“Words, Words, Words”

1965 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alphonse Chapanis
Keyword(s):  
Human Factors ◽  
Human Factors Engineering ◽  
Human Engineering ◽  
Engineering Changes ◽  
Machine Systems

The aim of this paper is to call to attention a very large and important area of human factors engineering that is almost entirely neglected. This area consists of the language and the words that are attached to the tools, machines, systems, and operations with which human factors engineers are concerned. Examples, illustrations, and data are cited to show that changes in the words used in man-machine systems may produce greater improvements in performance than human engineering changes in the machine itself. Arguments are made that this province—the language and words of machines—is properly the concern of the human factors engineer, and not of the grammarian, linguist, or the communication theorist. The paper concludes with an outline of some of the kinds of work that needs to be done to fill these important gaps in our knowledge and technology.

Human Factors Engineering Simulation Methodology

1986 ◽  
Vol 30 (13) ◽  
pp. 1306-1310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brett A. Storey
Keyword(s):  
Human Factors ◽  
Dynamic Simulation ◽  
Human Factors Engineering ◽  
Human Engineering ◽  
Simulation Research ◽  
Test And Evaluation ◽  
Simulation Techniques ◽  
Simulation Evaluation ◽  
Evaluation Techniques ◽  
Intended Use

This report describes a methodology of simulation research which is designed to accomplish requirements of a human factors engineering simulation, plan. This approach, accompanied by detailed test plans and schedules will fulfill the data item DI-H-7052 (Human Engineering Dynamic Simulation Plan) for intended use of dynamic simulation techniques in support of human engineering analysis, design support and test and evaluation. This methodology will cover the need for dynamic simulation, evaluation techniques, procedures and guidelines, and the behavioral, subjective and physiological methods recommended for use in human engineering evaluations.

Human Factors Engineering Technology Integration into the Naval Ship Acquisition Process

1977 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 528-531
Author(s):  
Thomas B. Malone ◽  
Phillip J. Andrews ◽  
Warren Lewis ◽  
James McGuinness
Keyword(s):  
Human Factors ◽  
Systems Engineering ◽  
Human Factors Engineering ◽  
Training Design ◽  
Design Work ◽  
Acquisition Process ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Test And Evaluation ◽  
Surface Ship ◽  
Machine Systems

A Navy surface ship represents one of the most complex man-machine systems in existence today. Performance capabilities of personnel required in the propulsion systems, weapon systems, command-control systems, operations systems, supply systems and auxiliary systems should demand that human factors engineering (HFE) receive primary consideration in the design of ships. And yet there is no formal HFE program for ship acquisition. HFE responsibilities are not integrated with each other or with ship systems engineering efforts. There is little or no standardization of HFE methods and data beyond that provided in the design work study approach. Finally, HFE has no formal status within the ship acquisition process. The Navy Sea Systems Command recently moved to correct these problems in implementation of HFE for ships. A ship HFE technology program has been established which has as its primary objectives the integration of available applicable HFE techniques, methods, principles and data into the ship acquisition process. The effort to integrate HFE technology into the ship acquisition process began with a definition of the process itself, with emphasis on the specific events and milestones within the process. The next step entailed identification of HFE requirements appropriate for each event. HFE requirements were described in terms of activities to be completed and products to be provided to the ship design effort. HFE requirements were developed for five major functional areas: manning and training, design for operability, design for maintainability, design for habitability, and test and evaluation. After identification of HFE requirements in each of these areas, determinations were made of the degree to which available HFE technologies were appropriate to satisfy the requirements. HFE technologies consisted of HFE principles, data, methods and techniques which have been reported in the HFE literature. These technology assessments represented the best estimates of the research team concerning the applicability of available technologies for specific HFE requirements.

Anthropometry as a Variable in Human Factors Engineering

1976 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 131-135
Author(s):  
Robert M. White
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Human Factors ◽  
Human Body ◽  
Human Factors Engineering ◽  
Diverse Populations ◽  
Human Engineering ◽  
Anthropometric Data ◽  
Body Dimensions

In the efficient human engineering of man/equipment systems, information on the range of variability in human body size and proportions is of basic importance. Such information is to be found in anthropometric data. The anthropometric data to be utilized, however, should be that on the population for which the equipment is intended. Anthropometric data on four representative body dimensions are presented and discussed to illustrate the range of variability to be found in diverse populations.

Design of Multi-Function Fashion Chair Based on Human Factors Engineering

2016 ◽  
Vol 851 ◽  
pp. 884-887
Author(s):  
Xing Yu Li ◽  
Li Li Liu
Keyword(s):  
Human Factors ◽  
Economic Reform ◽  
National Economy ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Living Standard ◽  
Human Factors Engineering ◽  
Human Engineering ◽  
Engineering Research ◽  
Existing Problems ◽  
Starting Point

Based on the current status of the development of the chair on the market, taking human engineering research as the starting point of design, existing defects and problems of existing chairs as a starting point, so as to design a multifunctional fashion chair. It not only has the function of chairs, but also increases the function of modern subsidiary, make it better and more convenient to be used by modern people. So which not only improves the comfort of the chair and more humane. Chinese Economic Reform, china's national economy has been developing fast, people's living standard has been gradually improved. Now people are longing for a better life, this is also evident in the choice of daily furniture and requirements. In this paper, the existing problems in the use of chairs are investigated and analyzed. We redesign chairs with the concept of practicability and functionality, research the structure of the chair to expand the function of chairs. When it is placed in the home or office, it will has lots of application and is easy to be used.

Shipboard Evaluation of Motion Sickness Incidence and Human Engineering Problems

1988 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 50-65
Author(s):  
A C Bittner ◽  
J.C. Guignard
Keyword(s):  
Human Factors ◽  
Motion Sickness ◽  
Vertical Component ◽  
Coast Guard ◽  
Human Factors Engineering ◽  
Human Engineering ◽  
Enlisted Personnel ◽  
Related Data ◽  
General Utility ◽  
Carry Over

Seakeeping trials of a United States Coast Guard (USCG) cutter in March 1984 included a human factors engineering (HFE) evaluation having particular regard to problems of seasickness in certain work stations. Some motion sickness incidence and related data, and the derivation of human factors engineering principles from such data were reported by Bittner & Guignard in 1985: and some findings supporting the general utility of using magnitude estimation of motion sickness for operational comparisons were presented later (Bittner & Guignard, 1986). The present communication documents the previously unreported seasickness and related data from those trials; and the implications of the data for the planning of future seakeeping trials. It also reviews the general conclusions of the shipboard HFE evaluations. The subjects were 16 male USCG officers and enlisted personnel assigned to duties in mission-critical workspaces, to whom two questionnaires were administered systematically: namely, Motion Sickness Symptoms and Prewatch Status. The latter instrument evaluated intervening variables including sleep and use of medication. Analyses including correlation of questionnaire and ship motion data led to the following conclusions: (1) Contrary to traditional assumptions, seasickness is characterized by at least two functionally independent factors, identified as F1 (symptomatic General Motion Illness) and F2 (Retching-Vomiting). (2) Both factors showed declines across days as well as similar carry-over and location effects within days. However, F1 reflected persistent individual differences and was strongly associated with the vertical component of the ship's motion; while F2 was transitory and associated with large transverse relative to vertical components of motion. (3) The results support previously published human factors engineering principles for minimizing seasickness incidence (Bittner & Guignard, 1985) (4) Validity of future sea trials requires (a) multiple-score scaling of motion sickness (eg, using F1 and F2); (b) control of subject crew movements about the ship during periods of observation; and (c) avoidance of steaming patterns that induce extraneous carry-over effects.

Function Modeling Applied to Human Factors Engineering Productivity Improvement

1987 ◽  
Vol 31 (7) ◽  
pp. 741-745
Author(s):  
Gary Kress ◽  
Richard P. Kaplan
Keyword(s):  
Human Factors ◽  
System Analysis ◽  
Human Factors Engineering ◽  
Human Engineering ◽  
Productivity Improvement ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Modeling Methodology ◽  
Group A ◽  
Project Deliverables ◽  
Technical Functions

A function modeling methodology was used to analyze and graphically describe the activities and work products of an industrial Human Factors Engineering (HFE) group. A model was constructed representing the HFE functions and describing the information that interrelates them. Data was collected to estimate the amount of staff effort devoted to each of the functions. The model: (a) identifies where actual practice departs from desired practice; (b) pinpoints where and how critical project deliverables are generated, (c) provides the basis for a standardized approach to the conduct of HFE; and (d) serves as a training vehicle for new staff members. The results of the data collection showed that 83% of HFE activities are devoted directly to performing technical functions. These efforts reflect a “classical” Human Engineering approach which emphasizes human-machine system analysis, design and evaluation. Less staff effort is devoted to the larger Human Factors domain which is concerned, per se, with personnel subsystem issues.

Human Factors Verification and Validation: Tecnatom’s Experience

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Trueba Alonso ◽  
Lui´s Ferna´ndez Illobre ◽  
Alfonso Jime´nez Ferna´ndez-Sesma ◽  
Fernando Ortega Pascual
Keyword(s):  
Human Factors ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Integrated System ◽  
Verification And Validation ◽  
Regulatory Body ◽  
Human Factors Engineering ◽  
Human Engineering ◽  
Task Support ◽  
Methodological Aspects

Tecnatom has been performing Human Factors Engineering Verification and Validation (HFE V&V) from the mid-eighties. This activity started as one of the various activities of the post TMI requirements followed also in Spain: performing detailed Control Room Design Reviews (DCRDRs). All the existing Spanish Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) were reviewed to identify Human Engineering Discrepancies (HEDs). DCRDRs were completed by the mid-nineties, and the following V&V activities have been related to new designs and plant modifications as part of the activities described in the Human Factors Program Review Model (HFE PRM), included in NUREG-0711 since 1994. The NRC recommends following the HFE PRM or an acceptable alternative method in the case of the HFE activities and the Spanish Regulatory Body (CSN) recommend the same approach for new designs, design modifications and even for conventional plants. The activities embedded in a HFE V&V process are Task Support Verification (TSV), HFE Design Verification (HFE DV) using NUREG-0700 HFE Guidelines, and Integrated System Validation (ISV), with the execution of performance based tests, mainly in simulator facilities. This paper describes some of the experience of Tecnatom during the past years regarding the execution of these V&V activities previously mentioned, and in relation to the applicability and methodological aspects of each of these activities. Methodological aspects regarding TSV are related to its execution when there is a no Task Analysis to use. Methodological aspects regarding the HFE DV are related to the type of HSI to verify (small or large), its development status (paper design or implemented), the selection and translation of applicable HFE guidelines, and the HED preparation. Methodological aspects regarding the ISV are related to the necessary crews, training, number of scenarios, issues to test, data collection and performance measures. The experience is mainly related to Tecnatom’s work is Spanish NPP like Jose´ Cabrera, Almaraz and Vandello´s and in the case of foreign plants Beznau and an advanced NPP in Taiwan amongst others.

Human Factors Support of Nasa's Safety Directorate on the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF) Kennedy Space Center, FL

1992 ◽  
Vol 36 (13) ◽  
pp. 945-949
Author(s):  
H. Greig Lindner
Keyword(s):  
Human Factors ◽  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Human Factors Engineering ◽  
Human Engineering ◽  
Kennedy Space Center ◽  
Processing Facility ◽  
Kennedy Space

A Human Factors Engineering (HFE) pilot project was undertaken by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF) at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida in 1991. It is to demonstrate the use of Human Factors in supporting the role of NASA Safety in achieving their objective of reducing the causes of accidents by helping to eliminate error producing situations. The initial phase of this endeavor consisted of a review of the design drawings for the SSPF, identifying all human factors concerns with special emphases on those which affected personnel safety, operational efficiency and hazards which might produce damage to expensive payloads. Where drawings did not completely disclose the characteristics of the intended operations, other facilities at the Kennedy Space Center were visited to obtain “Lessons Learned” insights that could be applied to the drawing critique. As Human Factors concerns and/or Safety issues were identified, they were discussed with the appropriate engineering personnel to effect a workable solution. During the lecture presentation, examples of identified HF & Safety deficiencies will be presented by the use of drawings, photographs in viewgraph form and a video of an accident to the Magellan Spacecraft. Discussion of the findings of the Magellan Spacecraft Mishap Review Board will elaborate on their conclusion that the lack of Human Factors Engineering was a major Contributor to this incident. A video segment showing an advanced and innovative Human Factors (HF) modeling technique will graphically demonstrate the potential application of conducting Human Engineering (HE) evaluations in conjunction with Engineering Prototyping in a Computer Aided Design (CAD) environment.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document