Showing papers in "Ergonomics in Design in 2014"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe different forms of cross-disciplinary research, with a particular focus on the notion of transdisciplinary research and the concept of hedonomic design, and unite these ideas to illustrate how they provide a set of complementary concepts that can guide HF/E sustainability research.
Abstract: The impact of climate change should be a key concern of those in the human factors/ergonomics (HF/E) discipline. Our specialized knowledge and expertise can be applied toward mitigating the effects of climate change. In this article, we unite two perspectives to illustrate how HF/E can more productively contribute to the research and practice of sustainability. First, we describe differing forms of cross-disciplinary research, with a particular focus on the notion of transdisciplinary research and the concept of hedonomic design. Second, we unite these ideas to illustrate how they provide a set of complementary concepts that can guide HF/E sustainability research.
19 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the individual and organizational outcomes associated with a move from traditional buildings to three green buildings were explored and it was found that high-level organizational measures were not notably affected by the move.
Abstract: In this article, we explore the individual and organizational outcomes associated with a move from traditional buildings to three green buildings. Our findings revealed that high-level organizational measures were not notably affected by the move. Changes were, however, seen in physical well-being and perceived environmental comfort. The primary drivers were air quality and lighting. The need to consider human factors/ergonomics in green building design has been recognized by the Green Building Council of South Africa as an industry standard and as the starting point for the development of an interior design rating tool. Longer-term impacts of green buildings on organizationally relevant indicators still need to be established.
11 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide an overview of possible beneficial interactions between the demands stemming from global climate change and the skill set of human factors/ergonomics professionals, and four levels of interaction are distinguished: enterprise level, consumer product level, individual level, and national/international advocacy.
Abstract: This article provides an overview of possible beneficial interactions between the demands stemming from global climate change and the skill set of human factors/ergonomics professionals. Four levels of interaction are distinguished: enterprise level, consumer product level, individual level, and national/international advocacy.
9 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the effect of smart parking systems on parking search times in large parking lots and found that smart parking system can reduce search times by an average of 11 seconds.
Abstract: We conducted this study to investigate the effect of smart parking systems on parking search times in large parking lots. Smart parking systems are systems that provide real-time parking spot availability information to drivers. We used discrete event simulation to model a university parking lot and estimate how much time could be saved without physically implementing a system for experimentation. We found that smart parking systems can reduce search times by an average of 11 s. This shows potential for a multi-lot smart parking system that might save a larger amount of time and reduce harmful vehicle emissions.
7 citations
TL;DR: An explanatory energy model report for a commercial energy-monitoring product that was guided by a task analysis based on user observation, interviews, and designer participation and refined with usability heuristics.
Abstract: Monitoring energy performance can help organizations make better efficiency investment and operational decisions. However, key energy performance indicators can be difficult to interpret because they blend effects of real system changes and statistical model behavior. We designed an explanatory energy model report for a commercial energy-monitoring product. The design was guided by a task analysis based on user observation, interviews, and designer participation. It was refined with usability heuristics, task walk-throughs, and tabletop discussions. Our collaborator is incorporating the design into its next product revision.
7 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used contextual design to develop paper and digital prototypes of a medication management device, which focused on enhancing users' motivation to adhere to medication therapy to promote adherence to medication regimens.
Abstract: Many older adults find that they must manage one or more chronic illnesses entailing multiple medication regimens. These regimens can be daunting, with consequences for medication adherence and health outcomes. To promote adherence to medication regimens, we used contextual design to develop paper and digital prototypes of a medication management device. The design focused on enhancing users’ motivation to adhere to medication therapy. Our design process and outcome suggest that contextual design might serve as an effective data-driven method that can account for the less tangible aspects of work activities, such as motivation.
7 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a selection of the literature on strategies for and challenges to eliciting energy conservation behaviors from residential and commercial building inhabitants is reviewed, highlighting visceral influences as one challenge in particular that has been neglected.
Abstract: This article reviews a selection of the literature on strategies for and challenges to eliciting energy conservation behaviors from residential and commercial building inhabitants. We highlight visceral influences as one challenge in particular that has been neglected. We argue that feedback design opportunities are underexploited by designers of energy-consuming devices. To help address this problem, we identify and demonstrate feedback design heuristics that human factors/ergonomics practitioners can employ.
7 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the way customizable, networked lighting controls are actually used in a recently built research facility that received a formal designation for sustainable design (LEED Gold).
Abstract: The availability of adjustable lighting controls, with options other than “on” and “off,” have been associated with increased energy savings. In the present study, we describe the way customizable, networked lighting controls are actually used in a recently built research facility that received a formal designation for sustainable design (LEED Gold). In addition to usage patterns, we explored occupants’ knowledge of control operation as well as the expectancies of nonoccupants. We also identified a variety of features that, if redesigned in accordance with HF/E principles, might lead to reduced lighting usage.
7 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the actual and perceived barriers to utility (transportation) cycling and the effective means to reduce these barriers, and propose a method for reducing these barriers.
Abstract: Increased use of bicycles and other human-powered cycles for transportation is one way to slow climate change while providing health and economic benefits. HF/E professionals can make valuable contributions to this effort through research on actual and perceived barriers to utility (transportation) cycling and on effective means to reduce these barriers.
5 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that the position and movement of the pelvis in relation to the torso is a reasonable and important indicator of spinal posture.
Abstract: Observing seated posture is important for ergonomic assessment; proper chair fit and chair adjustment should be considered for the entire context of work demands. Recommending only one seated posture presumes that all seated work has a similar location of visual targets, shoulder reach distances, and support surfaces. The nature of work tasks may influence posture more than does chair adjustment, and field observation of sitting should focus specifically on lumbar spine posture when work may cause forward movement of the torso. I suggest that the position and movement of the pelvis in relation to the torso is a reasonable and important indicator of spinal posture.
4 citations
TL;DR: It is found that participants were able to discern differences in 3-D quality and comfort on laptop computer displays in realistic viewing conditions within a short period.
Abstract: As 3-D content migrates to the laptop, it is important to understand if customers can perceive quality differences between the 3-D technologies and to know if they feel any discomfort with close-up viewing of 3-D displays. In this study, we compared the quality and viewing comfort of active, passive, and autostereoscopic (glasses-free) 3-D displays. We found that participants were able to discern differences in 3-D quality and comfort on laptop computer displays in realistic viewing conditions within a short period. Although the active and passive displays were comparable, the autostereoscopic display was rated lower in quality and viewing comfort.
TL;DR: Two past recipients of HFES’s Oliver Keith Hansen Outreach Award are interviewed, recognizing service and excellence in outreach in HF/E.
Abstract: Past Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) President Eduardo Salas emphasized how important it is for human factors/ergonomics (HF/E) professionals to embrace other disciplines. As members of the HF/E community, we can reach a wider audience and increase awareness of our discipline by collaborating with others who share our vision for improving human–technology interaction. We interviewed two past recipients of HFES’s Oliver Keith Hansen Outreach Award, recognizing service and excellence in outreach in HF/E. Nancy J. Cooke and Ronald G. Shapiro each highlighted areas in which HF/E students and professionals can enhance their outreach efforts through multidisciplinary collaboration.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors illustrate and discuss why hazardous noise should be investigated in this setting and highlight relevant research questions associated with investigating noise in theater environments, such as movie theaters.
Abstract: Hazardous noise in workplaces is a leading cause of preventable hearing loss among American workers. Traditionally, studies of hazardous noise have been conducted in industrial and manufacturing settings. However, there exists a void in research concerning the prevalence of hazardous noise and the means by which HF/E experts can work to mitigate hazardous noise in less commonly researched settings, such as movie theaters. In this paper, I illustrate and discuss why hazardous noise should be investigated in this setting and highlight relevant research questions associated with investigating noise in theater environments.
TL;DR: This article highlights the areas of concern for driving research in the orthopedic community and how they can affect study design.
Abstract: Orthopedic surgeons and other stakeholders need better return-to-driving guidelines for post–orthopedic surgery and trauma patients. The state of the current orthopedic research is in need of better methodology, particularly regarding control over the cognitive domain’s influence on the physical domain. Recommendations need to be based on an individual’s assessment of physical performance rather than the passage of time after surgery. This article highlights the areas of concern for driving research in the orthopedic community and how they can affect study design.
TL;DR: A project supported by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality was conducted to uncover design methods used in other industries that might be extended to the design of consumer health IT applications.
Abstract: Many of the most successful health information technology (IT) applications have made it easier for clinicians to provide high-quality care to patients. However, despite the demonstrated effectiveness of consumer health IT applications to improve health outcomes, their uptake lags. Improved design of consumer health IT applications may enable broader acceptance and increase use. Thus, a project supported by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) was conducted to uncover design methods used in other industries that might be extended to the design of consumer health IT applications. This paper summarizes the findings from that project.
TL;DR: In this paper, three ways in which human factors/ergonomics (HF/E) science is well positioned to contribute: promotion of a systems-approach perspective, development of effective tools for dealing with the problem, and performance of focused behavioral research.
Abstract: Global warming has not been a major focus of human factors/ergonomics (HF/E), but interest in the problem and in the question of what HF/E professionals might have to contribute to its solution or to the mitigation of undesirable effects appears to be growing. Here I note three ways in which HF/E science is well positioned to contribute: promotion of a systems-approach perspective, development of effective tools for dealing with the problem, and performance of focused behavioral research.
TL;DR: The remains of spine-hugging, ergonomically designed seats are found in a special category of meditation monasteries in Sri Lanka, dating between the 8th and 10th centuries CE.
Abstract: Ergonomics, as well as ergonomically designed seats, date from the 1950s in the West. However, remains of spine-hugging, ergonomically designed seats are found in a special category of meditation monasteries in Sri Lanka, dating between the 8th and 10th centuries CE. Located in Sri Lanka’s ancient capital of Anuradhapura, stone remains of these seats fit, as in modern ergonomics design, the curvature of the spine. The divergence of these seats away from earlier examples with a straight back is attributable to an austere Buddhist sect that meditates on physical awareness of the body.
TL;DR: An observational data-collection tool called Work Observer was designed by the Army Research Laboratory and is freely available to the research community.
Abstract: Longitudinal communication data are needed to understand the dynamics, adaptation, and evolution of networks over time, particularly when the mode of interaction is face-to-face communication. Traditional means of collecting communication and interaction data that include questionnaires are often not appropriate for collecting this type of dynamic information. To push the field beyond the analysis of discrete snapshots of interactions and speculation about what occurs between those snapshots, an observational data-collection tool called Work Observer was designed by the Army Research Laboratory and is freely available to the research community.
TL;DR: In this issue’s Research Digest, principles that govern the design of sustainable systems are discussed and human factors/ ergonomics community can play a significant role in solving the problem of climate change.
Abstract: Most individuals do not have an accurate understanding of the words energy or power, making it very difficult for them to engage in environmentally friendly behaviors. The human factors/ ergonomics community can play a significant role in solving the problem of climate change by helping to design energy feedback systems that enable people to be active participants in the management of energy consumption (e.g., Moray, 1993; Sellers & Fiore, 2013). In this issue’s Research Digest, principles that govern the design of sustainable systems are discussed (Taylor-Brown & Hannon, 2012; Trinh & Jamieson, 2014).
TL;DR: SA is differentiated from human performance and the relevance of the construct in the design of automated systems and operator training is discussed.
Abstract: Is SA a viable construct? Yes, it is. For example, Parasuraman, Sheridan, and Wickens (2008) described SA as a “continuous diagnosis of the state of the dynamic world” (p. 144) that can be assessed using objective, physiological, and subjective measures and that has a strong empirical foundation. They differentiate SA from human performance and discuss the relevance of the construct in the design of automated systems and operator training.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present an instrument to assist human factors/ergonomics (HF/E) auditing of a locomotive remote control device, which can help to ensure that organizational and operator needs are taken into consideration, relevant HF/E principles are followed and future audits for similar devices are streamlined.
Abstract: Conducting a complete human factors/ergonomics (HF/E) audit of a unique technological device can be complicated. Designing an instrument to aid HF/E practitioners in this process can help to ensure that organizational and operator needs are taken into consideration, relevant HF/E principles are followed, and future audits for similar devices are streamlined. Our team designed such an instrument to evaluate a locomotive remote control device. We provide illustrations of the process cycle and time requirements for each phase to be used as a planning tool for HF/E practitioners who are faced with a similar challenge.