bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lateralization of Sounds Using Bone-Conduction Headsets
Authors: Stanley Raymond M. , Walker Bruce N.
Published: January 2012

Participants reported the apparent lateralization of sounds as a function of interaural level differences, for stimuli delivered through bone-conduction headsets and standard headphones. The results showed that non-externalized spatial audio can be invoked with the bonephones, a device that provides the unique advantage of not covering the ears of the listener. Furthermore, the degree of lateralization with bonephones can be similar to that produced using headphones. These data provide a function relating the input into bonephones or headphones to the resulting percept of lateralization, in a manner that may be particularly useful for mobile and low-resource computing applications.
Perspective Dependence on Direction Judgment in a Virtual Room Space
Authors: Luo Zhiqiang , Duh Henry Been-Lirn
Published: January 2012

The present study investigated the role of encoding perspective in mental representation for the spatial layout learned via the route, leaning and aerial perspectives which are different with respect to the height taken. Two experiments with the same procedures were carried out in two different virtual rooms. The results showed that the direction judgment, especially the vertical angle judgment, was changed as the perspectives varied along the vertical dimension of space. In addition, the room geometry can also influence the mental representation of spatial relations. The data indicated that the orientation-dependent property of spatial memory can be formed when the perspective varies along the vertical dimension of space.
Effects of Roadway Visibility on Steering Errors While Driving in Blowing Snow
Authors: Lew Roger , Dyre Brian P. , Wotring Brian
Published: January 2012

Simulations of driving over a randomly-textured ground plane produce systematic steering errors when falling snow moves orthogonally to the driver's path (Dyre & Lew, 2005). Here, we examined whether these errors are mitigated by either high- or low-visibility roadways. Drivers viewed simulations of driving across a ground plane while snow moved at different speeds orthogonal to the initial direction of movement, which varies the angular distance between the focus of expansion (FOE) defined by the snow and the FOE defined by the environment. Drivers were instructed to steer such that they maintained a straight path relative to the ground. Three roadway visibility conditions were examined: no visible roadway, low-visibility roadway, and high-visibility roadway. Errors in steering and maintenance of lane position were related to the angular distance between the FOE for all roadway visibility conditions, although the magnitude of the errors lessened when low- and high-visibility roadways were present.
The Magnitude of Motion Parallax Affects Control of Egospeed
Authors: Dyre Brian P. , Cooper Stacey , Lew Roger , Wotring Brian
Published: January 2012

Perceiving the speed of self-motion, or egospeed, from optical flow can be important for vehicular control. McDevitt, Eggleston, & Dyre (1999) found that judgments of egospeed are affected by the magnitude of motion parallax present in optical flow. The present study examined whether this motion parallax effect generalizes to control of egospeed. Participants were shown simulations of forward translation parallel to a set of three transparent planes defined by white dots and separated by a constant interplane distance. After a preview period, the motion parallax produced by the set of three planes was instantaneously changed by changing the interplane distance. Participants then reduced their egospeed to one-half that experienced during the preview period. Decreases in motion parallax resulted in higher adjusted speeds, while increases in motion parallax resulted in lower adjusted speeds. These results suggest that control of egospeed is affected by motion parallax in the same manner as judgments.
Guiding Principles for Tactile Technology: Implications from Theory and Empirical Findings
Authors: Coovert Michael D. , Gray Ashley A. , Tolentino Anna , Jagusztyn Nicole , Stilson Fredrick R. B. , Klein Rebecca H. , Willis Timothy J. , Rossi Mike , Jackson Erin , Elliott Linda R. , Redden Elizabeth S.
Published: January 2012

There is an extensive literature on tactile interfaces and their overall importance to human-computer interaction is increasing. In this presentation we critically examine the psychological, computer science, engineering, and human factors literatures for tactile devices. Two major classes of principles emerge: those taken directly from authors' publications and those synthesized from the literature. Over 800 specific principles emerged from our work. We developed a structure for organizing the principles and offer the principles for specific guidance to researchers and practitioners.
The Effects of Aesthetic Attributes on Response Time and Aesthetic Judgement in a Multiattribute Binary Aesthetic Choice Task
Authors: Schmidt Kristi E. , Liu Yili
Published: January 2012

A systematic and quantitative study of aesthetics for both theoretical understanding and human factors application is needed to answer questions such as, “How do people make aesthetic judgments?” and “How do people perceive individual aesthetic attributes, and what effect does this perception have on performance?” This paper reports a binary aesthetic choice experiment whose objective was to examine the effect of the number of different aesthetic attributes on aesthetic perception of advertisements. A methodology is presented that quantitatively distinguishes displays based upon their individual aesthetic attributes and utilizes the performance measure of response time to examine the process of aesthetic judgment. Results show that when comparing two stimuli, an increased difference among aesthetic stimuli decreases processing and response time. Additionally, there is a limit in the number of different attributes participants consider when making aesthetic judgments.
Comparing Estimated and Actual Visual Acuity at High and Low Luminance
Authors: Brooks Johnell O. , Tyrrell Richard A. , Stephens Benjamin R.
Published: January 2012

How much insight do individuals have into their own visual abilities? This study investigated the extent to which individuals from 18 to 78 years old can accurately predict their own acuity under a broad range of luminances. New psychophysically based methods were developed to facilitate direct comparisons between individuals' estimates of their own visual acuity and their actual acuity. While all age groups appreciate that reductions in luminance have negative consequences on acuity, both younger and middle-age adults underestimated their ability to see in dim conditions. Older adults, however, overestimated their ability to see. These results fail to support the hypothesis that seniors would be the most aware of their limited visual abilities at night. Future research should explore why some seniors are comfortable driving at night while others are not.
Effects of Handwear and Hand Posture on Four Performance Measures in Foil Fencing
Authors: Li Kai Way , Chang Chih-Lin
Published: January 2012

In foil fencing, an adequate amount of hand forces and dexterity is extremely important in manipulating the foil and thus affecting the performance of a fencer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of handwear of fencing gloves and posture on four performance measures in foil fencing. Eight male fencers were tested in an experiment. Four measures of fencing performance were collected and analyzed. They were the grip and pinch forces under four hand postures and the hitting scores and motion time under a fundamental attacking scenario. Analysis of variance was conducted. Duncan's multiple range tests were conducted if a significance level of 0.05 was reached. The results showed that both the handwear condition and posture were significant on the grip force. The effects of posture on grip and pinch forces were both significant. Handwear affected hitting accuracy significantly. The effect of handwear on pinch force was not significant. The hitting scores for both the glove I and II conditions were significantly higher than the bare hand condition. The results in this study supported that selection of the thinnest glove resulted in relatively better performance for the fencers.
Back Extensor Muscle Oxygenation and Blood Volume Comparisons during Two Endurance Exercise Modes
Authors: Maikala Rammohan V , Bhambhani Yagesh N
Published: January 2012

Since the current near-infrared spectroscopy devices do not measure absolute muscle saturation, normalization of hemodynamic measurements by occluding blood flow to muscles is considered acceptable. However, physiological reference for the paraspinal muscles is difficult with occlusion techniques. This study compared muscle oxygenation and blood volume responses in healthy men and women during: static back muscle endurance test (SBME) and stepwise incremental repetitive pushing-pulling exercise (PP). On two separate days, subjects completed SBME and PP until volitional exhaustion. Both oxygenation and blood volume values were obtained from the right erector spinae muscle. At volitional exhaustion, PP resulted in greater deoxygenation than during SBME (P<0.05). However, physiological change observed (calculated as the difference between the maximum and minimum values for oxygenation and blood volume) was not significantly different between exercise modes in both genders, suggesting either endurance exercise modes can be used interchangeably to establish physiological limits for the lumbar muscle.
User Password Generation Practices and Strong Password Guideline Compliance
Authors: Riley Shannon , Chaparro Barbara S.
Published: January 2012

This study investigated the common password generation practices of online users. Three hundred and fifteen undergraduate and graduate college-age students completed a survey querying; internet usage demographics; the types and number of different password protected accounts maintained; actual practices used in generating, storing and using passwords; what practices users believe that they should use in generating and storing passwords; and general demographic information. Results indicate that, in general, users do not vary the complexity of passwords depending on the nature of the site or change their passwords on a regular basis if not required by the site. In generating passwords users typically report using (1) lower case letters, (2) numbers or digits, (3) personally meaningful numbers and (4) personally meaningful words.
Personality of Cleartype Fonts
Authors: Shaikh A. Dawn , Chaparro Barbara S. , Fox Doug
Published: January 2012

Substantial research regarding typeface persona has not been conducted for onscreen media. Previous research indicates that printed typefaces have associated personas and have the potential to create meanings that extend beyond the printed text. This study examined six new ClearType fonts and six existing fonts representing serif, sans serif, and monospaced font groups. Fonts were examined using 15 personality pairs through an online survey. Results indicated that serif fonts were characterized as more traditional in personality; sans serif fonts were perceived as more casual; and monospaced fonts were described as plain and dull. Overall, this study makes an initial attempt to establish perceived onscreen personas common fonts while evaluating the newest Microsoft fonts.
Residential Wall Panel Designers' Knowledge and Attitudes toward Ergonomics
Authors: Kim Sunwook , Hurley Michael J. , Nussbaum Maury A. , Hughes Laura E. , Babski-Reeves Kari L.
Published: January 2012

There is increasing use of panelized (prefabricated) wall systems in residential construction, requiring construction workers to handle larger and heavier components. Panel designers can make a substantial impact on ergonomic exposures of on site workers if ergonomics is considered in the design phase. A survey and a semi-structured interview were conducted to assess current knowledge and opinions of ergonomics among panel designers. Twelve panel designers from 11 different panel companies participated in the study. Results of the survey and the interview suggested that panel designers are rather resistant to the inclusion of ergonomics in their design, and they generally lack training in ergonomics. Designers considered themselves least responsible for construction worker safety and health, likely because they are disconnected from on site workers. Thus, it is essential that panel designers are supported with ergonomic assessment tools that can evaluate ergonomic exposures and provide alternative (improved) designs.
Talk is Cheap: On the Usability Advice Salespeople offer to Older Consumers
Authors: Bush Andra , Carswell C. Melody , Corman Michelle , Briscoe Miranda , Lio Cindy H.
Published: January 2012

When older consumers approach a salesperson with questions about product usability, what advice are they likely to receive? To find out, we interviewed salespeople selling four types of products – cell phones, dryers, recliners, and jewelry. Our 63 participants were more likely to recommend specific features rather than specific products, and they were more likely to focus on mobility rather than cognitive or sensory issues. However, when directly asked to make suggestions for a person who had sensory or cognitive concerns, the salespeople were generally able to do so. We found no evidence that the type of store, the salesperson's gender, or the salesperson's age predicted the amount of usability information they could provide. However, we did learn that the people who provided the most suggestions generally reported coming up with their advice through direct interaction with older adults rather than from reading product literature or from personal product use.
Individual Differences in Working Memory Capacity and Site Complexity Predict Recall from Web Pages
Authors: Blasko-Drabik Holly , Hinds Katie , Sims Valerie K.
Published: January 2012

Participants with either high or low working memory operation spans interacted with one of three websites and then recalled both the layout and content they experienced. Websites varied in terms of complexity, with more complex sites containing more dense text and additional animations. Results showed that site complexity predicted general content recall, whereas working memory span predicted both specific layout recall and specific content recall. Working memory operation span is an important predictor of interactions with websites, and this variable predicts beyond information about site complexity.
Comparison of Human Ice Detection Capabilities and Ground Ice Detection System Performance under Post Deicing Conditions
Authors: Terrace Scott M. , Bender Kimberlea D. , Sierra Edmundo A. , Marcil Isabelle , D'Avirro John , Pugacz Edward , Eyre Frank
Published: January 2012

Currently, after deicing operations, the presence of residual ice on an aircraft's wing is determined by a human deicer from a deicing ground crew via visual and tactile inspections. One method proposed to overcome some of the safety and physical concerns associated with human inspections is to use Ground Ice Detection Systems (GIDS). However, before regulatory authorities can consider GIDS for operational use, their performance had to be compared to human ice detection capabilities. In August 2005, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) William J. Hughes Technical Center's (WJHTC) Simulation and Analysis Group conducted a study sponsored by the FAA Office of Aviation Research, Flight Safety Branch (WJHTC), and Transport Canada's Transportation Development Centre to compare human ice detection performance using current visual and tactile techniques with the performance of two different GIDS under post deicing inspection scenarios. Nine male deicers from Globe Ground at Toronto Pearson Airport and Aero Mag 2000 Montreal performed post deicing inspections using three methods: the current method (Visual inspections and Tactile inspections), the GIDS1 method, and the GIDS2 method. Three separate post-deicing scenarios were presented each day for three days: a wing with 12 ice patches (High Contamination), three ice patches (Low Contamination), and a clean wing (No Contamination). Accuracy data, false detection data, and time to complete an inspection were collected and analyzed for each condition. The results from the study consistently indicated that overall GIDS1 was superior to human visual and tactile inspections and GIDS2 inspections in terms of accuracy, false detections, and stability in performance. Participants using GIDS1 were able to detect all patch sizes and thicknesses with the greatest accuracy while the other methods' accuracy improved as a function of patch size and thickness. In addition, inspections completed by the GIDS1 manufacturer throughout the study suggest that, with time and experience, performance could further improve.
Visual Rating System for HFES Graphics: Design and Analysis
Authors: Aumer-Ryan Paul
Published: January 2012

This paper introduces research that evolved out of an analysis of Gillan, Wickens, Hollands, & Carswell's (1998) guidelines for the graphical presentation of quantitative data in HFES publications. The impetus for this research stemmed from a concern about substandard illustrations accompanying publications and the difficulty in communicating how to improve the quality of those illustrations. The aim in this paper is twofold: (1) to offer a pragmatic method for operationalizing and measuring the adherence of a specific graphic to the aforementioned guidelines; and (2) to present the analysis of preliminary data gathered using the metric developed. I will first present the methodology used to develop a Web-based rating interface, then examine the implementation of that interface, and finally discuss the results of a comparative analysis performed on samples of graphics published before and after the original guidelines. Counterintuitively, the only evidence we found of a change between graphs published before the guidelines and those published after was a decrease in the readability of text.
Design Considerations for Accessible Mobile Phones
Authors: Lee Young Seok , Jhangiani Ira , Smith-Jackson Tonya L. , Nussbaum Maury A. , Tomioka Kei
Published: January 2012

Based on multiple year accessibility research experience, a set of design considerations was developed corresponding to the universal design guidelines to guide the development of more accessible mobile phones. The design considerations were intended to help designers who do not have much understanding of people with disabilities consider various possible use cases. Its usefulness was revealed during an evaluation with designers, and several possible improvements were identified: 1) more design considerations or use cases should be identified by disability types, and 2) it can be implemented as a multimedia tool that contains video clips of actual use cases.
VRML use for Iterative Usability Testing of user Interfaces: A Novel Continuum Robotic Limb Example
Authors: Gomer Joshua A. , Moore Kristin S. , Crisler Matthew C. , Kwoka Martha J. , Pagano Christopher C.
Published: January 2012

Our team has developed a teleoperated robotic arm based on the biological model of an octopus. This “OctArm” has several advantages over traditional robotic designs, including the ability to grasp fragile objects with soft compliance, distributed pressure and the ability to pick up large or irregularly shaped objects. The development of an operator interface using a Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) simulation has been a major focus. The simulation is used for both portable usability testing and as a visual display aid during the operation of the arm. Usability tests have been completed in the laboratory and the interface was tested in the field during an event sponsored by the Alliance for Robot Assisted Crisis Assessment and Response (ARACAR). VRML has proved to be a very useful tool for the development of the operator interface, robot control strategies, and training regimes. The use of VRML as a usability tool will be demonstrated.
Techniques for Assessing Safety Symbol Comprehension: Web-Based vs. In-Person Questionnaire Administration
Authors: Wisniewski Elaine C. , Isaacson Judith J. , Hall Steven M.
Published: January 2012

This study compares methods for testing comprehension of a set of three safety symbols – in-person questionnaire administration and three variations of a web-based questionnaire using similar protocols. Both the medium and the particular questions asked were varied. The in-person method included follow-up and probing questions and used questions about the individual symbols only if needed to elicit complete answers. The web-based questionnaires omitted follow-up and probing questions, and always included questions about the individual symbols. The second variation of the web-based questionnaire added an example of a “good/poor answer” as shown in ANSI Z535.3 Annex B. The third included the example answer and an additional question regarding consequences. The in-person method measured 90% correct comprehension with 2% critical confusions. Comprehension measured by each of the three web-based methods did not significantly differ from the in-person method. The comparison of different web-based questionnaires indicates that for web-based testing, asking about individual symbols within a symbol set, providing an example of a good/poor answer, and/or including an additional question regarding consequences can improve the method's ability to capture comprehension data. These results suggest that under some circumstances, a web-based questionnaire could substitute for in-person comprehension testing.
Initial Development and Application of a New Method to Analyze Organizational Risk
Authors: Stoner Heather A. , Alexander Amy L. , Skarin Bruce , Salter William J.
Published: January 2012

Large, complex organizations implement a range of policies and procedures to protect against risk. Sometimes, however, catastrophic accidents occur, such as with the Challenger and Columbia shuttles. “Procedural drift” has been suggested as a source of such accidents (Rasmussen, Pejtersen, & Goldstein, 1994), a process whereby procedures gradually shift, based on operating experience, until an extreme situation causes the shifted procedures to fail. Brief case studies were conducted of the shuttle accidents to explore and refine this hypothesis and to develop methods for investigating it systematically, including a “knowledge map” method, initially described by Lintern (2003). A knowledge map is a theoretically-driven variant of a work domain analysis (Rasmussen et. al., 1994), which incorporates procedural task analysis and organizational controls to analyze the overarching goal of the system. This enables visualization of how procedures occur within the organization, describing collaborations, decisions, and management procedures. Secondary goals are achieved through tasks, and tasks are further broken down into sub-tasks to describe how the system, at its procedural level, acts within the global constraints of the system. Since the knowledge map method does not generate runnable models, a system dynamics model was also developed to model the processes and dynamics of procedural drift, particularly as it affects safety. This combination of methods shows considerable promise in analyzing the shuttle accidents in particular and procedural drift and organizational risk in general.
The Automatic Pilot Examination (APEX): The Navy's online testing system for selecting Naval Aviators
Authors: Olde Brent A. , Walker Peter B.
Published: January 2012

The Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB) is used to select Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard Aviators. The Navy has made great efforts to improve the convenience, security, and ease at which the test can be administered. One of the most recent improvements has been the development of the Automatic Pilot Examination (APEX) system. This is an online delivery system for the ASTB. This system not only provides secure testing, it provides database management, data lookup, and official applicant score letters to recruiters and selection sites around the world. The intent of this paper and the corresponding demonstration is to showcase the Navy's current advances in online aviation selection testing, with particular emphasis on the APEX delivery system and the new psycho-motor test.
Demonstration of Remote Usability Testing Practices and Procedures
Authors: Schall Andrew J. , Horst Richard L.
Published: January 2012

Over the last several years, we and many other usability engineering practitioners have successfully incorporated remote usability testing methodologies in our practice. Our own consulting experience has included hundreds of remote testing sessions over dozens of studies. In this mode of usability testing, an Internet connection is used to share the computer interface that is being evaluated between the test facilitator, who hosts the application, and a remotely located test participant. The test participant typically controls the application running on the facilitator's computer while the two converse by telephone. This method of evaluation has proven to be a cost-effective way to involve test participants regardless of their physical location. For many user interfaces and design issues the results obtained seem equivalent to those obtained with comparable in-person usability testing methods. At the present conference, we will demonstrate a typical usability testing interaction between a test facilitator and a remotely located participant. In this paper we present some equipment and procedural considerations in preparing for remote usability testing. We also present some best practices for designing and implementing remote tests and discuss the pros and cons of using remote testing methods in usability evaluations.
The use of Similes to Enhance Inferencing and Memory of Unfamiliar Product Hazards
Authors: Ezer Neta , Fisk Arthur D. , Bowles C. Travis , Rogers Wendy A.
Published: January 2012

Individuals need to infer proper behavior with an unfamiliar product in situations that are not specifically stated in a warning, as well as remember the warning in subsequent uses. One novel approach to help people correctly make inferences about warnings and remember them may be to use similes, which may allow individuals to understand hidden hazards by using previous knowledge. Twenty-six participants between the ages of 18 and 27 completed a computer-based assessment of how well they inferred safe behavior for unfamiliar products. Participants were shown traditional-type warnings, simile-type warnings, or non-warnings for products. An ANOVA with number of correct inferences as the dependent variable was performed While it was expected that participants given simile-type warnings might provide more correct answers to the inference-based questions than those given traditional-type warnings, there was no statistical difference found between the mean scores of participants in these groups. The mean scores of participants in both of these groups was significantly higher then the mean score of participants in the group given non-warnings. These data suggest that both traditional warnings and simile warnings provide useful information regarding product hazards. The study is in progress and will conclude with a total of sixty participants.
Novice Teen and Experienced Adult Drivers on the Smart Road Intersection: Does Six Months of Experience Matter?
Authors: Olsen Erik C. B. , Simons-Morton Bruce G. , Lee Suzanne E.
Published: January 2012

The performance of novice teen and experienced adult drivers was investigated on a test track 6-months after an initial assessment soon after teen licensure. Adults were more likely to notice and stop for the red light when performing a cell phone task while approaching an intersection, while teens were more likely to go through without stopping. Workload ratings of teens were generally lower than those of adults, suggesting that teens believed they were at least as aware of the outside environment as experienced adults or that they believed they had sufficient resources to judge the traffic signal status and enter the intersection safely. It appears that since the initial session, teens became more comfortable with driving, reflected by significant changes in workload ratings, even though on average their stopping behavior did not improve. The results indicate that novice teens 6-months after licensure do not perform as well as experienced adults on intersection tasks when using a cell phone.
Field Evaluation of a Risk Awareness and Perception Training Program for Younger Drivers
Authors: Pradhan Anuj K. , Fisher Donald L. , Pollatsek Alexander , Knodler Mike , Langone Michelle
Published: January 2012

This study is an evaluation of a Risk Awareness and Training Program (RAPT) designed for younger drivers. Our prior study demonstrated that a version of RAPT improved the risk perception of younger, novice drivers in a driving simulator as indicated by their eye-fixations in critical situations. The current evaluation was carried out in the field, comparing a group of younger drivers (18–21 years old) trained with RAPT with an untrained group of the same age-range. Each driver was fitted with a head-mounted portable eye-tracker that collected data during the drive (a pre-determined course of approximately 16 miles that had ten critical locations similar in concept to the scenarios in the training session). The drivers' eye-movement data, especially point of gaze, were analyzed at these ten locations. There was a significant improvement in risk perception (as indexed by fixations on pre-determined areas of potential risk) for drivers who had completed RAPT. This is the first study to show that training of any kind can have an effect on drivers' detection of risky areas in the field.
A Preliminary Evaluation of a Driver-Infrastructure Interface for a Left-Turn Warning
Authors: Nowakowski Christopher
Published: January 2012

To examine the viability of an infrastructure-based, left-turn warning, twenty test participants drove through a test-track intersection with oncoming traffic. Participants decided, both with and without the aide of an infrastructure-based real-time warning, whether or not there was enough time to complete the turn in front of the oncoming traffic. In order to allow for natural driving behaviors such as turning without stopping, a new metric, the predicted trailing buffer (spare time), was introduced to describe the synthesis of vehicle movements, and as a basis for a warning algorithm. This study also examined the effect of or the timeliness of three different warning onset points.

Gap (lag) acceptance increased as the predicted trailing buffer increased with almost all gaps being accepted with greater than one second of predicted spare time. Overall, the activation of an infrastructure-based warning reduced the percentage of turns made by about twenty percent. As the predicted spare time decreased, the activation of a warning was even more effective in persuading the drivers to both stop and to agree with the warning. Drivers were largely insensitive to the onset of the warning; however, a warning onset of 32 m or 4 s before reaching the stop bar was mostly considered acceptable.
Truck Drivers' Ability to Locate Targets Briefly Seen in Mirrors
Authors: Jenness James W. , Llaneras Robert E. , Huey Richard W. , Rau Paul S.
Published: January 2012

The objective of this study was to establish a safe, repeatable procedure for measuring functional fields of view for indirect visibility systems on heavy trucks. Thirty-two professional truck drivers participated. A stationary class 8 tractor and attached semi-trailer was the test vehicle. On each trial the driver searched various mirror configurations for an automobile, minivan, motorcycle, or pedestrian target located at various positions around the truck. Two novel aspects of the method were an occluded-view procedure that restricted drivers' visual search to two-second glances, and a touch-screen map of the testing area used to indicate the position of detected targets relative to the truck. Target locations reported by drivers were closer to the truck cab than actual target locations especially for distant targets. This “safety” bias was similar for targets seen with flat and convex mirror configurations and also was observed for directly viewed targets near the front of the truck.
Context, Complexity, and Changing Goals: Testing and Evaluation Challenges
Authors: Cameron Joyce , Bittner Alvah , Hornbæk Kasper , Hettinger Larry , Gore Brian
Published: January 2012

Testing and Evaluation (T&E) has always evolved with changing technologies and contexts. The intent of this symposium is to challenge ourselves – as human factors/ergonomics (HF/E) professionals – to look beyond the stereotypical, engineering-oriented problem space. Specifically our goals are to: Think outside the HF/E “box” defined by metrics associated with speed, accuracy, and human capabilities and limitations, and to begin to address emerging challenges related to complexity, context, and changing goals.
Field Evaluation of Blue Force Tracking with a 2D/3D Command and Control System
Authors: Lif Patrik , Kylesten Birgitta , Lindoff Jenny
Published: January 2012

Decision makers in complex environments have a difficult task and researchers all over the world try to develop different decision aids to support them. This paper presents a study where a research platform with a combined 2D- and 3D-tool was used as a decision aid during two Military Operation in Urban Terrain exercises. Blue Force Tracking was used on some vehicles and soldiers to monitor their movements. The purpose of the study was to investigate if 3D visualization and distributed information in a C2 system, including Blue Force Tracking (BFT), gives the commander better SA. The results show that the commanders found the decision aid and the BFT very useful. The system enabled good SA and a shared awareness of what was going on in the battlefield. 2D was used 80% of the time and 3D was used for specific tasks where detailed information was needed to improve SA.
Tactical Evaluation of Unmanned Ground Vehicle during a Mout Excersice
Authors: Lif Patrik , Jander Hans , Borgvall Jonathan
Published: January 2012

Unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) have been used in military operations in urban terrain (MOUT) for some time, with performance and safety advantages for reconnaissance related tasks. Reported here is a brief summary of the main research efforts conducted in cooperation with the Swedish Army Combat School concerning UGV use during reconnaissance activities. The SNOKEN II UGV was evaluated in two field exercises, indicating that it can be successfully used for several purposes. The importance of understanding the pros and cons of UGV use is emphasised in that this awareness enables the commander to decide in which situations it should be used. There is for example a trade-off between accepting limitations in pace of advance using the UGV, thereby also potentially increasing soldier safety, and the utility of quickly gathered reconnaissance information without the UGV.
Escape from Designers' Dilemma on Creeping Featurism
Authors: Lee Dong-Seok , Woods David D. , Kidwell Daniel
Published: January 2012

Creeping featurism is a serious problem that provides a surplus of complexity to users, and causes user dissatisfaction and eventual sales loss. The purpose of this study is to find the opposite of creeping featurism. In examining the situation of design practitioners, this paper discusses why it is hard to get out of the design traps of creeping featurism and why simplicity is not enough for achieving the opposite. It was suggested that we need new design management strategies to prevent and escape creeping featurism.
Is Less More when Using and Creating Checklists?
Authors: Rousey Jennifer , Sharma Janeen
Published: January 2012

A checklist is a user aide for ensuring the complete and accurate performance of a series of procedural steps. Research reveals information concerning checklist design, evaluation, testing, and proper use. What can not be found is research regarding the optimal size of checklists. This paper describes research, both literary and empirical, which will answer questions regarding checklist size and the impact on implementation, efficiency, and accuracy. As a first step towards determining the optimal balance between clarity and brevity, empirical research was conducted to discover the number of checklist items an individual will actually use to correctly evaluate a graphical user interface (GUI). The authors' goal is to use the research findings to identify the smallest checklist that will produce the highest level of accuracy.
Lessons Learned from a Comparative High Fidelity Usability Evaluation of Anesthesia Information Systems
Authors: Chagpar Anjum , Cafazzo Joseph , Easty Tony
Published: January 2012

Comparative high fidelity usability evaluations of health information systems can help inform the selection of products in a hospital's procurement process. This method is well-suited for predicting which systems best match user needs and workflow prior to implementation. Yet, these evaluations are challenging due to the complexity of health information systems, their broad functionality, the large amounts of data they aggregate, and the complex and multiple environments in which they exist. The evaluation of three Anesthesia Information Management Systems highlighted several important methodological issues with this type of assessment. Recommendations discussed for refining this approach, to allow for more targeted findings and efficient use of resources, include emphasizing vendor customization, altering the method of training provided, and limiting the number of participants.
Can Distance Estimation Training Transfer to an Active Response?
Authors: Hall Allyson R. , Jones Keith S. , DeLucia Patricia R. , Johnson Brian R.
Published: January 2012

Telling individuals the distance between themselves and a target, right after they estimated that distance verbally, improves subsequent verbal estimations. Prior studies, however, have not tested whether or not such training improves the accuracy of perceptually guided actions, e.g., throwing an object to a target. We begin to do so here. Specifically, the present study compared throwing performance during Pre and Post-Testing for participants who either 1) generated verbal distance estimates during Training and received feedback, 2) produced verbal distance estimates during Training but did not receive feedback, or 3) performed an unrelated task during Training. An additional comparison examined whether any effects noted in earlier analyses stemmed from interactions between the Pre-Test and the feedback manipulation. Our results indicate that improving participants' ability to verbally estimate distances didn't improve (and possibly degraded) throwing accuracy. Accordingly, the benefits of verbal estimation training may only benefit subsequent verbal estimations.
A Benchmarked Experiential System for Training (BEST) and Dynamic Systems Theory
Authors: Shebilske Wayne , Gildea Kevin , Freeman Jared , Levchuk Georgiy
Published: January 2012

We tested a Benchmarked Experiential System for Training (BEST) on Dynamic Distributed Decision Making (DDD)/AWACS simulations. BEST leveraged mathematical optimization, human expertise, and observational learning to give trainees feedback about mathematically and behaviorally defined near-optimal/expert strategies. We measured team defensive scores for college students on baseline, and three assessment trials with planning, missions, and debriefings. During debriefings, BEST and Control teams had checklists and equal time, but BEST teams also observed a near-optimal mission. On baseline, BEST and Control teams were similar; on assessments 1–3, MOST teams significantly outperformed Control teams (partial eta squared effect sizes of .10, .21, and .13). The findings are a foundation for scientists to address how expert, novice, BEST, and Control teams differ on themes of cognitive systems engineering and dynamic systems theory. BEST interventions may substantially reduce team training time and facilitate teams in flexible and dynamic work conditions.
Developmental Evaluation of a Distributed Online Simulation
Authors: Singer Michael J. , Kusumoto Laura
Published: January 2012

The formative evaluation of developing training systems presents problems at many levels, and development must be based upon training effectiveness information. Acceptance of subjective estimates of training effectiveness requires that the providers reasonably represent the user population and have some relevant expertise. The U.S. Army is developing a distributed simulation using online gaming technology to address conventional and asymmetric warfare, and requires feedback for development. Formative evaluation by military personnel is being used to address interface usability, minimal acceptable levels of fidelity, and potential effectiveness in training. Results from an Army National Guard and an Active Army unit are presented, with data supporting their acceptability as representative evaluators. Their results indicate considerable potential for the system to meet new asymmetric training needs and optimize Soldiers' training time. The effort also demonstrates the difficulty of establishing validity of users in developmental evaluation.
Stereo Acuity and Visual Acuity in Head Mounted Displays
Authors: Kooi Frank L. , Bijl Piet , Padmos Pieter
Published: January 2012

We have determined how the stereo acuity and visual acuity with Helmet Mounted Displays (HMD's) depend on the HMD's spatial resolution. We measured stereo acuity and visual acuity on 6 subjects for three types of HMD, with display resolutions ranging from 0.18 to 0.50 pixel/arcmin. The HMD's provide stereo acuity ranging from 1.1 to 2.7 arcmin−1, not far below our subjects' unaided stereo acuity. The ratio of stereo acuity to display resolution is 6.3 pixel−1 and independent of HMD type. The HMD's are therefore well suited for tasks that require stereo vision, even though the HMD visual acuities are rather low; the HMD with the highest resolution provides a visual acuity (0.55 arcmin−1) which is still four times lower than the unaided visual acuity. We attribute these excellent HMD stereo acuity scores to the target used which is much more representative of real world scenes than the typical static “fine line” target often used in the scientific literature.
Simulator Sickness Scores According to Symptom Susceptibility, Age, and Gender for an Older Driver Assessment Study
Authors: Park George D. , Allen R. Wade , Fiorentino Dary , Rosenthal Theodore J. , Cook Marcia L.
Published: January 2012

The incidence and severity of simulator sickness results for an older driver assessment study is reported. The data from a total of 118 participants comprised of 67 older drivers (aged 70–90; 37 male, 30 female) and 51 younger drivers (age 21–50; 22 male, 29 female) was used for this study. The primary objective of this project was to develop a PC-based program in conjunction with a low-cost driving simulator that can be used for screening and potentially retraining the psychomotor, attentional, and cognitive skills of older drivers. A large range of sensory, perceptual, psychomotor, and cognitive tests were provided to validate the driving simulator and/or provide a comprehensive older driver assessment test battery. Simulator sickness ratings after 5 driving simulator sessions were obtained using the Kennedy, Lane, Berbaum, and Lilienthal (1993) Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ). Dropout and scenario completion rates suggest a higher symptom incidence for older drivers, particularly older female drivers. Scenario design effects are also discussed as it relates to dropout rates. SSQ analysis using nausea, oculomotor, and disorientation subscales across driving simulator sessions were performed for dropout participants and non-dropout participants. Contrary to dropout rates, no age effects were found in the SSQ data. No gender differences were found within the dropout group, but found in the non-dropout group for nausea and oculomotor scores. No relationship was found between contrast sensitivity and simulator sickness.
What Types of Difficulties do Seniors Encounter When Using the Internet to Make Health Care Decisions?
Authors: Kuhn Thomas , Czaja Sara J. , Nair Sankaran N. , Sharit Joseph , El-Attar Tamer , Hernandez Mario , Lee Chin Chin
Published: January 2012

The Internet is an important source of information for health-related topics and services. Currently, however, an age-related digital divide exists, especially for lower SES minority elderly. This study examined the ability of a sample of 40 community dwelling adults aged 50–85 yrs. to use the Internet to make choices related to Medicare services. Performance data included response time, accuracy, and search behavior (based on videotape recordings) and ratings of usability. Overall the data indicate that although most of the of participants were able to find the needed information many of them made errors, used inefficient search strategies, and encountered search problems. Furthermore, most of the sample indicated problems with usability and that they were frustrated interacting with the website. These findings are discussed in terms of recommendations for training and website design. The paper will also discuss how screen capture data can be used in the development of design guidelines.
Investigating the Dynamic Accommodative Characteristics of the Aging Eye with the Control of the Intensity and Chromaticity of Light
Authors: Shi Wen , Lockhart Thurmon E.
Published: January 2012

The age-related accommodation loss of the human eye impairs aging people's life. A study was conducted to preliminarily investigate the dynamic accommodative characteristics of the eye for different age groups under various intensities and chromaticities of light. 4 younger (20–29 years of age), and 4 older (60–69 years of age) participants were recruited, and the accommodation of their eyes was recorded and analyzed dynamically via the modified Shin-Nippon SRW-5000 autorefractor. The laboratory experiment was designed to assess accommodation in a simulated condition where the participant needed to alternate from viewing outside to reading the dashboard with signals of different light intensities (2 levels: 100 and 20 cd/m2) and light chromaticities (2 levels: red vs. blue). The results of the study indicated that aging, light intensity, and light chromaticity all had an impact on the dynamic accommodative characteristics of the eye. The implications of the study are discussed.
Of Mice and Pen: Effects of Input Device on Different Age Groups Performing Goal-Oriented Tasks
Authors: Kravitz James F.
Published: January 2012

Convertible tablet PCs can use a pen or a mouse for input. The pen is better suited than the mouse for some tasks because of its interaction properties, and research has shown it may ameliorate age-related decrements in performance. This study compared the pen and mouse on a series of realistic tasks for older (55–69) and younger (18–30) adults. Precision tasks were better served by the mouse, while ballistic tasks with strong analogs to real-world actions were served equally well by the pen or the mouse. Older adults were slower than younger adults on both devices, but contrary to the research hypothesis, no benefits were observed specifically for older adults with the pen. This study reinforces findings regarding the importance of task demands when selecting input devices. Younger adults seemed more willing than older adults to embrace the pen.