IB Design Technology CORE T1-6: Human Factors

Questions and Answers

Define the term 'Human Factors'.

The combination of ergonomics and anthropometrics.

What are the aims of Human Factors?

To reduce stress and fatigue, increase safety, ease of use, enhance comfort, and improve system performance.

What is Ergonomics?

The application of scientific information concerning the relationship of human beings to the design of objects, systems, and environments.

What do we mean by the term physical ergonomics? Give an example.

Physical ergonomics deals with posture, worksite development, material handling, and includes examples like repetitive stress injuries. Signup and view all the answers

What do we mean by the term cognitive ergonomics? Give an example.

Cognitive ergonomics is concerned with mental processes like perception and memory in system interactions. An example could be user interface design. Signup and view all the answers

What do we mean by the term organizational ergonomics? Give an example.

Organizational ergonomics includes communication, work design, teamwork, and an example is crew resource management. Signup and view all the answers

What is Anthropometric data?

Anthropometric data includes body measurements and is sub-classified into static and dynamic data. Signup and view all the answers

What is Structural Anthropometric data?

Static Data refers to measurements taken while the subject is in a fixed or standard position. Signup and view all the answers

What is Functional Anthropometric data?

Dynamic Data refers to measurements taken during physical activities. Signup and view all the answers

What tools can be used to collect Anthropometric Data?

Tools include Sliding Callipers, Cloth Tape, Sitting height meters, and Stadiometer. Signup and view all the answers

What are percentiles in anthropometric data?

Percentiles indicate whether a measurement relates to the average person or someone above or below average. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Human Factors and Ergonomics

Design must prioritize human-centered approaches to ensure product comfort and usability.
Anthropometric data provides essential measurements for various human sizes and shapes across different age groups.
Understanding user interaction with products includes awareness of potential use and misuse.
Anthropometric data can vary significantly between populations, impacting industries like fashion regarding sizing.
Human Factors: The intersection of ergonomics and anthropometrics aimed at improving user-product interaction.

Aims of Human Factors

Reduce user stress and fatigue, leading to faster and safer task completion with fewer mistakes.
Enhance overall safety in product and work system design.
Improve ease of use and operational comfort for users.
Boost system performance, reliability, and ease of maintenance.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics applies scientific knowledge to optimize the design of objects, systems, and environments based on human interactions.

Physical Ergonomics

Focuses on work-related aspects such as posture, workspace layout, materials handling, and prevention of repetitive stress injuries.
Example: Designing workstations to minimize strain and enhance comfort during use.

Cognitive Ergonomics

Explores mental processes (perception, memory, reasoning) related to human interactions with systems.
Example: Designing software interfaces that are intuitive and enhance user memory recall.

Organizational Ergonomics

Addresses the integration of communication, work design, and management strategies in workplace settings.
Example: Optimizing team dynamics through effective crew resource management and flexible work hours.

Anthropometric Data

Classified into Static Data and Dynamic Data.

Structural Anthropometric Data

Static Data involves measurements taken while a subject is in a fixed position, such as height or arm length.
Easier to collect as subjects do not need to move.

Functional Anthropometric Data

Dynamic Data represents measurements obtained during physical activities, such as reaching or crawling.
More useful for understanding practical interactions despite potentially lower reliability compared to static data.

Tools for Collecting Anthropometric Data

Common tools include Sliding Callipers, Cloth Tape, Sitting Height Meters, and Stadiometers.

Percentiles in Anthropometric Data

Percentiles are used in anthropometric tables to compare individual measurements against average dimensions.
Essential for designing adaptable and adjustable products to cater to diverse markets and user needs.
Ability to interpret percentile tables is crucial for calculating product dimensions effectively.

Description

Explore the crucial aspect of Human Factors and Ergonomics in IB Design Technology. This quiz focuses on Anthropometrics, emphasizing the importance of designing products that accommodate the measurements of users of all ages and sizes. Understand how user interactions influence product design for comfort and usability.