scholarly journals Do we really know our users? A scientific approach to defining user groups for human factors studies

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 139-143
Author(s):  
Mary Beth Privitera
Keyword(s):  
Human Factors ◽  
User Group ◽  
User Characteristics ◽  
Methodical Approach ◽  
Scientific Approach ◽  
User Groups ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Use Behavior ◽  
Industry Experience ◽  
Formative Testing

The aim of this paper is to share experiences in answering the most basic of questions, fundamental to human factors studies, who are our users? In social science and human factors literature, the bounding of user groups and the delineation of user characteristics are the key to successful research. Utilizing this information coupled with industry experience, a scientific approach to fully describing and justifying user groups is communicated. The process begins with determining individual capabilities such as demographics as well as perceptual, cognitive and physical capabilities of an individual user. Then considering the conditions that may impact the individual capabilities. Finally, considering the dynamic influencers such as beliefs, attitudes, opinions, emotions, unique situations and events, which can further impact use behavior. Taking this methodical approach throughout the design process, starting with the formative testing thus provides further justification for user group determination. This diligent approach towards determining user groups is paramount to a successful human factors validation study and fundamental to a robust HFE process.

Process Mining to Analyze the Behaviour of Specific Users

2011 ◽  
pp. 1589-1597
Author(s):  
Laura Maruster
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Fast Diffusion ◽  
User Group ◽  
User Characteristics ◽  
Web Based ◽  
User Behaviour ◽  
Web Navigation ◽  
Navigational Patterns ◽  
User Groups ◽  
Low Performance

As the on-line services and Web-based information systems proliferate in many domains of activities, it has become increasingly important to model user behaviour and personalization, so that these systems will appropriately address user characteristics. In this sense, particular topics are addressed by research in humancomputer interaction (HCI), such as the discovering of user behaviour or navigation styles (Balajinath & Raghavan, 2001; Herder & Juvina, 2005; Juvina & Herder, 2005b; Mensalvas et al., 2003; Obendorf, et al., 2007), developing metrics involved in modelling and assessing web navigation (Herder, 2002; McEneany, 2001; Spiliopoulou & Pohle, 2001), and cognitive models for improving the redesign of information systems (Bollini, 2003; Ernst & Story, 2005; Juvina & Herder, 2005a; Juvina et al., 2005b; Lee & Lee, 2003). Various methods have been developed to model web navigation in case of generic users (Eirinaki &Vazirgiannis, 2003). The existence of systems and/or interfaces neglecting specific user groups results into low performance of these systems, which requires further redesign. By investigating navigational patterns of specific user groups, and combining with their specific characteristics, the (re)design of the systems can be made more effectively. In this chapter, farmers have been considered as a specific user group. However, the methodology discussed in this chapter can be used also in case of other specific user groups. Focusing on farmers as a specific IT user group, becomes an important research issue (Thysen, 2000). Farmers show a low rate of management software adoption (Alvarez & Nuthall, 2006). Different projects have been initiated to support farmers, to pursue their decision-making activities with the aid of Information Systems (see Fountas, Wulfsohn, Blackmore, Jacobsen, & Pederson, 2006; US North Central Research in Farm Information Systems, 2000). Kuhlmann & Brodersen (2001) and Hayman (2003) express their pessimism about the fast diffusion of complex information technology tools and decision support systems (DSS) among farmers. Various studies aimed to find factors that hamper adoption of DSSs in agriculture (Faber, Jorna, Van Haren, & Maruster, 2007; Kerr, 2004; Kuhlmann & Brodersen, 2001). Alvarez & Nuthall (2006) conclude that “software developers must work with farmers, both in design, and training and support, and the system must be configurable to suit a range of farmer characteristics”. Therefore, there seems to be a real need to personalize these systems, such that they address farmers’ characteristics. Personalization of website design that supports DSS systems, to incorporate user characteristics, enhances effectiveness and usage of these systems. “The goal of personalization is to provide users with what they want or need without requiring them to ask for it explicitly” (Mulvenna, Anand, & Buchner, 2000). The enhancement of website effectiveness is especially relevant in case a website offers access to underlying systems that aim to provide support and advice to its users. For instance, Jensen (2001) analyzed the usage of a web-based information system for variety selection in field crops. He compared four user groups by constructing measures based on logged information. This analysis reveals interesting similarities and differences in behaviour concerning the four groups. However, no insights could be given about the most typical sequence of behaviour/navigation patterns, such that it could support the redesign of the system.

scholarly journals Leveraging human factors in cybersecurity: an integrated methodological approach

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Pollini ◽  
Tiziana C. Callari ◽  
Alessandra Tedeschi ◽  
Daniele Ruscio ◽  
Luca Save ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Factors ◽  
Cyber Security ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Security Culture ◽  
Technological Factors ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Technical Solutions

AbstractComputer and Information Security (CIS) is usually approached adopting a technology-centric viewpoint, where the human components of sociotechnical systems are generally considered as their weakest part, with little consideration for the end users’ cognitive characteristics, needs and motivations. This paper presents a holistic/Human Factors (HF) approach, where the individual, organisational and technological factors are investigated in pilot healthcare organisations to show how HF vulnerabilities may impact on cybersecurity risks. An overview of current challenges in relation to cybersecurity is first provided, followed by the presentation of an integrated top–down and bottom–up methodology using qualitative and quantitative research methods to assess the level of maturity of the pilot organisations with respect to their capability to face and tackle cyber threats and attacks. This approach adopts a user-centred perspective, involving both the organisations’ management and employees, The results show that a better cyber-security culture does not always correspond with more rule compliant behaviour. In addition, conflicts among cybersecurity rules and procedures may trigger human vulnerabilities. In conclusion, the integration of traditional technical solutions with guidelines to enhance CIS systems by leveraging HF in cybersecurity may lead to the adoption of non-technical countermeasures (such as user awareness) for a comprehensive and holistic way to manage cyber security in organisations.

A Case Study Demonstrating the Utility of Surveillance Video in Assessing Gait Dynamics and Behavior During a Slip and Fall

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 550-554
Author(s):  
Leah S. Hartman ◽  
Stephanie A. Whetsel Borzendowski ◽  
Alan O. Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Human Factors ◽  
Gait Pattern ◽  
Personal Injury ◽  
Objective Data ◽  
Surveillance Video ◽  
Gait Dynamics ◽  
Fall Incident ◽  
The Individual ◽  
And Behavior

As the use of surveillance video at commercial properties becomes more prevalent, it is more likely an incident involving a personal injury will be captured on film. This provides a unique opportunity for Human Factors practitioners involved in forensic investigations to analyze the behavior of the individual prior to, during, and after the event in question. It also provides an opportunity to gather unique and objective data. The present work describes a case study of a slip and fall where surveillance video and onsite measurements were combined and analyzed to quantify a plaintiff’s gait pattern. Using this type of analysis, we were able to determine that the plaintiff was likely aware that the floor was slippery and adjusted her gait and behavior prior to the slip and fall incident.

American National Standard for Human Factors Engineering of Visual Display Terminal Workstations: A Report to the Society

1985 ◽  
Vol 29 (10) ◽  
pp. 987-987 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gene Lynch
Keyword(s):  
Human Factors ◽  
Text Processing ◽  
Data Entry ◽  
Visual Display ◽  
Measurement Methods ◽  
National Standards ◽  
National Standard ◽  
Human Factors Engineering ◽  
Visual Display Terminal ◽  
The Individual

The American National Standard for Human Factors Engineering of Visual Display Terminal Workstations, the first standard sponsored by the Human Factors Society, is in the final stages of acceptance as an American National Standard. This standard addresses the physical and perceptual aspects of the visual display terminal workstation as used in text processing, data entry, and data inquiry. Standards take on many different forms and fill a variety of needs. Basically a standard provides a reference. Some standards are written so that two systems may be designed to complement each other or fit together. Lightbulbs and fixtures designed to the same standard will work together. In the case of human factors standards one half of the system is already designed, the human. The variety of the design of this part of the system requires that human factors standards identify the parameters to be considered and the corresponding measurement methods needed to insure that the equipment is designed to fit the individual human. A good solution needs to be based on the particular set of circumstances at hand. The voluntary standards method, known as the American National Standards, provides a vehicle for specifying the appropriate parameters and measurement methods while incorporating the necessary flexibility required to insure good designs for individuals. The purpose of this panel session is to provide the society with an interactive session with representatives of the standards drafting committee. A brief history of the committee and its activities will be presented. The panelists will then describe the approach taken in each of the major sections, the mandatory requirements, and the elements the panelists consider to be of particular interest

scholarly journals Infrastructural and Human Factors Affecting Safety Outcomes of Cyclists

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergio Useche ◽  
Luis Montoro ◽  
Francisco Alonso ◽  
Oscar Oviedo-Trespalacios
Keyword(s):  
Human Factors ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
User Characteristics ◽  
Severe Injuries ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Road Crashes ◽  
Safety Outcomes

The increasing number of registered road crashes involving cyclists during the last decade and the high proportion of road crashes resulting in severe injuries and fatalities among cyclists constitutes a global issue for community health, urban development and sustainability. Nowadays, the incidence of many risk factors for road crashes of cyclists remains largely unexplained. Given the importance of this issue, the present study has been conducted with the aim of determining relationships between infrastructural, human factors and safety outcomes of cyclists. Objectives: This study aimed, first, to examine the relationship between key infrastructural and human factors present in cycling, bicycle-user characteristics and their self-reported experience with road crashes. And second, to determine whether a set of key infrastructural and human factors may predict their self-reported road crashes. Methods: For this cross-sectional study, a total of 1064 cyclists (38.8% women, 61.2% men; M = 32.8 years of age) from 20 different countries across Europe, South America and North America, participated in an online survey composed of four sections: demographic data and cycling-related factors, human factors, perceptions on infrastructural factors and road crashes suffered. Results: The results of this study showed significant associations between human factors, infrastructural conditions and self-reported road crashes. Also, a logistic regression model found that self-reported road crashes of cyclists could be predicted through variables such as age, riding intensity, risky behaviours and problematic user/infrastructure interactions. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that self-reported road crashes of cyclists are influenced by features related to the user and their interaction with infrastructural characteristics of the road.

scholarly journals Biomechanics and the wheelchair

1991 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. A. McLaurin ◽  
C. E. Brubaker
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Rolling Resistance ◽  
Metabolic Cost ◽  
Power Input ◽  
User Preferences ◽  
User Characteristics ◽  
Wheelchair User ◽  
Wind Resistance ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Source Of Information

Wheelchair biomechanics involves the study of how a wheelchair user imparts power to the wheels to achieve mobility. Because a wheelchair can coast, power input need not be continuous, but each power strike can be followed by a period of recovery, with the stroking frequency depending on user preferences and the coasting characteristics of the wheelchair. The latter is described in terms of rolling resistance, wind resistance and the slope of the surface. From these three factors the power required to propel the wheelchair is determined, and must be matched by the power output of the user. The efficiency of propulsion is the ratio of this power output to the metabolic cost and is typically in the order of 5% in normal use. The features required in a wheelchair depend upon user characteristics and intended activities. The ideal wheelchair for an individual will have the features that closely match these characteristics and activities. Thus prescription is not just choosing a wheelchair, but choosing the components of the wheelchair that best serve the intended purpose. In this paper, each component is examined for available options and how these options effect the performance of the wheelchair for the individual. The components include wheels, tyres, castors, frames, bearings, materials, construction details, seats, backrests, armrests, foot and legrests, headrests, wheel locks, running brakes, handrims, levers, accessories, adjustments and detachable parts. Each component is considered in relation to performance characteristics including rolling resistance, versatility, weight, comfort, stability, maneouvrability, transfer, stowage, durability and maintenance. Where they exist, wheelchair standards are referred to as a source of information regarding these characteristics.

The Water Gap Risk Index – a novel approach for spatially distributed and sector-specific water scarcity risk calculations in urbanized catchments

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehmet Umit Taner ◽  
Dimmie Hendiriks ◽  
Lieke Huesken ◽  
Niels Mulder ◽  
Diana Morales Irato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Scarcity ◽  
Water Demand ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Variability ◽  
The Novel ◽  
User Group ◽  
User Groups ◽  
Urban Catchments ◽  
Gap Risk ◽  
The Impact

<p>An increasing number of mega-cities, such as Cape Town, Lima, and São Paulo, are confronted with increasing droughts as well as an increase in water demand. Inevitably, this leads to increasing pressure on the available water resources and associated risks and economic impact for the water-dependent sectors (eg. drinking water supply, industry, energy production, agriculture, nature) and different user groups within the sectors (eg. low, middle- and high-income households, self-subsistence farmers, large farms). To address these problems and to develop targeted mitigation strategies, risk analyses are required that quantify the impact of water scarcity on the various sectors and users-groups in different parts of the catchment.</p><p>Here, we present the Water Gap Risk Index (WGRI) that quantifies water scarcity and its impacts on a variety of economic sectors and user groups. The WGRI provides a normalized score to reflect high spatial and temporal variability typical for urban catchments that apply to different settings and problems. Index calculation involves the combination of unmet water demand and its characteristics with socioeconomic aspects related to vulnerability and exposure. The Water Gap term quantifies water system performance over a defined time period taking into account the frequency, persistence, and severity of unmet water demand.  Vulnerability metrics provide a score for each sector and user-group separately using context-specific vulnerability indicators of each sector and user-group.</p><p>In the novel WGRI special attention is paid to the vulnerability of different water user-groups, based on their socio-economic status level (expressed in income, consumption, or other indicators) and respective water use. We consider that 1 liter of water does not have the same utility for different user groups, based on the principle of the diminishing marginal utility curve. As a result, the impact of water scarcity and mitigation measures will also play out differently for these different user groups.</p><p>The novel WGRI is being applied in the context of the WaterLOUPE approach[1], to the catchment of Sao Paolo, Lima, and Chennai.</p><p>[1] https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu2020-20505</p>

Aging and Health: A New Relationship

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Health Professions ◽  
User Group ◽  
Neurological Problem ◽  
Aging And Health ◽  
User Groups ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Active Citizen

Old age is not of itself a pure neurological ‘problem’, pathology or statement of need. ‘Older people’ or an ‘aging population’ are not a homogeneous group and categorisation as a distinct service user group is, arguably, contentious. Furthermore, since the advent of personalisation in the UK for, conceptualizing support by user groups is considered by many as obsolete. People do not receive health services by virtue of being ‘older’. Rather they are in need of a service - for example, because of ill health, physical impairment, mental health difficulties, addiction or offending. This article will enable us to consider the implications of the re-figuring of the relationship between the state, older people and health professions and social work. This constructs an ambiguous place for older people: they feature either as a resource - captured in the idea of the ‘active citizen’, as affluent consumers, volunteers or providers of childcare- or as a problem in the context of poverty, vulnerability and risk.

scholarly journals The approaches to developing the distributed information-control systems of organizational type

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 01005
Author(s):  
Victor L. Lyaskovsky ◽  
Igor B. Bresler ◽  
Mihail A. Alasheev
Keyword(s):  
Initial Data ◽  
Control Systems ◽  
Information Control ◽  
Methodological Framework ◽  
Distributed Information ◽  
Organizational Type ◽  
Methodical Approach ◽  
The Individual

The article contains the results of research aimed at developing a scientific and methodological framework for justifying solutions for the development of distributed information-control systems of an organizational type. The structuring of the initial data is made, a formalized statement of the problem of justifying solutions for the development of distributed information-control systems of the organizational type is proposed. To solve this problem, a scientific-methodical approach is proposed, which includes methods for assessing the effectiveness of the solution and the individual indicators.

I ♥ FB

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 46-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom Robinson ◽  
Clark Callahan ◽  
Kristoffer Boyle ◽  
Erica Rivera ◽  
Janice K Cho
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Q Methodology ◽  
Uses And Gratifications ◽  
Online Social Network ◽  
Fourth Quarter ◽  
User Characteristics ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Network Studies

Virtually seductive qualities of identity sharing, content gratification, and ample social atmosphere have made Facebook the most popular social network, boasting 890 million daily users (“Facebook Reports Fourth Quarter,” 2015; Joinson, 2008; Orchard et al., 2014, Reinecke et al., 2014). Online social network studies largely overlook the individual, limiting the understanding of what exactly drives people to use, abuse, even become dependent on sites like Facebook. Based on the theory of uses and gratifications, Q methodology subjectively observes what draws users to Facebook, focusing specifically on Facebook user characteristics. Past studies neglect the existence of three of the four factor groups discovered in this study, making these effectually new discoveries for academia (Alloway, Runac, Quershi, & Kemp, 2014; Cheung, Chieu & Lee, 2011; Sheldon, 2008, Tosun, 2012; Yang & Brown, 2013). These findings increase understanding of online usage, even addiction, and will help cater future social networks to specific users.

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