6.4.20 (67588)
Williams, A.R., Siegel, A.I. and Burkett, J.R, Readability of textual materials: A survey of the literature. US AFHRL Technical Report, No 74J29, Jul 1974, 70 pp; abstr in Psychological A bstracts. Presents a review of the literature relating to methods of measuring the readability/comprehensibility of textual materials. Various formulae for calculating readability are presented and placed in historical perspective, and the general status of research into the development of readability indices is discussed. An experimental evaluation of modified training materials presented with and without auditory supplementation is also outlined, and steps in the preparation of a training materials modification handbook are described.
6.4.21 (67590)
Kammann, R. The comprehensibility of printed instructions and the flowchart alternative. Human Factors', Apt 1975, 17.2, 1 8 3 - 1 9 1 . A few recent studies of open-book comprehension for printed instructions lead to the rule of thumb that such instructions will be understood correctly about two-thirds of the time. In the experiment reported here, two different flow chart formats were compared with standard paragraph instructions and were found to be superior in comprehension accuracy and speed. The two-thirds rule and the flowchart effect were both sustained in comprehension testing in a subsequent field trial.
Workplace layout and equipment design 6.4.22 (67601)
6.4.23 (67608)
Fitch, J.M., Temper, J. and Corcoran,P. The dimensions of stairs. Seientzl/ic American, 1974, 231.4, 82- 90. From antiquity to modern times stairways have been built by rules of thumb. A study of how people move and expend energy in going up and down stairs suggests a more rational approach to their design. 6.4.24 (67612)
McClelland, I.L. Bath aids for the disabled, qRC Report No T75-2758, May 1972, 46 pp; abstr in R and D Abstracts. The study was carried out at the Disabled Living Research Unit, Mary Marlborough Lodge and at a day centre for disabled persons at Coalville. It was concluded that the arrangement of wall rail, bath board and bath seat used in the experiment substantially assisted the disabled in gaining independent entry into, and exit from, a bath. Recommendations are made regarding the introduction of such a configuration of bath aids into the hospital and domestic situation. 6.4.25 (67613~
Reilly, M.I. Crashworthy helicopter gunner's seat investigation. Jan 1975,256 pp; abstr in Government Reports Announcements (Report No AD/A-005 563/2GA). The poor crash-impact performance of seats designed to current military specifications was revealed by the US Army in the early 1960's. It was discovered that numerous seat occupants were being injured during moderate impacts because of inadequate torso restraint, inadequate seat strength, absence of any meaningful vertical crash-force attenuation, and inadequate testing criteria. Following extensive design and testing efforts, improved crashworthiness design and testing criteria were developed for Army aircraft seating systems.
Gamst, F.C. Human Factors analysis of the dieselelectric locomotive cab. Human Factors, Apt 1975, 17.2, 1 4 9 - 1 5 6 . Using information collected over 6Vz years, a human factors analysis was completed of the diesel-electric locomotive cab. The analysis was directed towards displays, control design and arrangement, and environmental quality. Nineteen recommendations were provided for the modification of existing cabs and the design of new cabs to enable future locomotive crews to work more efficiently and safely in a more comfortable work environment.
244
Illumination 6.4.26 (67626)
blaefarlane, W.V. Night light and human functions. IES Lighting Review, Apr 1974, 36, 3 5 - 4 1 ; abstr in Lighting Research and Technology. Changes of lighting and work patterns are important in shift working, in time-zone displacement and in military types of operations. The disruption of the ciracadian rhythm which results is discussed in relation to a number of physiological functions.
Applied Ergonomics December 1975
l h e body eventuali3 adjusts itseli !~ these abnormal ii',ing patterns but a~ different rates for different people. 6.4.27t67032) Henderson, R.L.. McNelis, J.F. and
Williams, H.G. A survey and anaiysJs of important visual tasks in offices. Journal ~,).1 the Illuminating t:ng"neeri~g S~)cie~v, Jan 19"75,4.2. 150 153. Although more office tasks need t<~ be measured, the provided visibility data make it possible to key lighting design inore meaningfully to a particular office situation
6.4.28 ~67~i36) Krochmann, L, Ozver, Z. and
Stockmar. A. The luminance ot road surfaces during twilight. (in German) Lichttechnik, Jul 1974, 26. 3 1 8 319 and Aug 1974, 2 6 , 3 4 7 - 349; abstr in Ltghtmg and Rc~earch Tech~zo[ogy. Calculation,~ arc made assuming that a luminance of 2 cd/m 2 is requized on roads. Expressions are developed for the relation of h~.~rizontal illuminance to zenith sky luminance and to road luminance, including the effects of adjacent building height; both clear and overcast sky and the geometry of the situation are considered. Values of the necessary unobstructed horizontal illuminance are tabulated for various conditions. Street lighting should be switched on at least when the luminance falls to 60 lux, or preferably at 90 lux, and left on till dawn illuminancc reaches 45 lux.
6.4.29 (67¢~44)
Langolf, G.D_ Mottrant, R.R, and Fisher, J. Specification ol control illumination limits. Final Report 28 Feb 13 Sept 1974. Oct 1974, 84 pp; abstr in Government Reports Announcements (Report No PB-237 549/1GAL This prt)ject was instituted to determine maximum and minimum limits of vehicle control label illumination and to recommend procedures for compliance testing. In order to establish a minimuin brightness level, a psychophysical procedure was used to establish the 95% correctness threshold for 95% of older drivers (ages ranged from 45 to 67). The correctness threshold and subject response times were obtained over eight letter brightness levels, four letter sizes and three contrast ratios. The results showed that minimum brightness levels must be specified as a function of letter size and contrast ratio.