General Principles

Human Factors Engineering

• Human Factors Engineering

• (aka Ergonomics)

• focused on the integration of human characteristics into system definition, design, development, and evaluation to optimise human machine performance under operational conditions.

Cockpits

• Cockpits

• Workstations

• Control rooms

• Offices

• Transport systems

• Factories

Inputs required from

• Inputs required from

• EHFA
• Task analysis
• Link analysis
• Allocation of function

• Consider

• Operational and environmental context
• Human dimensions
• Biomechanics and physiology

Task issues

• Task issues

• Procedures
• Critical elements

• Responsibilities of organisation and individuals

• Communications

• Verbal
• Non-verbal

• Visual issues, such as sight lines

• Flows of materials and personnel

• Access and clearance

• Normal
• Emergency
• Maintenance

• Protection

• Protective clothing & equipment
• Barriers & guards

Physical human dimensions

• Physical human dimensions

• Population specific

• Linear dimensions, for example:

• Stature
• Functional reach
• Sitting height

• Girth dimensions, for example:

• Waist
• Head circumference

• Each dimension is expressed in terms of percentile

Requirements often state …must accommodate the 5th percentile and the 95th percentile human…

• Requirements often state …must accommodate the 5th percentile and the 95th percentile human…

• But, these people do NOT exist!

Choose dimensions relevant to the workstation, posture, and task

• Choose dimensions relevant to the workstation, posture, and task

• Sitting, standing, reach, fit, walking, crouching

• 5th percentile (smaller) dimensions considered for:

• Seat adjustment, reach, vision, control movement, foot rests

• 95th percentile (larger) dimensions considered for:

• Seat adjustment, ingress, fit, access, clearance