Topic 1

Question 1

different data scales

Answer 1

Ordinal Data Scale –> deals with the order or position of items, difference between each one is unknown, measures of non-numeric concepts, qualitative data
Nominal Data Scale –> “by name”, used in classification or division of objects into groups, doesn’t provide measurements, qualitative data
Interval Data Scale –> data organized into divisions or intervals of equal size, there is no zero, quantitative data (e.g. thermometer)
Ratio Data Scale –> allows to compare differences between numbers, no negative numbers, quantitative data (e.g. weight scales)

Question 2

Biomechanics

Answer 2

= the research and analysis of how the human body works (operation of our tendons, muscles, joints, etc.)
- measures the amount of force put on our muscles and joints when working in different positions
Factors affecting muscle strength: gender, age, physical disability

Question 3

4 key criteria for biomechanics

Answer 3

Force –> can cause muscle tenseness
Repetition –> can lead to musculoskeletal disorder
Duration –> continuous muscular effort
Posture –> can lead to discomfort and loss of attention

Question 4

percentiles and percentile ranges

Answer 4

percentile => used to show whether the measurements given relates to the “average” person or someone who is above or below average

Question 5

aims of human factors

Answer 5

• reduce stress and fatigue
• increase safety
• increase ease fo use
• enhance operational comfort
• improve system performance

Question 6

egonomics

Answer 6

application of scientific info concerning the relationship of human and the design

Question 7

physical ergonomics

Answer 7

• posture
• repetitive stress & movement
• musculoskeletal disorders
• occupational safety and health

Question 8

cognitive ergonomics

Answer 8

= mental processes
- perception
- memory
- reasoning
- motor response
–> these affect interactions between humans and other elements of the system

Question 9

organizational ergonomics

Answer 9

• communication & teamwork
• work hours (shift work)
• resource & quality management

Question 10

anthropometric data

Answer 10

measurements relative to design regarding the size and shape of the human body (quantitative measurements)

Question 11

static and dynamic data

Answer 11

static/structural data = measurements taken of the human body while in a fixed or non-active position –> much easier to gather
dynamic/functional data = measurements of the human body taken during physical activities –> measuring how our bodies work and move (flexibility, muscle strength, reaction times, grip strength, range of motion) –> harder to gather but more useful data

Question 12

tools to collect anthropometric data

Answer 12

• sliding and spreading calipers
• cloth tape
• sitting height meter
• stadiometer

Question 13

human factors definition

Answer 13

the combination of egonomics and anthropometrics to make interactions between the user and product more efficient and comfortable

Question 14

clearance and reach

Answer 14

clearance = distance between two objects –> 95th percentile is used
reach = a range that a person can stretch to touch or grab an object from a specific position
- used in the work envelope

Question 15

range of sizes and adjustability

Answer 15

adjustability = available in different sizes or with adjustability built-in to be fit for a wider audience
- adjustability to be available for a range of sizes

Question 16

ergonome and manikin

Answer 16

ergonome = 2D scaled physical anthropometric model based on a specific percentile human form –> to consider the relationship between the size of an object and people
manikin = an anatomical 3D model of the human body –> useful for assessing the relationship of body parts

Question 17

methods to collect psychological data

Answer 17

• observation
• surveys & interviews
• case studies

Question 18

psychological factors

Answer 18

relates to the 5 senses
- smell
- light
- sound
- taste
- texture
- temperature

Question 19

human information processing systems

Answer 19

input –> sensory processes –> central processes –> motor processes –> output

Question 20

how to maximise workplace performance

Answer 20

• management: policies
• physical environment: noise, temp, lighting
• equipment design: warnings, visibility, controls
• social and psychological environment: morale
• the worker: personal ability, alertness, age, fatigue

Question 21

human error

Answer 21

slips = result from automatic behavior
mistakes = conscious deliberations

Question 22

physiological factors

Answer 22

bodily tolerances such as comfort and fatigue
- how physical attributes affect the design
- these factors are used to optimise user safety, health, comfort, and performance