Design for Purpose

So, far we’ve looked at how Human Factors design can reduce stress and fatigue, improve the quality of life, increase safety… but there is a darker side to design and Human Factors

Design for Discomfort What makes this chair uncomfortable? Why would anyone want to design an uncomfortable chair?

Do you think there is a market for uncomfortable chairs? Could you explain your last answer? Identify design contexts that have been purposely designed to provide only basic comfort for short periods of time

There are situations where designers are actively involved in designing uncomfortable products, systems and environments. The general goals of human factors design come into active conflict with the design goals of the project. Consider a fast-food restaurant, a train station or at an airport Fast food restaurants are not designed for comfort, they are designed to deliver fast food, and ensure a fast exit for their customers. They are designed to be clean and tidy but they are not designed to be comfortable. Compare & contrast the following two public places

MacDonald's – designed for discomfort? Why were you ever in one in the first place!

Design for Purpose It’s okay, we’re going back to the light side

Design for Purpose - Signage

– what’s the purpose? نافورة المياه dej ciav पानी फोहरा kwamanzi mthombo וואַסער פאָנטאַן

Signage is a very important area of human factors design. Signs are used all over the globe and if designed carefully they can be understood by the majority of people no matter what language they use. What areas are they particularly important? Discuss the importance of international standards in airport signage

Information through the use of graphics rather than words

Look at these road symbols – is there are standard shape for a particular message? Investigate whether there are other conventions – colours / backgrounds

Identify human factors issues in the design of motorway signs

driver sampling decision sight distance information coding Weather conditions influence the size of sign additional lighting/sensors to ensure the signs are visible.

What might be the advantages of LED Signs?