Ergonomics in AV Design

Question 1

Define “Ergonomics”.

Answer 1

The scientific study of the way people interact with a system

Question 2

Ergonomics is also known as ____.

Answer 2

human-factors engineering

Question 3

What is the purpose of ergonomics?

Answer 3

To limit injury, fatigue, and discomfort in a work environment.

Question 4

What is the visual field?

Answer 4

The point in space that can be seen when a person’s head and eyes are absolutely still. Measured in degrees.

Question 5

The visual field of a single eye is called ____.

Answer 5

monocular vision

Question 6

The visual field where the perceived image from both eyes overlaps is called ____.

Answer 6

binocular vision

Question 7

____ degrees side to side is the optimum field of vision range.

Answer 7

15

Question 8

People can recognize words, fine details, and color information up to about ____ to ____ degrees from the standard line of sight

Answer 8

10, 20

Question 9

Depending on size, shape, and detail, people can identify symbols between __ and __ degrees from the standard line of sight.

Answer 9

5, 30

Question 10

The limits of color discrimination are between __ and __ degrees in each direction, depending on the color.

Answer 10

30, 60

Question 11

Optimal eye rotation along a vertical plane is __ degrees below the standard line of sight. The maximum eye rotation above the standard line of sight is
__ degrees. Note the difference: It’s more comfortable to cast a gaze downward.

Answer 11

30, 25

Question 12

The limit of color discrimination is between __ degrees below the standard line of sight and __ degrees above the standard line of sight.

Answer 12

40, 30

Question 13

The limit of the total visual field along the vertical plane is __ degrees below the standard line of sight and __ degrees above the standard line of sight.

Answer 13

70, 50

Question 14

People view objects most comfortably in the _____ visual field.

Answer 14

lower

Question 15

A ____ study helps determine the most appropriate seating layout, for example, to ensure a clear field of view.

Answer 15

sightline

Question 16

Sightline studies are based on three factors.

Answer 16

Seating types
Floor types
The limits of comfortable viewing (ergonomics)

Question 17

In a(n) ____ seating arrangement, viewers are placed directly behind the viewer in front of them.

Answer 17

aligned

Question 18

In a(n) ____ seating arrangement, people are placed so they can view the image between the shoulders of the viewers in front of them.

Answer 18

staggered

Question 19

Seated people need to be able to sit down and stand up easily. Experts recommend a minimum distance of __ inches between the edge of a table and the nearest physical obstruction, such as a wall.

Answer 19

48

Question 20

Standing people also need circulation space. For passageway clearance, such as in an aisle or walkway, specify about __ to __ inches of circulation space.

Answer 20

30, 36

Question 21

The optimal range of table space width is __ to __ inches per seated person. The optimal range of table space depth is __ to __ inches.

Answer 21

24, 30, 16, 18

Question 22

When considering viewers’ visual field along a horizontal plane, people can recognize words, fine details, and color at what angle from the standard line of sight?
A. 0 to 10 degrees 
B. 10 to 20 degrees 
C. 25 to 30 degrees
D. 40 to 50 degrees

Answer 22

B. 10 to 20 degrees

Question 23

Which of the following methods can be used to improve sightlines in an
auditorium?
A. Lowering the height of the display
B. Using an aligned seating layout
C. Providing a sloped or tiered-seating layout
D. Installing seats with taller dimensions

Answer 23

C. Providing a sloped or tiered-seating layout

Question 24

In a sightline study, you can determine the minimum distance between the nearest viewer and a display by drawing a sightline from the top of the projected image to the eye of the closest viewer at what angle?
A. 10 degrees
B. 20 degrees
C. 30 degrees
D. 40 degrees

Answer 24

C. 30 degrees

Question 25

People view objects more comfortably when the objects are located __________. A. To the left of their standard line of sight B. To the right of their standard line of sight C. Higher than their standard line of sight D. Lower than their standard line of sight

Answer 25

D. Lower than their standard line of sight

Question 26

Circulation space is __________. A. The area a person needs to turn around without disturbing other people B. The area around AV equipment that allows it to ventilate C. The area below a lectern where AV sources are housed D. The space behind a rear-projection screen

Answer 26

A. The area a person needs to turn around without disturbing other people

Question 27

Ergonomics is the study of ____. A. how workplace and equipment comfort, safety, efficiency, and productivity can be improved B. the extreme limitations of human physical abilities C. furniture design and aesthetics D. the success of AV systems

Answer 27

A. how workplace and equipment comfort, safety, efficiency, and productivity can be improved

Question 28

The limits of the vertical visual field indicate that displays should be positioned so that the _____. A. center of the image is precisely on-axis with the viewers’ standard line of sight B. bottom of the image is no more than 30 degrees below the viewers’ standard line of sight C. top of the image is no more than 30 degrees above the viewers’ standard line of sight D. center of the image is at least 10 degrees above the view’s standard line of sight

Answer 28

C. top of the image is no more than 30 degrees above the viewers’ standard line of sight

Question 29

Based on the average size of the human body, two people would be comfortable sitting at a desk that is 50 inches (1,270 mm) wide, 16 inches (406 mm) deep and moved 48 inches (1,219 mm) away from the room’s back wall. A. True B. False

Answer 29

A. True