IB Design Technology Human Factors and Ergonomics PDF

IB Design Technology CORE T1­6 Topic 1 Human Factors and Ergonomics 1.1 Anthropometrics Design is human centred and, therefore, designers need to ensure that the products they design are the right size for the user and therefore comfortabl...

IB Design Technology CORE T1­6 Topic 1 Human Factors and Ergonomics 1.1 Anthropometrics Design is human centred and, therefore, designers need to ensure that the products they design are the right size for the user and therefore comfortable to use. Designers have access to data and drawings, which state measurements of human beings of all ages and sizes. Designers need to consider how users will interact with the product or service. Use and misuse is an important consideration. Anthropometric data sets can vary significantly between populations. Particularly in the fashion industry, the variance in these data sets impacts the size range of clothes for particular markets. Define the term ‘Human Factors’ The term Human Factors is used for the combination of ergonomics and anthropometrics What are the aims of Human Human Factors aims to: Factors? Reduce stress and fatigue on people, as they will be able to do things faster, more easily, more safely and make fewer mistakes (reduce errors) Increase safety Increase ease of use Enhance operational comfort Improve system performance, reliability and maintenance 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 most often deals with the work related subjects of: posture; physical ergonomics? Give an worksite development operating layout; material handling; repetitive stress and example. movement; repetitive stress injuries and musculoskeletal disorders; and occupational safety and health. The aspect of ergonomics that deals with body measurements, particularly those of size, strength and physical capacity. What do we mean by the term Cognitive ergonomics is concerned with mental processes, such as perception, memory, cognitive ergonomics? Give an reasoning, and motor response, as they affect interactions among humans and other example. elements of a system. What do we mean by the term Organizational ergonomics subjects include communication, work design, shift (work organisational ergonomics? Give hours) management, crew resource management, teamwork, virtual organizations, an example. telework, and quality management. What is Anthropometric data? Anthropometric Data is sub-classified as Static Data and Dynamic Data. What is Structural Static Data (also known as Structural data) refers to measurements taken while while Anthropometric data? the subject is in a fixed or standard position, e.g. height, arm length. Static data is much easier to gather, as people are asked to remain still while measurements are taken. What is functional Dynamic Data (also known as Functional data) refers to measurements taken during Anthropometric data? physical activities, e.g. crawling height, overhead reach and a range of upper body movements. Dynamic data involves people carrying out tasks. People carry out tasks in many different ways. While static data is more reliable, dynamic data is often more useful. What tools can be used to collect Sliding Callipers,Cloth Tape, Sitting height meters, Stadiometer Anthropometric Data? Percentiles and percentile ranges Percentiles are shown in anthropometry tables and they tell you whether the measurement given in the tables relates to the 'average' person, or someone who is above or below average in a certain dimension. Page 1 IB Design Technology CORE T1­6 There is a great deal of anthropometric data available. You are expected to be able to: -interpret percentile tables in order to calculate dimensions related to a product and consider how products can be adaptable for different markets or adjustable to cater for most -consider the 5th, 50th and 95th percentiles in particular, and percentile ranges such as 2.5th to 97.5th and 5th to 95th -interpret percentile tables based on different national and international populations, gender and age. What do we mean when we Clearance can be seen as the minimum distance required to, enable the user group into discuss clearance in Human or through an area. This is especially important when designing emergency exits and Factors? safety hatches What do we mean when we Reach is also known as the workspace envelope. A 'workspace envelope' is a discuss reach in Human Factors? 3-dimensional space within which you carry out physical work activities when you are at a fixed location. Workspace envelopes should be designed for the 5th percentile of the user population, which means that 95% of users will be able to reach everything placed within the envelope. Why does a designer need to Certain products tend to be available in different sizes or with adjustability built in as consider adjustability when there really is no ‘one size fits all’. E.g. Ironing tables can be adjusted to allow for people designing seating? of a different height to use comfortably. This has an effect on the design of the legs, as this is how the board is adjusted in height. Explain what is meant by the Clothing comes in a range of sizes. For manufacturers to make clothing fit every range of sizes versus individual variance would not be economically possible, thus it tends to come in a range adjustability of sizes based on percentile ranges. Children’s car seats are adjustable to allow for a range of sizes and a growing child. What is an ergonome and when A 2D scaled physical anthropometric model based on a specific percentile human forms are they used? What are the are called ergonomes. The ergonomes have been scaled from data taken from specific advantages and disadvantages? percentile ranges to form a standard human form. Ergonomes are used with drawings of the same scale as the model to consider the relationship between the size of an object and people. They are used with 2D drawings, mainly for orthographic drawings and also modelling to view field of reach, field of vision, etc. What is a manikin? What are the A manikin is an anatomical 3D model of the human body. A jointed model of the human advantages and disadvantages? body used by artists, especially to demonstrate the arrangement of drapery. Also called lay figure. They are useful for assessing the relationship of body parts to spatial arrangements represented by a 3D model, for example, a chair to a desk. Full scale manikins are generally more expensive than ergonomes and they give a better representation of the overall ergonomics in the design context (such as crash test dummies). Page 2 IB Design Technology CORE T1­6 1.2 Psychological Factors Human beings vary psychologically in complex ways. Any attempt by designers to classify people into groups merely results in a statement of broad principles that may or may not be relevant to the individual. Design permeates every aspect of human experience and data pertaining to what cannot be seen such as touch, taste, and smell are often expressions of opinion rather than checkable fact. The analysis of the human information processing system requires a designer to critically analyse a range of causes and effects to identify where a potential breakdown could occur and the effect it may have. What is Cognitive psychology / Cognitive ergonomics is concerned with mental processes, such as perception, memory, cognitive ergonomics concerned reasoning, and motor response, as they affect interactions among humans and other with? elements of a system. mental processes- such as perception, memory and reasoning motor response- as they affect interactions among humans and other elements of a system. What methods are there for 1. Observation collecting Psychological factor 2. Surveys & Interviews data? 3. Standardized Testing 4. Case Studies What is a Nominal Data Scale? Nominal means ‘by name’. Used in classification or division of objects into discrete groups. Each of which is identified with a name. The scale does not provide any measurement within or between the categories What is an Ordinal Data Scale? Deals with the order or position of items. Words, letters, symbols or numbers arranged in a hierarchical order. Quantitative assessment can not be made What is a Interval data scale? Organised into even divisions or intervals. The intervals are of equal size. There is no zero What is a Ratio data scale? The difference between a ratio scale and an interval scale is that the zero point on an interval scale is some arbitrarily agreed value, whereas on a ratio scale it is a true zero. For example, 0°C has been defined arbitrarily as the freezing temperature of water, whereas 0 grams is a true zero, that is, no mass. A ratio scale allows you to compare differences between numbers. What are examples of Smell: important in food, perfumes, candles, deodorants, chemicals. Unpleasant odors Psychological factors? are added to chemicals to warn people. Light: the level of illumination should increase as the tasks becomes more precise; for example the illumination required for a surgeon is brighter than the illumination needed for a corridor. Lighting in workplaces, safety. For example effects of florescent lighting and rotating parts on machinery. Lighting effect on ambience and mood, e.g. lighting in restaurants – gentle, calming, stimulating. Sound: can be used to: Provide information such as warning signal (fire alarm or alarm). Sound for reassurance that the product is working ex. Watches Feedback , whistling kettles, reversing trucks Sound can be positive in the environment such as playing music in an exhibition. Noise can also be negative in a workspace, that’s why open plan offices use screens to reduce noise. Taste: important in food, it must have a good taste to sell well. Responses to taste are also a factor of culture and experience. Texture: shapes and textures improve products and make them easier to use, for example bottle tops, handles fabrics and non-slip floors, smooth worktops in kitchen. Temperature: Clothing is an important part of a comfortable work environment but the Page 3 IB Design Technology CORE T1­6 environment must be controlled regardless of the outside climate. How the user responds to different environmental factors, for example, how warm or cold work environments can affect the performance of an individual. A range of comfort zones will exist based on body mass, manner of dress or even physiological changes that can be developed from exposure to a particular temperature or environment over time. Value: May be perceived as a function of cost, features, prestige, rarity etc. or a combination of these factors. What is the Human information Human information-processing systems, considering inputs, processes (sensory, central processing systems? and motor) and outputs. A simple representation of a human information-processing system is below. What are examples of Environmental factors such as noise, lighting, temperature, humidity, vibration may Environmental factors? affect: hearing, vision, general comfort and health. What are examples of a Some examples of how the flow process may break down are dependent on the breakdown with the Human following: information Age, skills level, disability, infirmity or frailty processing systems? Young children may not have the size, strength, fine motor control or skill to perform the tasks. Older people may not have the strength People with disabilities, such as arthritis or Parkinson's disease, may also not have the fine motor control required. A physical condition which can include: ALS: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, MS: Multiple Sclerosis, Arthritis, Partial paralysis, Parkinson’s disease, Repetitive Strain injury, Blindness, Hearing, Reduced sense of feeling How can you maximise workplace An important role in maximising workplace performance and reducing the possibilities of performance? accidents. Management Policies, safety education, decision centralization Physical environment Noise, temperature, pollutants, trip hazards, signage Equipment design Controls, visibility, hazards, warnings, safety guards The work/job itself Boredom and repetitiveness, mental and physical workload, musculoskeletal impacts such as force, pressure and repetition) Social and psychological Social group norms, morale environment The worker Personal ability, alertness, age, fatigue What is Alertness? Alertness is the key term and means being aware of what is happening in the vicinity, in order to understand how information, events, and one's own actions will impact goals and objectives, both immediately and in the near future. Page 4 IB Design Technology CORE T1­6 What is a Human error? Human error come in several forms but two fundamental categories are slips and mistakes. Slips result from automatic behaviour, when subconscious actions that are intended to satisfy our goals get waylaid en route. Mistakes result from conscious deliberations. What are possible ways of Lighting: best lighting is natural lighting or low frequency/brightness depending on task. optimizing environmental factors In medical surgery it would be opposite- bright and sharp to optimise the task to maximize workplace Thermal comfort: Male and Female have different body temperature. Having the right performance? temperature air/humidity and flow of air/circulation to get best work performance. Working space: Space, working envelope, safe Noise: Protection of excessive noise (above 85 decibels) Vibration: Machines, etc. create vibration and sound and can be annoying What are some perception effects This principle maintains that the human mind considers objects in their entirety before in products? the perception of their individual parts; suggesting the whole is seen rather than the sum of its parts. Notes: Page 5 IB Design Technology CORE T1­6 1.3 Physiological Factors Designers study physical characteristics to optimize the user’s safety, health, comfort and performance. Understanding complex biomechanics and designing products to enable full functionality of body parts can return independence and personal and social well being to an individual. What is Physiological factors Physiological factors have more to do with bodily tolerances (how much can the body concerned with? withstand) such as comfort and fatigue. When users interact with products, they may put stress on their bodies. What is Physical ergonomics Physical ergonomics is concerned with human anatomy, and some of the concerned with? anthropometric, physiological and biomechanical characteristics as they relate to physical activity. Physical ergonomic principles have been widely used in the design of both consumer and industrial products. What are some human values It also considers which activities can be carried out and how human values (for example, with types of physiological quality of life, improved safety, reduced fatigue and stress, increased comfort levels and factors? job satisfaction) are enhanced. What is Fatigue? When people get tired they react in different ways. Fatigue is the temporary diminishment of performance. Fatigue can be physical and/or mental. Fatigue can inform design decisions and can affect users. What is Comfort? Comfort: is a qualitative consideration and differs massively between different people. Comfort is a physiological factors that inform design decisions and can affect users. How can designing ergonomically Healthy Workforce: Instead of workers adjusting to standard tools and equipment, enhanced work environments and ergonomics promotes product designing based on human body structure and products have advantages for the requirements. Therefore, these products drastically reduce the strain workers experience employer and employee? due to repetitive use of machines, computers, scanners, industrial apparatus and related instruments. Less strain equates to reduced instance of occupational illnesses and therefore healthier employees. Enhanced Productivity: A healthy workforce translates to enhanced productivity. Easy to use equipment keeps the work momentum going on for longer durations. Workers experience less fatigue and are happy to use tools designed especially for them. Reduced Number of Sick Days Reported: People with reduced instance of work associated ailments implies they take fewer days off due to sickness and work more number of days in a year. This means lesser number of workdays is lost. Savings: By using ergonomic workstations, employers save huge amounts of money otherwise spent in compensation claims, treatments and litigation. What is biomechanics in human Biomechanics in human factors includes the research and analysis of the mechanics factors concerned with? (operation of our muscles, joints, tendons, etc.) of our human body. With biomechanics, measuring the amount of force put on the muscles and joints of people when working in different positions can be tested by determining which positions make use of an individual’s muscular strength. Biomechanics in human factor design deals with four key criteria: Force Repetition Duration Posture What are some factors affecting Gender muscle strength with human Age - factors? - Greatest around 20’s - 5% less in 40’s - 20% less in 60’s Pain, Physical training schedule, Immobilization or bed bound Page 6