E7: Human Factors Design IB Technology Contexts E7: Human Factors Design IB Technology

Product: Mobile Phone

Anthropometric data There are four elements of anthropometric data which are necessary when designing a mobile phone: Finger dimensions Hand size Thumb width Viewing angle

Design factors One design factor, related to ease of use of the mobile phone, that has compromised the use of human factors data is miniaturisation of components. Products are so small that it is difficult to use due to the size of the hand, fingers and thumbs Mini Mobile Phone Torch

Psychological human factors Psychological human factors data that could be used in the design of a mobile phone are: Texture Sound Colour Light

Fashion & human factors Fashion relates to style, for example, chunky or ultra slim, and texture. These factors can then have an impact on ease of use or portability, which is important in the design of mobile phones.

Aesthetic-usability effect Definition: A condition whereby users perceive more aesthetically pleasing designs to be easier to use than less aesthetically pleasing designs.

Which of these phones looks easier to use? Which of these phones would have point-of-sale impact?

System: Kitchen

Work triangle A work triangle is used to assess the efficiency of placing key appliances in a design, for example, fridge, cooker and sink.

Safety in the kitchen The work triangle ensures that working in the kitchen is as safe as possible, by considering the movement between major appliances. Consider: Transport of hot food Carrying heavy objects

Sequence of use Sequence of use is a design principle applied to kitchen design. The sequence of use for a right-handed person is from left to right, from the sink to the main work surface to the cooker and to accessory work surfaces.

Anthropometric data in a kitchen Height of the work surface Position of cupboards Depth of work surfaces Circulation space Which percentile would be important for each of these examples? 5th, 50th or 95th percentile?

Psychological human factors in kitchen design Perception of texture Temperature Light Colour How might this kitchen affect you psychologically?

Commercial and domestic kitchens There are different factors involved in the design of domestic kitchens and commercial kitchen, which may be in a restaurant or hotel. Domestic kitchen Commercial kitchen Factors can include: Interaction of staff Heat generated Ventilation Access areas Storage Health and safety

Kitchen appliances The labelling information on kitchen appliances can often be misleading to the user. For example: microwave ovens have different labelling for control panels

Physiological human factors When designing kitchen products and appliances as a designer you should also consider physiological human factors data, such as: Viewing distance Pulling strength Lifting strength Turning strength

Environment: open-plan office

Noise and temperature These are psychological human factors which influence the design of an open plan office. An open-plan office is open in design, therefore noise and temperature can be difficult to control.

Noise and temperature as a designer of open-plan offices you should consider: Sound absorbing acoustic partitions Separating noisy equipment Silent phone tones Ventilation flow Static tasks Dynamic tasks

Space Vs Standardised design The final design of an open-plan office is a compromise between individual space preferences and standardised design. Space is often allocated based on standardised tasks or office status, but different individuals have different personal space needs.

Safety considerations In an open-plan office there are a number of safety considerations that need to be addressed at the design stage. Cable layout Tripping hazards Peoples circulation space Storage areas Fire evacuation plans

Office furniture Psychological factors: Comfort Aesthetics Physiological factors: Comfort Adjustability Long periods of use

Anthropometric data in office furniture Office furniture needs to be adjustable to allow for different people. In office furniture designers must consider: Desk height Chair height Space between work areas Thigh clearance

Environment: Car

Car controls The location and layout of car controls should influence efficient use for the driver For example: car windo controls on the door make it a better design than that of window controls in the centre console.

Car interiors Car designers have used new technology to redesign the interiors of cars to improve human factors issues. For example: the use of colours, sound and voice synthesisers to warn the driver of different situations.

Car interiors Designers have also redesigned the interior of cars to benefit passengers and drivers. For example: climate control zoned heating memory adjusted seats

Multifunctional electronic controls As with other electronic appliances designers can overstep the mark by allowing technology to dictate the design. Many users find multifunctional electronic controls a problem, either because they do not understand them or because the controls are physically too difficult to use.