforce translates to enhanced productivity. Easy to use equipment keeps the work momentum going on for longer durations. Workers experience less fatigue and are happy to use tools designed especially for them.Reduced Number of Sick Days Reported – People with reduced instance of work associated ailments implies they take fewer days off due to sickness and work more number of days in a year. This means lesser number of workdays is lost.Savings – By using ergonomic workstations, employers save huge amounts of money otherwise spent in compensation claims, treatments and litigation.

https://nonprofitrisk.org/tools/workplace-safety/nonprofit/c5/layout.htm Use this website to add detail to the points below

Workplace design and workspace layoutWorkplace design and workspace layout: the way in which any work space is arranged can impact a worker’s health and performance. An optimal layout ensures a person stays in the best posture and uses the least effort to perform the work. Principles of optimizing workplace layout include:1) Convenience— frequently used equipment is most conveniently located;

2) Location— equipment can be easily accessed without postural deviations (bending, leaning, or twisting); and

3) Frequency—frequently performed tasks are located together.

Physical environment conditions at work: ergonomists address issues of lighting, thermal comfort, indoor air quality (IAQ), noise, disturbances, vibration, and electromagnetic fields.

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Job design, selection, and training: these are ways of organizing work activities to maximize work output and quality without adversely affecting workers.

Organizational design and management: includes peoples’ motivations and how to best organize them into teams.

BiomechanicsThe importance of biomechanics to the design of different products considering muscle strength, age, user interface and torque

Biomechanics - The science of measuring the amount of force put on the muscles and joints of people when working in different positions.

In other words, determining which positions make use of an individual’s muscular strength. A muscle’s ability to perform is affected by the way it is used or another way to say it is the activity the muscle is performing. The activity can be either Static or Dynamic.

STATIC - Holding one object or body part in one position for an extended period.

eg. Standing or sitting in a parking booth or at a microscope.Think about how tiring you get when you sit or stand in one position for a long period of time. In an office it might be at the computer all day without a break, think about how tiring that feeling is. Or it could be standing in one position all day performing the same tasks or driving for several hours. Muscles fatigue faster when they are held in one position.

DYNAMIC - An activity created by the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the muscles. eg. Walking

Dynamic work positions, that is positions that change, allow muscles to rest during the relaxation phase. The importance of biomechanics to the design of different products considering muscle strength, age, user interface and torquehttp://www.inclusivedesigntoolkit.com/betterdesign2/UCdex/dex.htmlhttp://www.designcouncil.info/inclusivedesignresource/Mattwhite/casestudy.pdf

User Interface -Hardware or software that is seen, heard or otherwise sensed, and the commands and mechanisms the user must use to control the system / objecteg. CarUser interface consists of the steering wheel, the accelerator pedal, the brake pedal, the various instruments that the user requires, etc.eg. Operating system or application softwareThe user interacts using menus, icons, keystrokes, mouse clicks, and similar capabilities

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Recently, as systems have become increasingly complex and more difficult to control, much thought has been given to the design of interfaces that enable a user to operate the system naturally. This increases its usability by allowing the user to form a mental model of the system. The term user friendliness (or user centered or user centric design) has been coined as a measure of how well the user interface fulfills this goal. (Based on Wikipedia).User Interface design is closely related to Engineering Psychology and Human Factors. We generally use the term User Interface Design to refer to the design of displays and controls in an effort to make them more usable, user friendly, or user centered.

http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-directory/art-design/centre-for-product-and-automotive-design/design-ergonomics/educational-ergonomics/

In the above link three case studies are explored that were conducted at the University of Coventry in the U.K. Watch the video belowhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79yH4fCXv88

Task- Explain some of the important issues discussed in the video.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Factors affecting Muscle strength:● Gender● Age -

- Greatest around 20’s- 5% less in 40’s

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- 20% less in 60’s● Pain, Physical training schedule, Immobilization or bed bound

Use the examples over the page to explain the importance of biomechanical factors to making the design a success. Explain in relation to two of the personas here. Obviously don’t choose Jack as he is too young to operate the equipment.

(Consider- muscle strength, age, user interface and torque)

Below are some examples of common kitchen appliances. What do you think are the major difficulties that users with limited hand movements may have with them? Use the sites below to find alternative design solutions

http://www.seniors-superstores.com/KITCHEN/b/8036193011?ie=UTF8&title=KITCHEN

http://www.oxo.com/s-24-cooking-baking.aspx

Appliance Difficulties Solution (paste below)

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