Human Factors Issues Chapter 8 What is Human

  • Slides: 21
Download presentation
Human Factors Issues Chapter 8

Human Factors Issues Chapter 8

What is Human Factors? n Application of the scientific knowledge of human capabilities and

What is Human Factors? n Application of the scientific knowledge of human capabilities and limitations to the design of systems and equipment to produce products with the most efficient, safe, effective, and reliable operation

Human Factors n n Interface points Environment Skill level of user Interaction between: n

Human Factors n n Interface points Environment Skill level of user Interaction between: n n n Human element Hardware element Software element Refrigerator Example

Human Element n Memory n n n n Long term Short term Thinking and

Human Element n Memory n n n n Long term Short term Thinking and reasoning Visual perception Dialogue construction Individual skill level Individual sophistication

Size limitations Possible user training Location of controls Compatibility with other equipment Hardware Element

Size limitations Possible user training Location of controls Compatibility with other equipment Hardware Element Control knobs/switches Display area Potential need for portability

Simple, reliable data entry Displays must not be overcrowded Software Element Feedback to users

Simple, reliable data entry Displays must not be overcrowded Software Element Feedback to users Dialogue must be jargon-free Menu driven

Human Factors Process n n n Analytic process that focuses on device objectives Design

Human Factors Process n n n Analytic process that focuses on device objectives Design and development process that converts results of analyses into detailed equipment features Test and evaluation process which verifies that development process satisfies constraints

Steps in Human Factors Process n n n Planning Analysis Conduct user studies n

Steps in Human Factors Process n n n Planning Analysis Conduct user studies n n n n Observations Interviews Focus groups Task analysis Benchmark usability tests User profile Setup advisory panel Crucial Pieces of Human Factors Process

Safety n n Should reflect system and personnel safety factors Failures n n n

Safety n n Should reflect system and personnel safety factors Failures n n n Fail safe Failure indications Standards- ANSI, AAMI, ISO

Documentation n n Written to meet needs of various target populations Study capability and

Documentation n n Written to meet needs of various target populations Study capability and information needs of documentation users n n Attempt to avoid this! n Mental abilities Physical abilities Previous experience Understanding of general operation Special needs of environment

Anthropometry n n n Science of measuring human body and its parts and functional

Anthropometry n n n Science of measuring human body and its parts and functional capacities Range of values: 5 th percentile female to 95 th percentile male Functional dimensions Psychological elements Workstation design considerations

Labeling n n Labels should be clear and direct Controls, displays, and other equipment

Labeling n n Labels should be clear and direct Controls, displays, and other equipment that must be located should be clearly marked Receptacles and connectors should be marked with intended function or connection Hazard warnings should be prominent

Labeling?

Labeling?

Software n n n Every user input should consistently produce some perceptible response from

Software n n n Every user input should consistently produce some perceptible response from the computer Log-on should be automatically completed before any operation Allow for orderly shutdown in case of failure

Data Entry n n Consistent data entry transactions Minimize user input actions Feedback to

Data Entry n n Consistent data entry transactions Minimize user input actions Feedback to user about acceptance or rejection of an entry Ability to change entry after it has been added

Feedback n n n Present status, information, confirmation, and verification throughout the interaction Standby

Feedback n n n Present status, information, confirmation, and verification throughout the interaction Standby should be accompanied by ‘WAIT’ message Feedback should be self-explanatory

Prompts n n Commands, error messages, system capabilities, and procedures should be explained with

Prompts n n Commands, error messages, system capabilities, and procedures should be explained with prompts or help instructions Missing data/aborting changes should be prompted Factual and informative dialogue Displayed in standardized area

Defaults n n n Currently defined default values should be provides and automatically displayed

Defaults n n n Currently defined default values should be provides and automatically displayed User should be prompted for acceptance of defaults Users should be able to set their own default