TED 105Fall 2012

Human Factors in Design & Engineering

Human Factors Engineering

• It is the study of designing equipment and devices that fit the human body and its cognitive abilities.

• The two terms "human factors" and "ergonomics" are essentially synonymous.

• is a multidisciplinary field incorporating contributions from psychology, engineering, industrial design, graphic design, statistics, operations research and anthropometry.

A good design should always consider the human user.

Erogonomics

Greek word “ergo” which means human Greek word “nomics: which means natural

law

Question Time

Should the designer/ engineer design the product (or solution) for the average person?

Statistical Impact

• Gaussian Distribution

Statistical Impact

• Designer must select the “optimal match”

• Design for the target population• Typical from the 5th to the 95th

percentile.

Who is it designed for?

• Hyundai Veloster

Who is it designed for?

• Child’s laptop

Universal Design

The design of a product, system, or environment that reduces barriers and

assists not just the special needs population but all individuals.

Universal Design Principles

• Equitable – useful to wide range of people• Flexible – adaptable design for wide range • Simple – easy to use regardless of person• Perceptible – understandable regardless of

persons sensory ability

Universal Design Principles

• Tolerance – minimizes risks• Low Physical effort – use with minimum

fatigue• Size & Shape – adaptability• Ability One Design Challenge http://

www.instituteforempowerment.org/design-challenge

Discussion Point

Give an example of A

Universal Design Failure

Anthropometry

Anthropometry is the science that defines physical measures of a person’s size, form, and functional capacities.

OSHA & NIOSH Applications

• As applied to occupational injury prevention, anthropometric measurements are used to evaluate the interaction of workers with tasks, tools, machines, vehicles, and personal protective equipment, especially in regard to determining degree of protection afforded against hazardous exposures, whether chronic or acute.

Product Development

• What factors should be considered in designing this work station?

• How do you make the station compatible for a variety of body types and sizes?

ITEEA – EbDHuman Factors Affecting Design

Lesson

http://www.iteaconnect.org/EbD/Samples/HighSchool/ed_u1_l1.pdf