1. Human Factors and Ergonomics

Question 1

Anthropometric data

Answer 1

The aspect of ergonomics that deals with body measurements, particularly those of size, strength and physical capacity.

Question 2

Static (structural) data

Answer 2

Human body measurements when the subject is still.

Question 3

Dynamic (functional) data

Answer 3

Human body measurements taken when the subject is in motion related to range and reach of various body movements.

Question 4

Primary data

Answer 4

Data collected by a user for a specific purpose.

Question 5

Secondary data

Answer 5

Data collected by someone other than the user.

Question 6

Percentile range

Answer 6

That proportion of a population with a dimension at or less than a given value.

Question 7

Clearance

Answer 7

The physical space between two objects.

Question 8

Reach

Answer 8

A range that a person can stretch to touch or grasp an object from a specified position.

Question 9

Adjustability

Answer 9

The ability of a product to be changed in size, commonly used to increase the range of percentiles that a product is appropriate for.

Question 10

Range of sizes

Answer 10

A selection of sizes a product is made in that caters for the majority of a market

Question 11

Psychological factors

Answer 11

Human factor data related to physical characteristics used to optimise the user’s safety, health, comfort and performance. Human efficiency and safety can be affected by these factors.

Question 12

Examples of psychological factors (6)

Answer 12

smell, light, sound, taste, texture and temperature

Question 13

Nominal Scale

Answer 13

Divides objects into discrete groups “by name”. They are very weak, as they do not tell you anything more than that one object is different from another.

Question 14

Ordinal Scale

Answer 14

A statistical data type that exists on an arbitrary numerical scale where the exact numerical value has no significance other than to rank a set of data points. Quantitative assessment cannot be made, they only indicate sequence or order.

Question 15

Interval Scale

Answer 15

An interval scale is a more powerful scale, as the intervals or difference between the points or units are of an equal size, for example, on a temperature scale. Measurements using an interval scale can be subjected to numerical or quantitative analysis.

Question 16

Ratio Scale

Answer 16

A ratio scale allows you to compare differences between numbers. Like an interval scale but with a true zero.

Question 17

Qualitative Data

Answer 17

Typically descriptive data used to find out in depth the way people think or feel – their perception. Useful for research at the individual or small (focus) group level.

Question 18

Quantitative Data

Answer 18

Data that can be measured and recorded using numbers

Question 19

Human information processing system

Answer 19

An automatic system that a person uses to interpret information and react. It is normally comprised of inputs, processes (which can be sensory, central and motor), and outputs.
e.g. input–>sensory processes–>central processes–>motor processes–>output

Question 20

Effects and Reasons for a breakdown in the human information processing system

Answer 20

age – too young and maybe have not learnt the skills (long term memory), too old maybe forget what to do, or too weak to carry out the task.
strength – too weak to carry out the task
skills – do not have the necessary skills yet, may have forgotten he skills, skills needed are too complex
health – when mental or physical health is comprised which may lead to not carrying out the necessary tasks.

Question 21

Environmental factors

Answer 21

A set of psychological factors that can affect the performance of an individual that comes from the environment that the individual is situated. Include: sound, temperature, lighting, air quality (pollutants) and smell. Environmental factors can affect different individuals in different ways. Individuals react differently to sensory stimuli. Efficiency and comfort are affected by such factors.

Question 22

Perception

Answer 22

The way in which something is regarded, understood or interpreted.

Question 23

Alertness

Answer 23

The level of vigilance, readiness or caution of an individual.

Question 24

Environmental factors induce different levels of alertness.

Answer 24

Temperature: too warm and you get sleepy and less alert – too cold and you become more alert. Next time you are on a long haul flight note the temperature fluctuations while flying.
Sound: too loud which can be distracting or even cause harm, high pitched or repetitive on/off noises also become distracting.
Lighting: too dim hard to see things need to get close or strains the eyes, natural versus fluorescent (can affect peoples eyes)
Air quality: excess dust or other pollutants could cause people to find it hard to breathe, maybe cough, etc. Certain essential or aroma oils are said to improve alertness
Smell – bad smells will draw ones attention away as would the smell of a hot apple pie.

Question 25

Types of Physiological factor data

Answer 25

• bodily tolerances such as fatigue and comfort.
• muscle strength in different body positions
• endurance in different body positions
• visual acuity
• tolerance to extremes of temperature
• frequency range of human hearing,
• size
• eye/hand coordination

Question 26

Fatigue

Answer 26

When people are put under physical or mental stress/activities for extended periods, fatigue can set in. People react differently when they are fatigued. Errors can creep in which then could prove dangerous. Designers need to understand peoples tolerances and design products and environments that help to reduce fatigue.

Question 27

Comfort

Answer 27

This various between people. For instance the type of bed that a person will choose is determined by the firmness of the mattress.

Question 28

Biomechanics

Answer 28

Biomechanics is the research and analysis of the mechanics of living organisms.