3,664 research outputs found
Task analysis for error identification: A methodology for designing 'error tolerant' consumer products
No full textThis paper presents an approach to the assessment of 'intelligent' consumer products. We assume that a primary reason for the difficulties people encounter in their use of intelligent consumer products is the lack of clear, consistent, and logical task sequences. The approach we have developed aims to illustrate the task sequences required for the purposeful use of 'intelligent' products, in order to indicate points at which errors, problems or confusions may occur. The approach combines two well proven methodologies (hierarchical task analysis and state space diagrams) to provide a description of human product interaction
Giving ergonomics away? The application of ergonomics methods by novices
No full textA re-occurring theme in applied ergonomics is the idea of “giving the methods away” to those with little formal education in the subject. Little is known, however, about the reliability and validity of these methods when applied to the design process, for novices or experts. It is important to establish just how well the methods will perform in the hands of the analyst. The study reported in this paper presents data on novice intra-analyst and inter-analyst reliability together with criterion-referenced validity across a range of methods. Considerable variation in the reliability and validity of the methods was found. The data were then used in utility analysis, to determine the cost-effectiveness of the methods for an example of car radio-cassette design. The analysis shows that estimates of cost-effectiveness may help in the selection of methods
Rewritable routines in human interaction with public technology
No full textIn this paper, the cognitive ergonomics of using public technology is investigated. A methodology for predicting human error with technology has been developed. Predictions from the method (combined with observation of user performance) form the foundation of the concept of ‘rewritable routines’. This is in keeping with the tradition of building models of user cognition on the basis of observed and predicted errors. The concept is introduced and illustrated with examples. Implications for cognitive ergonomics are discussed
Christmas card, from Francis Spinner, December 25, 1877
No full textChristmas card, from Francis Spinner, December 25, 1877 to silverware and watch dealer N.A. Frost. Back: “Jacksonville, Fla, Dec. 25, 1877. With the complements of the Season, I am most respectfully yours, F.E. Spinner - Mr. N.A. Frost Hanover N.H.” Received with monogrammed spoon, M#19
Patient characteristics (n.a. = not applicable).
No full text<p>Patient characteristics (n.a. = not applicable).</p
Perspectives on safety culture
No full textOverviewing selected elements from the literature, this paper locates the notion of safety culture within its parent concept of organisational culture. A distinction is drawn between functionalist and interpretive perspectives on organisational culture. The terms ‘culture’ and ‘climate’ are clarified as they are typically applied to organisations and to safety. A contrast is drawn between strategic top down and data-driven bottom up approaches to human factors as an illustrative aspect of safety. A safety case study is used to illustrate two measurement approaches. Key issues for future study include valid measurement of safety culture and developing methods to adequately represent mechanisms through which safety culture might influence, and be influenced by, other safety factors
Comparing verbal media for alarm handling: Speech versus textual displays
No full textThe rise of computers in command and control domains has meant that control operations can be performed via desk-based visual display terminals. This trend has also produced the potential to display information to operators in a variety of formats. Of particular interest has been the use of text-based displays for alarm presentation. There are possible limitations to the use of text for alarm presentation, not least of which is the need for a dedicated alarms display screen (or, at least, a display page). Given the capability of computers to synthesize speech, it is possible that speech-based alarms could generate the same information as text-based displays without the need for dedicated screen space. In this paper an experimental comparison of speech-based and text-based displays for presentation of alarms is reported. The findings show that speech leads to longer response times than text displays, but that it has minimal effect on the efficacy of fault handling. The results are discussed within the alarm initiated activities framework and implications for alarm system design are outlined
International encyclopedia of ergonomics and human factors. Volume I
No full textContents• General Ergonomics • Human Characteristics • Performance Related Factors • Information Presentation and Communication • Display and Control Design • Workplace and Equipment Design • Environment. System Characteristics• Work Design and Organization• Health and Safety• Social and Economic Impact of the System• Methods and Techniques• Outstanding Human Factors and Ergonomics Professionals<br/
Developing and validating theory in ergonomics science
No full textThis Article does not have an abstract
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