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Acoustic danger signals (Akustische gefahrensignale)
ripcord release. The apparatus used to eliminate reaction forces external to the body (which are absent during freefall) and the method of recording maximum pull forces as a function of time are described in this paper. Pull forces which can be exerted for periods of 0"25, I, 1"5, 2 and 2"5 s during a 5 s pull are presented in percentile form. A substantial percentage of female parachutists could not exert the maximum pull force permitted by the relevant parachute specification. The relatively low level of strength exhibited by the weakest groups of the population emphasises the need for such basic information in equipment design. 11.3.18 (78180) Drury, C.G. Safety in manual materials handling.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Oncinnati, Ohio, USA, DHEW (NIOSH) Publication No 78-185, Jul 1978, 209 pp; abstr in CIS Abstracts (CIS 79-906). The 24 papers and 3 workshops in the Symposium were intended to summarise the state of the art and to help set priorities for future research on the following topics: accidents, injuries and standards; handling hazards; the medical problem; back loads in fixed spinal postures and in lifting; safe handling forces; human strength assessment; strength, duration and recovery mechanisms; metabolism; cardiovascular and respiratory limitations on muscular fatigue during lifting, psychophysiological indices; measurement of posture and forces in lifting; biomechanical models; computer models; lifting capacity models; risk taking in manual handling; design of containers for handling; effects of frequency, duration and pace; environmental characteristics (microclimate); training; industrial engineering functions; role of safety management.
Visual displays 11.3.19 (78210) Bateman, R.P. Design evaluation of an interface between passengers and an automated ground transportation system. In:
Compass for Technology, Proceedings of the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Human Factors Society, Boston, Massachusetts, Oct 29-Nov 1 1979, Edited by C.K. Bensel, pp 1 1 9 - 1 2 3 . In an automated airport ground transportation system, passengers who are not familiar with the system nor oriented with respect to the airport are faced with the problem of selecting a vehicle and destination to change between airlines. The design of an interface between an untrained human
user and an automated system requires skilful application of basic human factors principles. An existing system was studied to determine its effectiveness. Passengers were interviewed to identify specific problems. An operational sequence diagram was used to analyse the interface problem. A simplified sequence is proposed in a design modification which can be implemented at minimum cost. A redesign of the complete interface, using the power of the computer which controls the system, and applying human factors principles, results in a greatly simplified operational sequence diagram and is recommended for future systems.
11.3.20 (78214) Rutley, K.S., and Webb, P.J. Recognition distances and understanding of legends on an experimental motorway signal. Transport and Road
Research Laboratory, Crowthorne, Berks, Report No SR-500, 1979, 20 pp. A new type of matrix signal is being considered to improve the effectiveness of the motorway signalling system. Ila addition to the advice given by the present signal, it would inform drivers of the nature and location of hazards. A prototype three-part signal has been built to display this information, and a number of pictograms have been designed for indicating the nature of the hazard. Measurements were made of the recognition distance of the three parts of the signal. The effect of a normal accumulation of road dirt on matrix signal recognition was assessed at the same time. The pictograms were tested to find out how effective they were in conveying the desired meaning to drivers who had not seen them before. The tests showed that the top advisory panel and the 'distance ahead' panel could be recognised from distances adequate for motorway speeds. Although some of the pictograms on the prototype signal were not recognised from a sufficient distance, modifications have been made to this part of the signal which allows a 60% increase in the linear dimensions of the pictograms within the same overall signal size. The recognition distances of the enlarged pictograms expected to be obtained by the average driver are now adequate. Pictograms which were similar to those currently used on some fixed traffic signs were well understood. New designs were understood by between 40 and 100% of subjects, indicating that some publicity might be needed before they were used. 11.3.21 (78215) Selfridge, K.M. Planning and designing directionfinding systems. In: Compass for
Technology, Proceedings of the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Human Factors Society, Boston, Massachusetts, Oct 2 9 - N o v 1 1979, Edited by C.K. Bensel, pp 4 6 1 - 4 6 3 . A sign system is not merely a collection of separate signs, each with its separate purpose; but a system with several purposes: to guide and direct; to identify; to inform and instruct; and to contribute to a consistent beauty of the environment. The graphic designers' jobs in designing good sign systems are to understand how people read, perceive, and respond to signs. They need to know about the results of human factor psychology. Psychologists should in turn understand what graphic designers have to consider and what they do, so as to improve the communication between them. ] 1.3.22 (78222) Barnard, P.J., Wright, P., and Wilcox, P. Effects of response instructions and question style on the ease of completing forms. Journal of Occupational Psychology, 1979, 5 2 . 3 , 2 0 9 - 2 2 6 .
Three series of experiments are reported. Each series is concerned with a different aspect of efficient data collection via formalised question and answer protocols. In series 1 it is found that people are faster endorsing an answer (eg circle what does apply) than negating one (eg delete what does not apply). In series 2 it is found that people are faster responding to statements offering multiple alternatives within a sentence frame (eg I am single/ married) than responding to yes/no questions (eg Are you married?). However this advantage for sentence frame questions depends on the multiple alternatives being at the end of the sentence rather than at the beginning. Series 3 addresses administrative issues. Here it is found that error-checking procedures are faster when the formfiller has endorsed rather than negated items. It is also found that many formfillers ignore instructions about how to respond. The implications of these findings for the revision of forms to meet the requirements of automated data processing facilities are discussed. Throughout, the economic consequences of good form design are emphasised.
Auditory displays 11.3.23 (78229) German Standards Institute Acoustic danger signals (Akustische Gefahrensignale). (In German.) (Deutches Institut fur Normung), Berlin. The Institute Berlin, DIN
33 404, Tell 1, Beuth Verlag GmbH, Berlin, 1977, 2 pp; abstr in CIS Abstracts (CIS 79-854).
Applied Ergonomics
September1980
177
This standard, which applies only to hazard warning signals used in workplaces, prescribes criteria regarding perceptability of signals, particularly against high background noise levels. After defining some technical terms the standard prescribes required technical specifications to be met by signalling equipment and signals, rules for compliance testing and criteria to be met by the signals emitted (sound level and frequency, impulse time and frequency).
Keyboards 11.3.24 (78233)
Gopher, D., and Eilam, Z. Development of the letter-shape keyboard: A new approach to the design of data entry devices. In: Compass for Technology, Proceedings of the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Human Factors Society, Boston, Massachusetts, Oct 29-Nov 1 1979, Edited by C.K. Bensel, pp 4 0 - 4 4 . Development of a four key typewriter for Hebrew characters is described. It capitalises on the visual imagery capabilities of human operators. Parallel and sequential key strokes are employed as graphic elements to reproduce the shape of printed letters. Preliminary experiments show that letter-shape code is acquired with little training and is highly resistant to forgetting. Single hand blind typing at a relatively fast rate is achieved after a few hours of training. No difference is revealed between right and left hand operation. Only small and non reliable decrements in data entry rates were observed when system was operated during a simulated flight mission in a F-4 simulator. 11.3.25 (78234)
Smith, D.L. Self-service elevator control panels, a survey of user preference. In: Compass for Technology, Proceedings of the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Human Factors Society, Boston, Massachusetts, Oct 29-Nov 1 1979, Edited by C.K. Bensel, pp 1 2 4 - 1 2 8 . Historically, little systematic Human Factors Engineering has been done on the development of elevator control panels. This survey had participants develop a numerical arrangement within a given configuration. Results compare the preference of Human Factors specialists (about half the participants) with laymen in numerical configuration, shape coding preference, and sequence of assist buttons (open, close, emergency). A photographic survey examines the variety of control panels that can be found in public buildings and makes recommendations for improving the man-machine interface.
178
Applied Ergonomics
Workplace layout and equipment design
Society, Boston, Massachusetts, Oct 29 Nov 1 1979, Edited by C.K. Bensel, pp 106 110.
11.3.26 (78241) Crowe, B.L. Recent developments in the design of screen based systems: An overview. In: Human Factors and Contemporary Society: Proceedings of the 15th Annual Conference of the Ergonomics Society of Australia and New Zealand, Melbourne, Australia, Nov 30-Dec 1 1978. Edited by T.J. Triggs, pp 114-116.
A programming study was undertaken to examine diverse human factors considerations associated with a renovation design appraisal for a small public defender clinic. The study used a multimethod approach involving interviews, a questionnaire, and a participatory design session. Subsequently, the programming team was able to describe a variety of design implications arising from human functional concerns within the firm. These ranged from appropriate workplace arrangement of the legal secretary to the social/professional image of client accessed interview spaces.
The theme of the 15th Annual Conference of the Ergonomics Society is 'Human Factors and Contemporary Society' and this paper is concerned with the Systems Design sub-theme of the conference. In particular the paper 11.3.29 (78257) is intended to present an overview of Agrawal, V.P., and Chandra, R. recent developments in the design of Optimisation of a chair mechanism for screen based systems including micropartially disabled people for sittingform systems, visual display systems standing and sitting-lying motions. and word-processing systems. The point Medical and Biological Engineering and of view expressed in the paper is that Computing, Sep 1979, 1 7 . 5 , 6 7 1 - 6 8 2 . of the system analyst, consulting with both users of systems and with An unenergised aid to standing up, manufacturers of equipment, and sitting down and lying down for engaged in the examination of the partially disabled people has been workplace with the aim of providing an optimised and a half-size kinematic environment in which specific tasks model made. Various facilities such as can be performed in the most efficient a foot rest, leg rest, arm rest and knee manner. In passing, it should be stated rest are also provided. The patient is that the term 'efficient' is taken to lifted and placed in the desired standing include aspects of both operator comfort and lying positions. An improved and productivity of the operator. Rosenbrock optimisation technique using a penalty function approach is used to determine the optimum 11.3.27 (78246) dimensions of the various links used in Lange, W. the chair mechanism. A general Little ergonomic data note book computer program has been developed (Kleine Ergonomische Datensammlung). to ascertain new dimensions of the (In German.) Bundesanstalt fur mechanism for different input-output A rbeitsschu tz u nd Unfallforschung, functional relationships. Dortmund, Germany, 1978, 158 pp; abstr in CIS Abstracts (CIS 79-1173). 11.3.30 (78261) This pocket book in pocket-size Occupational Health and Safety format contains the basic information Engineering, Michigan University, Ann necessary for the ergonomic layout of Arbor workplaces. Contents: anthropometric An ergonomic basis for recommendations data for different work postures; pertaining to specific sections of OSHA maximum permissible loads to be Standard, 29 CFR 1910, Sub Part D carried and transported; safe distances Walking and working surfaces. US for machinery guarding; recommended Government Report No PB-284 370, control elements; recommended slope Mar 1978, 187 pp; abstr in Health and for ramps and ladders; visual field; Safety in Industry. angle of vision; size of print; lighting Contents: Guarding against falls from and visual tasks; safety colours; heights; Decision rules for fall protection temperature; microclimate; size of systems; Protecting against fails on stairs; workplace and air volume; vibration; Stair railing height and grip; Nonrigid acoustics and perception of spoken top rails and rail diameter; Fall warning messages; noise control; specialised system; The use of scaffold cross-bracing literature and standards. in a guardrail system; Fixed ladders. 11.3.28 (78250)
Wise, J.A., et al
11.3.31 (78263)
Human Factors applications to the design of legal offices. In: Compass for Technology, Proceedings of the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Human Factors
Stefl, M.
September1980
Human use of hand-held hair dryers. National Bureau of Standards, Center for Consumer Product Technology, USA,
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Oncinnati, Ohio, USA, DHEW (NIOSH) Publication No 78-185, Jul 1978, 209 pp; abstr in CIS Abstracts (CIS 79-906). The 24 papers and 3 workshops in the Symposium were intended to summarise the state of the art and to help set priorities for future research on the following topics: accidents, injuries and standards; handling hazards; the medical problem; back loads in fixed spinal postures and in lifting; safe handling forces; human strength assessment; strength, duration and recovery mechanisms; metabolism; cardiovascular and respiratory limitations on muscular fatigue during lifting, psychophysiological indices; measurement of posture and forces in lifting; biomechanical models; computer models; lifting capacity models; risk taking in manual handling; design of containers for handling; effects of frequency, duration and pace; environmental characteristics (microclimate); training; industrial engineering functions; role of safety management.
Visual displays 11.3.19 (78210) Bateman, R.P. Design evaluation of an interface between passengers and an automated ground transportation system. In:
Compass for Technology, Proceedings of the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Human Factors Society, Boston, Massachusetts, Oct 29-Nov 1 1979, Edited by C.K. Bensel, pp 1 1 9 - 1 2 3 . In an automated airport ground transportation system, passengers who are not familiar with the system nor oriented with respect to the airport are faced with the problem of selecting a vehicle and destination to change between airlines. The design of an interface between an untrained human
user and an automated system requires skilful application of basic human factors principles. An existing system was studied to determine its effectiveness. Passengers were interviewed to identify specific problems. An operational sequence diagram was used to analyse the interface problem. A simplified sequence is proposed in a design modification which can be implemented at minimum cost. A redesign of the complete interface, using the power of the computer which controls the system, and applying human factors principles, results in a greatly simplified operational sequence diagram and is recommended for future systems.
11.3.20 (78214) Rutley, K.S., and Webb, P.J. Recognition distances and understanding of legends on an experimental motorway signal. Transport and Road
Research Laboratory, Crowthorne, Berks, Report No SR-500, 1979, 20 pp. A new type of matrix signal is being considered to improve the effectiveness of the motorway signalling system. Ila addition to the advice given by the present signal, it would inform drivers of the nature and location of hazards. A prototype three-part signal has been built to display this information, and a number of pictograms have been designed for indicating the nature of the hazard. Measurements were made of the recognition distance of the three parts of the signal. The effect of a normal accumulation of road dirt on matrix signal recognition was assessed at the same time. The pictograms were tested to find out how effective they were in conveying the desired meaning to drivers who had not seen them before. The tests showed that the top advisory panel and the 'distance ahead' panel could be recognised from distances adequate for motorway speeds. Although some of the pictograms on the prototype signal were not recognised from a sufficient distance, modifications have been made to this part of the signal which allows a 60% increase in the linear dimensions of the pictograms within the same overall signal size. The recognition distances of the enlarged pictograms expected to be obtained by the average driver are now adequate. Pictograms which were similar to those currently used on some fixed traffic signs were well understood. New designs were understood by between 40 and 100% of subjects, indicating that some publicity might be needed before they were used. 11.3.21 (78215) Selfridge, K.M. Planning and designing directionfinding systems. In: Compass for
Technology, Proceedings of the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Human Factors Society, Boston, Massachusetts, Oct 2 9 - N o v 1 1979, Edited by C.K. Bensel, pp 4 6 1 - 4 6 3 . A sign system is not merely a collection of separate signs, each with its separate purpose; but a system with several purposes: to guide and direct; to identify; to inform and instruct; and to contribute to a consistent beauty of the environment. The graphic designers' jobs in designing good sign systems are to understand how people read, perceive, and respond to signs. They need to know about the results of human factor psychology. Psychologists should in turn understand what graphic designers have to consider and what they do, so as to improve the communication between them. ] 1.3.22 (78222) Barnard, P.J., Wright, P., and Wilcox, P. Effects of response instructions and question style on the ease of completing forms. Journal of Occupational Psychology, 1979, 5 2 . 3 , 2 0 9 - 2 2 6 .
Three series of experiments are reported. Each series is concerned with a different aspect of efficient data collection via formalised question and answer protocols. In series 1 it is found that people are faster endorsing an answer (eg circle what does apply) than negating one (eg delete what does not apply). In series 2 it is found that people are faster responding to statements offering multiple alternatives within a sentence frame (eg I am single/ married) than responding to yes/no questions (eg Are you married?). However this advantage for sentence frame questions depends on the multiple alternatives being at the end of the sentence rather than at the beginning. Series 3 addresses administrative issues. Here it is found that error-checking procedures are faster when the formfiller has endorsed rather than negated items. It is also found that many formfillers ignore instructions about how to respond. The implications of these findings for the revision of forms to meet the requirements of automated data processing facilities are discussed. Throughout, the economic consequences of good form design are emphasised.
Auditory displays 11.3.23 (78229) German Standards Institute Acoustic danger signals (Akustische Gefahrensignale). (In German.) (Deutches Institut fur Normung), Berlin. The Institute Berlin, DIN
33 404, Tell 1, Beuth Verlag GmbH, Berlin, 1977, 2 pp; abstr in CIS Abstracts (CIS 79-854).
Applied Ergonomics
September1980
177
This standard, which applies only to hazard warning signals used in workplaces, prescribes criteria regarding perceptability of signals, particularly against high background noise levels. After defining some technical terms the standard prescribes required technical specifications to be met by signalling equipment and signals, rules for compliance testing and criteria to be met by the signals emitted (sound level and frequency, impulse time and frequency).
Keyboards 11.3.24 (78233)
Gopher, D., and Eilam, Z. Development of the letter-shape keyboard: A new approach to the design of data entry devices. In: Compass for Technology, Proceedings of the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Human Factors Society, Boston, Massachusetts, Oct 29-Nov 1 1979, Edited by C.K. Bensel, pp 4 0 - 4 4 . Development of a four key typewriter for Hebrew characters is described. It capitalises on the visual imagery capabilities of human operators. Parallel and sequential key strokes are employed as graphic elements to reproduce the shape of printed letters. Preliminary experiments show that letter-shape code is acquired with little training and is highly resistant to forgetting. Single hand blind typing at a relatively fast rate is achieved after a few hours of training. No difference is revealed between right and left hand operation. Only small and non reliable decrements in data entry rates were observed when system was operated during a simulated flight mission in a F-4 simulator. 11.3.25 (78234)
Smith, D.L. Self-service elevator control panels, a survey of user preference. In: Compass for Technology, Proceedings of the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Human Factors Society, Boston, Massachusetts, Oct 29-Nov 1 1979, Edited by C.K. Bensel, pp 1 2 4 - 1 2 8 . Historically, little systematic Human Factors Engineering has been done on the development of elevator control panels. This survey had participants develop a numerical arrangement within a given configuration. Results compare the preference of Human Factors specialists (about half the participants) with laymen in numerical configuration, shape coding preference, and sequence of assist buttons (open, close, emergency). A photographic survey examines the variety of control panels that can be found in public buildings and makes recommendations for improving the man-machine interface.
178
Applied Ergonomics
Workplace layout and equipment design
Society, Boston, Massachusetts, Oct 29 Nov 1 1979, Edited by C.K. Bensel, pp 106 110.
11.3.26 (78241) Crowe, B.L. Recent developments in the design of screen based systems: An overview. In: Human Factors and Contemporary Society: Proceedings of the 15th Annual Conference of the Ergonomics Society of Australia and New Zealand, Melbourne, Australia, Nov 30-Dec 1 1978. Edited by T.J. Triggs, pp 114-116.
A programming study was undertaken to examine diverse human factors considerations associated with a renovation design appraisal for a small public defender clinic. The study used a multimethod approach involving interviews, a questionnaire, and a participatory design session. Subsequently, the programming team was able to describe a variety of design implications arising from human functional concerns within the firm. These ranged from appropriate workplace arrangement of the legal secretary to the social/professional image of client accessed interview spaces.
The theme of the 15th Annual Conference of the Ergonomics Society is 'Human Factors and Contemporary Society' and this paper is concerned with the Systems Design sub-theme of the conference. In particular the paper 11.3.29 (78257) is intended to present an overview of Agrawal, V.P., and Chandra, R. recent developments in the design of Optimisation of a chair mechanism for screen based systems including micropartially disabled people for sittingform systems, visual display systems standing and sitting-lying motions. and word-processing systems. The point Medical and Biological Engineering and of view expressed in the paper is that Computing, Sep 1979, 1 7 . 5 , 6 7 1 - 6 8 2 . of the system analyst, consulting with both users of systems and with An unenergised aid to standing up, manufacturers of equipment, and sitting down and lying down for engaged in the examination of the partially disabled people has been workplace with the aim of providing an optimised and a half-size kinematic environment in which specific tasks model made. Various facilities such as can be performed in the most efficient a foot rest, leg rest, arm rest and knee manner. In passing, it should be stated rest are also provided. The patient is that the term 'efficient' is taken to lifted and placed in the desired standing include aspects of both operator comfort and lying positions. An improved and productivity of the operator. Rosenbrock optimisation technique using a penalty function approach is used to determine the optimum 11.3.27 (78246) dimensions of the various links used in Lange, W. the chair mechanism. A general Little ergonomic data note book computer program has been developed (Kleine Ergonomische Datensammlung). to ascertain new dimensions of the (In German.) Bundesanstalt fur mechanism for different input-output A rbeitsschu tz u nd Unfallforschung, functional relationships. Dortmund, Germany, 1978, 158 pp; abstr in CIS Abstracts (CIS 79-1173). 11.3.30 (78261) This pocket book in pocket-size Occupational Health and Safety format contains the basic information Engineering, Michigan University, Ann necessary for the ergonomic layout of Arbor workplaces. Contents: anthropometric An ergonomic basis for recommendations data for different work postures; pertaining to specific sections of OSHA maximum permissible loads to be Standard, 29 CFR 1910, Sub Part D carried and transported; safe distances Walking and working surfaces. US for machinery guarding; recommended Government Report No PB-284 370, control elements; recommended slope Mar 1978, 187 pp; abstr in Health and for ramps and ladders; visual field; Safety in Industry. angle of vision; size of print; lighting Contents: Guarding against falls from and visual tasks; safety colours; heights; Decision rules for fall protection temperature; microclimate; size of systems; Protecting against fails on stairs; workplace and air volume; vibration; Stair railing height and grip; Nonrigid acoustics and perception of spoken top rails and rail diameter; Fall warning messages; noise control; specialised system; The use of scaffold cross-bracing literature and standards. in a guardrail system; Fixed ladders. 11.3.28 (78250)
Wise, J.A., et al
11.3.31 (78263)
Human Factors applications to the design of legal offices. In: Compass for Technology, Proceedings of the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Human Factors
Stefl, M.
September1980
Human use of hand-held hair dryers. National Bureau of Standards, Center for Consumer Product Technology, USA,