IOP2603 EXAM PREP.

IOP2603 Study Unit 1 Introduction to Human Factors and Ergonomics Ergonomics = work + laws. The primary purpose of human factors and ergonomics is design. In designing a workplace, the existing situation must first be analysed, new design solutions must be synthesised, and these design solutions must be analysed again. Interdisciplinary system goals; 1. To formulate system goals. 2. To understand functional requirements. 3. To design a new system. 4. To analyse a system. 5. To implement a system. Many HFE experts are designers. Figure 1.2 – page 5 (handboek) Issues to be considered in designing such a system;  Should the user always be in charge or should the computer take over in certain situations?  How should the info on different displays be laid out? What should be displayed?  Can voice recognition understand the pilot even though there is noise in the background?  Are there design constraints? A systematic, interdisciplinary approach is necessary for design and analysis. Page 2 of 31 Figure 1.1 – Study Guide Biological science provides information about the structure of the human body such as the dimensions of the body, its physical capabilities and limitations. Behavioural science studies the intellectual and psychological abilities of the human being.Intellectual abilities and limitations with respect to the functioning of the brain and the nervous system as they determine behaviour. Physical and natural science provide information about the machines and environments people work with and in. Ergonomics – interaction among humans and other elements of a system. It contributes to the design and evaluation tasks, jobs, products, environments, and systems in order ti make them compatible with the needs, abilities and limitations of people. Page 3 of 31 Ergon = work Nomos = laws Definition for HFE;  Considering environmental and organisational constraints.  Use knowledge of human abilities and limitations.  To design the system, organisation, job, machine, tool, or consumer product.  So that it is safe, efficient, and comfortable to use. Ergonomics is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimise human well-being and overall system performance. Ergonomics contribute to the design and evaluation of tasks, jobs, products, environments and system in order to make them compatible with the needs, abilities and limitations of people. Physical ergonomics is concerned with human anatomical, anthropometric, physiological and biomechanical characteristics as they relate to physical activity. Cognitive ergonomics is concerned with mental processes. Organisational ergonomics is concerned with the optimisation of sociotechnical systems. Goal of Safety – the limitations of the operator should be taken into consideration when designing. If a system must be redesigned to make it safer, there are several things one should do; 1. Examine the allocation of tasks. 2. Poor posture leads to fatigue and poor work quality. Redesign work processes and workstations. 3. The ambient environment – illumination of noise. 4. Organisational factors – allocation of responsibility. 5. Design features of a machine can be improved. Goal of Productivity – increase efficiency and effectiveness. Operators hence have a choice between increased speed or increased accuracy. Goal of Operator Satisfaction – the ultimate goal of ergonomics is to improve and maintain the well-being of the individual worker. At the same time the well-being of the organisation will also improve.