E2 Human factors data

Define user population

• The user population is the range of users for a particular product or system

Large user groups may be defined by age, gender and physical condition.

Outline the importance of sampling to gain information about potential users

When considering a product designed for mass use, it is not good to rely on information collected from just a few people, as it is unlikely to be representative of the whole range of users.

The size of text required for readability at a particular distance.The number of aircraft an Air Traffic Controller can handle without becoming overloaded.The number of choices someone can remember from a spoken list.The amount of weight that can be carried safely and comfortably.The temperature and humidity that a manual worker can endure without becoming heat stressed.The complexities of a computer interface that will still let people find the information they need.The forces that will stop children being able to undo the tops of medicine bottles.The appropriate names to use for menu items so that they are familiar and meaningful to users.

An important role for ergonomists during user group sampling is to identify what characteristics need to be considered and to provide designers with the appropriate human data.

Anthropometrics- the measurement of the size and proportions of the human body

Anthropometric guidelines focus on three different sets of numbers, called percentiles .

Population StereotypesDo you do things just by chance?

• is the concept relating to cultural expectations. It is the manner in which most people in the population expect something to be done.

Population Stereotypes

Population Stereotypes

Part of Ergonomics involves studying population stereotypes and human factors, and applying these studies to work design principles in order to reduce error, increase productivity and reduce worker injury.

For example, when a machine overloads a red light goes on to signal emergency....when a worker sees the red light, based on population stereotypes, the expected behaviour is that the worker will identify the red colour as meaning "danger" or "stop" and will correctly stop the machine.

Population Stereotypes

Using the letters A, B, C, and D, how would you label the four quadrants of this circle?

Population Stereotypes

Population stereotypes can be displaced by alternative learnt responses, but they frequently reassert themselves under conditions of stress such as tiredness or panic.

Discuss the problem of converging technology in product design and how this might confuse users

Discuss how the concepts of “range of sizes” and “adjustability” affect the design of products

Identify an appropriate percentile range for the design of the adjustable equipment listed below:

Car seatsOffice chairsEconomy Aircraft seat

How do you think static anthropometric data is different from dynamic anthropometric data?

Compare them

Explain why it is difficult to obtain accurate anthropometric data

Primary & Secondary dataPrimary anthropometric data collection (alsocalled field research) involves the collection ofdata that does not already exist. This can bethrough numerous forms, includingquestionnaires and telephone interviewsamongst others. Secondary anthropometric data collection (also known as desk research) involves the summary, collation and/or synthesis of existing data rather than primary data, where data is collected from, for example, research subjects or experiments.

Task: As a designer you have been asked to design a baby’s high chair. What primary and secondary anthropometric data would need to be collected in order to design the chair so that it was suitable for all potential users?

Biomechanicsis the research and analysis of the mechanics of living organisms.

Look at your worksheet.

Discuss the importance of biomechanics to the design of a given artefact Factors to consider are muscle strength / age of the user / the handle size / surface texture / torque required by the product….