Unit 1 - Hands and Handles

Question 1

a fundamental issue in information processing is_

Answer 1

compatibility: refers to the relationship of stimuli and responses to human expectations (ie. expected response? Unexpected response?)

Question 2

one of the most robust findings inmotor behaviour is _

Answer 2

that the correspondence between stimuli and response locations (spatial compatibility) is an important determinant of the speed of response (Fitts & Seeger, 1953)

Question 3

compatibility is usually considered _

Answer 3

spatially (ie. RT to the onset of a light on the left is faster if the response key is also on the left)
- although this is important, there are other types of compatibility of which to be aware

Question 4

list the types of compatibility

Answer 4

• spatial
• conceptual
• movement
• modality

Question 5

describe spatial compatibility

Answer 5

the physical, spatial arrangement of controls and their associated displays

Question 6

describe conceptual compatibility

Answer 6

the degree to which codes and symbols correspond to conceptual associations (ie. how meaningful are they to the human? ex. airplane sign for airport)

Question 7

describe movement compatibility

Answer 7

• the movement of displays and controls relative to the response of the system being displayed or controlled
• eg. a clockwise movement of a control knob usually means an increas in the control parameter

Question 8

describe modality compatibility

Answer 8

• certain S-R modality combinations are more compatible with some taasks than with others
• eg. a verbal response to a verbal command is faster than a manual response and vice versa

Question 9

in the class activity on knob shape, ambiguous knobs had _

Answer 9

• no real direction (can’t distinguish top/bottom

Question 10

list the different grip types

Answer 10

• pinch (like little centre doorknob lock)
• pinch (key)
• span (spinning with sideways hand)
• disc (twist with fingers)
• disc (twist with hand)
• hook (handle grab)
• power (aka. vert handle)
• flat hand push
• finger push (button)

Question 11

what are the types of controls classified by type of information transmitted?

Answer 11

discrete (push button, pedal click, toggle switch, rotary selector) and continuous information (knob, crank, wheel, lever, pedal)

Question 12

describe components in minimizing confusion of controls

Answer 12

coding methods are used (eg. shape, texture, size, etc)
- the coding will depend on the situation
- the demants of the operator
- the coding methods already being used
- the level of illumination
- speed and accuracy requried for control identification
- available space
- number of controls that must be coded

Question 13

describe shape coding

Answer 13

• uses tactile sensitivity
• control can functionally associate shape with end-use (eg. landing flap lever in an airplane is shaped like a landing flap, landing gear lever is shaped like the wheels)

Question 14

describe texture coding

Answer 14

• in addition to shape, controls can be coded by texture (smooth, fluted, knurled, etc.)

Question 15

describe size coding

Answer 15

not as useful as shape coding, but can be use in some situations (ie. bigger circle for volume control on amp)

Question 16

describe location coding

Answer 16

• moving your foot from the accelerator to the brake is an example of a response to location coding
• distances must be sufficient for discrimination

Question 17

describe colour coding

Answer 17

• fewer colours should be used (~5)
• colour coding should be reserved for especially meaningful controls (eg. red = emergency stop control)
• perception of colour varies with illumination
• can be combined wiht other codes

Question 18

describe label coding

Answer 18

• widely used method for coding
• however, the use of labels as the sole indicator of control function is not recommended
• problems with label coding include:
  > they take time to read
  >they must be placed so that the hand doesn’t cover the label while engaging the control
  > must be kept clean and well illuminated

Question 19

describe the principles for handle design

Answer 19

handle shape and size: cylindrical, spherical, and custom shapes
material and texture: non-slip materials, cushioning
handle length and diameter: optimal dimensions for different tasks
force distribution: even distribution to reduce strain
*think tool handles, control handles, support handles, door handles

Question 20

if it needs a label

Answer 20

the design is not obvious enough
- obvious design for handles is better

Question 21

What are safety considerations for door handles?

Answer 21

in case of an emergency, most building doors are PUSH to exit