topic 1 - human factors Flashcards
what are anthropometrics?
the ergonomics that deals with body measurements. Particularly those of size, strength, and physical capacity.
what is clearance?
the physical space between two objects
what is reach?
a range that a person can stretch to touch/grasp an object from a specified position.
what is adjustability?
ability of a product to be changed in size, commonly used to increase the range of percentiles that a product is appropriate for.
which percentile is measured for adjustability?
5th-95th
which percentile is measured for clearance?
95th
which percentile is measured for reach?
5th or 50th
what is nominal data?
used for placing data in categories. it has no order and no distance between each group. e.g. year 12 form groups
what is ordinal data?
classifies data in a specific order or rank. e.g. food in preferred order
what is interval data?
expressed in intervals of some kind. fixed measurement between each interval. e.g. temperature
what is ratio?
relative values of interval data. no negative values. e.g. linear dimensions.
factors that affect the alertness of the human system:
temperature
sound
lighting
air quality
reasons why the human information processing system break down?
- age
- strength
- skills
- health
- issue with nerve processes
- problem with senses
what do physiological factors affect?
heart, brain, lungs, sight, hearing, and respiration
what can products do?
optimise the user’s comfort, safety, health, and performance.
what are biomechanics?
biomechanics is the study of mechanical laws relating to movement of living organisms. it provides us with dynamic data.
what is physical ergonomics?
the aspect that deals with body measurements. often deals with posture, repetitive stress and movement etc.
what is cognitive ergonomics?
concerned with mental processes, such as perception, memory, reasoning, and motor response.
what is organisational ergonomics?
includes communication, work design, shirt (work hours) management, teamwork, and quality management.
what is the human information processing system?
input - sensory processes - central processes - motor processes - output
sensory and central are psychological
motor and output are physiological
what is a human error?
slips and mistakes made by humans. mistakes result from conscious deliberations.
what is fatigue?
fatigue is the temporary diminishment of performance. it can be physical or mental. it can also inform design decisions and affect users.
what is comfort?
comfort: is a qualitative consideration and differs between people.
comfort: is a physiological factor that can inform design decisions and affect users.
