bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multimodal, Multitask Interaction Design: A Follow up Study to Challenge Unimodal Design Assumptions
Authors: Jones David , Ahmad Ali , Stanney Kay M. , Bowers Clint A.
Published: January 2012

Advances in technology are enabling multiple sensory channels to be utilized in presenting information. Nevertheless, the human operator can become easily overwhelmed if an overabundance of information is presented in a non-systematic manner. Current design guidelines are primarily tailored towards unimodal or at most bimodal systems. Thus, the question becomes how to coordinate multiple sources of information in multimodal multitasking environments, and what design guidelines are needed to direct development of such interactive systems. The current study builds on a previous study and seeks to extend unimodal design theories to multimodal principles; it identifies some interesting differences in unimodal vs. multimodal multitask interaction.
Analysing Cognitive Work of Hydroelectricity Generation in a Dynamic Deregulated Market
Authors: Sanderson Penelope , Memisevic Rizah , Wong William
Published: January 2012

Much electrical generation in the developed world is now conducted within deregulated energy markets, providing new layers of uncertainty for human controllers and new challenges for analysts wishing to understand and support cognitive work. In this paper we outline some of the challenges encountered when attempting to describe the work domain of hydroelectric power generation in a dynamic deregulated electricity market. The market component of the work domain analysis appears not to be readily amendable to breakdown as a familiar functional structure. Control task analysis is complicated by the fact that the human operator is the frontline, real-time, manager of business risk. Different epochs of planning may require separate functional structures.
Shared Mental Models in Military Command and Control Organizations: Effect of Social Network Distance
Authors: Graham John , Schneider Mike , Bauer Aaron , Bessiere Katie , Gonzalez Cleotilde
Published: January 2012

This paper presents an investigation on the relationship between social network distances and shared mental models in military command and control organizations. Previous research has shown that physical distance is the gold standard for high performance (Olson & Olson, 2000). However, social network distance may be equally or more important, as social network graphs inherently take into account the group's context and environment (Krackhart, 1994). We conducted this research on a new 56-member command and control organization using computer-based collaborative tools as they engaged in a five day simulation exercise. As military command and control organizations are difficult to evaluate based on outcome and performance, we chose shared mental models as a proxy. We hypothesized that in a command and control organization, social network distance and physical distance are independent of one another. Further we hypothesized that social network distance would be a predictor of mental model congruence. We found that there is a very weak positive correlation between social network distance and physical distance. Further, we found that, controlling for physical distance, social network distance is a predictor of mental model congruence. This research validates that high frequency of communication, mediated by computer based collaborative tools, can effectively generate shared mental models.
Human Control of Teams of Unmanned/Robotic Vehicles: Exploring the Limits of the Possible
Authors: MacMillan Jean , Johnson Christopher L. , Linegang Michael P. , Miller Christopher A. , Parasuraman Raja
Published: January 2012

Robotic vehicles under human control are currently being used for exploration and surveillance in variety of environments that are inaccessible or dangerous for humans. The operation of such vehicles is currently labor intensive, however, with multiple operators typically required for each vehicle employed. This panel reports on progress being made in the control of teams of robotic vehicles by much smaller teams of human operators through the combination of sophisticated automated control algorithms and human supervision. The goal is mixed initiative control—flexible and dynamic shifting of responsibility between humans and automation as required over the course of a mission. The panel will discuss cognitive engineering approaches to the design of a mixed initiative system for multi-vehicle robotic control including development and experimental testing of prototype interface designs, workload modeling, and optimal team design. The strengths, limitations, and potential complementarity of these approaches will be discussed.
Too Much, Too Little or Just Right: Designing Data Fusion for Situation Awareness
Authors: Duggan Geoffrey B. , Banbury Simon , Howes Andrew , Patrick John , Waldron Samuel M.
Published: January 2012

Many operators within the battlefield find themselves unable to process all the data presented to them in the limited time available. Data fusion provides a means of reducing their workload, but can also reduce system transparency. Thus, either too much or too little fusion can lead to reduced operator situation awareness. A framework is proposed that incorporates a role for more sophisticated psychological theory when attempting to understand the consequences of data fusion technologies on SA. Four key questions are identified: How should the level of certainty in fused information be presented? How much does it cost the operator to “drill-down”? To what extent does data fusion inhibit representation change? Does data fusion ameliorate or exacerbate the consequences of interruption?
New Approaches to Overcoming E-Mail Overload
Authors: Weil Shawn A. , Tinapple David , Woods David D.
Published: January 2012

As e-mail has become the preferred medium for communication, the inbox and mail folders become one hub for organizing activities and schedule. The combination of a natural rise in message volume and the large amounts of unsolicited bulk messages (spam) have led some to suggest that the usefulness of e-mail is at an end; users feel overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of individual messages and the effort to manage the inbox. This paper frames the issue of e-mail/message overload as a specific example of data overload and uses previous results to suggest three design concepts – cognitive buoyancy, e-mail constellations, and the intelligent subject line – for use in e-mail.
Team Stress and Performance: Implications for Long-Duration Space Missions
Authors: Orasanu Judith , Fischer Ute , Tada Yuri , Kraft Norbert
Published: January 2012

Interpersonal tensions during long-duration space missions can endanger mission success by preventing crew cooperation or by inducing errors. Crew friction in past U.S. – Russian missions drives home the need to understand how interpersonal stresses precipitate crew breakdowns. Most team research of the past decade has focused on the cognitive and communication aspects of team performance. The present study addressed the interpersonal aspects as well. A computer-based laboratory was created to study team problem solving under stressful conditions. Twelve teams of four males (aged 25-45) participated in six 75-minute search and rescue “missions.” A path model showed that level of mission success reflected degree of team collaboration, which was driven by both group level and individual factors. High levels of team cohesion, a helpful base-station leader, feelings of acceptance, and provision of interpersonal support were associated with high levels of collaboration. Implications of these findings for team composition and training will be discussed.
Measurement of Cognitive Load Dynamics in a High-Speed Oppositional Task
Authors: Maier Herbert N.
Published: January 2012

Attentional dynamics in complex, high-stakes environments are shown with the additional challenge of a live opponent. A traditional martial arts task-model offers a training structure that integrates complex state, cue and option knowledge for access under time-pressure. Participants challenge each other iteratively within a network of linked tasks (‘∼1 cycle/second). Input to each person resembles real-world unpredictability, which is not truly unstructured. Interactions among four performance dimensions reveal individual differences in management of cognitive loading. Results also show a clear dynamic balancing the total load managed by each of 10 dyads, defining opponents as a system, pushing each other toward cognitive overload and failure. The task's dimensionality and self-organization generates individualized training. This research offers points of interest to situation awareness and cognitive systems, individual differences and training.
A Computerized Text Analysis can Detect Deception
Authors: Dzindolet Mary T. , Pierce Linda G.
Published: January 2012

Detecting deception is an important skill, yet reviews of the psychological literature on the detection of deception typically find accuracy rates between 45 and 60% (cf., DePaulo & Friedman, 1998). A computerized text analysis, the Linguistic Inquiry Word Count (LIWC), offers one technological solution. Newman et al. (2003) used the LIWC to detect deception in five studies. Deceptive communications were characterized by fewer first person singular pronouns, third person pronouns, and more negative emotion words. In this study, 49 students delivered a deceitful and a truthful communication regarding their preference for music. Results from the 2 (importance of music in participants' life: high or low) x 3 (communication medium: type, write, or talk) x 2 (communication type: lie or truth) design indicated that technological tools may be useful in detecting deception; however, communication medium and topic importance mediate the relationship.
Dynamical Perspectives on Team Cognition
Authors: Gorman Jamie C. , Cooke Nancy J. , Kiekel Preston A.
Published: January 2012

A theoretical perspective based on dynamical systems theory is applied to the concept of team cognition. Important postulates based on this perspective include a division of labor based on the elements of information involved in performing a team task, as well as the notion of coordination among information elements occurring through elemental couplings via a coupling medium. These features of our perspective are outlined, with the important notion of mediational means receiving the most attention. The dynamics of discourse-based mediation are considered in light of empirical data involving changes in the content of discourse over time in an uninhabited air vehicle reconnaissance task.
Time Design
Authors: Hildebrandt Michael , Rantanen Esa M.
Published: January 2012

The goal of this panel is to discuss theoretical and methodological approaches that may inform and support the design of temporal aspects of interactive systems. Time Design is an emerging research and development domain that emphasizes the functional, causal role of time in human control behavior. It draws on a diverse literature on time in cognitive psychology, psychophysics, sociology, computer science, engineering, Human Factors and HCI. Relevant research domains include heuristics and biases in temporal decisions, temporal aspects of human-automation interaction, planning and scheduling, visualisation of temporal information, and the timing of alarms and interruptions.
Selecting a Voice Persona
Authors: Roberts Linda A. , Silver Edward M. , Rankin Leigh L.
Published: January 2012

The goal of this research was to evaluate and select an appropriate Voice Persona for BellSouth. A number of steps were utilized to make this selection, including: 1) Understanding how BellSouth and BellSouth voice services are currently perceived by our customers; 2) Defining desirable attributes that not only reflect our customers' needs but that also match the desired direction of the company; 3) Selecting voices for evaluation in the research study; 4) Designing and carrying out the research; and 5) Determining the preferred voice based on results of the study. Of five voices that were evaluated, a number of independent sources of data pointed to one of the voices as the preferred voice.
Applying Multi-Attribute Utility Technique to Assess Alternative Communication Media
Authors: Frowein Han , Følstad Asbjørn , Schliemann Trond
Published: January 2012

This paper illustrates how MAUT (Multi-Attribute Utility Technique) can be used to assess the potential utility of communication media for end-users. Using ordinary telephony and face-to-face communication as reference media the utility of videoconferencing was assessed in three different communication tasks. The results showed that videoconferencing was generally more useful than telephony and less useful than face-to-face communication, and also that these differences depend on the specific nature of the communication activity. For instance, telephony was the best medium when it was necessary to lie. Such findings can be used as a basis for recommending which media are best suited for which aims and activities. A significant strength of the method is that it can quantify and combine not only how suitable a communication medium is for a particular purpose or activity, but also how important that purpose or activity is for the end-user.
Copious Electronic Text on Small Screen Interfaces: A New Method of Displaying Emails on Cell Phones
Authors: Fitzpatrick William , Doherty Shawn M.
Published: January 2012

Text information was presented to participants in a cell-phone sized display through a modified form of rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) to investigate the effectiveness of comprehension of information on small displays. Thirty participants were exposed to combinations of three presentation speeds and three sets of line quantities. Results indicated that participants had optimal comprehension of text in 2-line or 4-line presentation of information at baseline reading speed.
Input Rates for a One-Handed Input Device (OHAI) for Chinese Text Entry
Authors: Fleetwood Michael D. , Fick Chris S.
Published: January 2012

As computer technology has become ubiquitous in nature, designers must develop text-entry methods that can accommodate a variety of devices, cultures, and languages. This paper presents a study evaluating a One-HAnded Input (OHAI) device developed for mobile text-entry in Chinese. The device is a chorded keyboard system on which text is entered in Chinese using the pinyin system. Participants trained with the device for 10, 1-hour sessions. Their text-entry rates and their rate of input for individual chords were measured after each session. The Power Law of Practice was used to predict input rates after 100 hours of training. Predicted input rates approximate 16 characters per minute, approaching pinyin input rates on conventional keyboards. Input rates for individual chords were also measured in order that future iterations of the software may associate the most commonly used characters with the fastest-to-execute chords. The study also suggests several potential future improvements to the OHAI system, such as augmenting the software with an autocompletion system.
Advanced Technology Master Caution Panel (ATMCP): Tracking Task Status by Monitoring Information Technology (IT) Resources
Authors: Pacley Andrea L. , Reichert Megan E.
Published: January 2012

Computers are increasingly becoming a part of society's everyday life and can cause a wide variety of impacts when they fail. For example, during a military exercise, Expeditionary Force Experiment (EFX) 98, it was found that operators were losing hours of work and data because they were unaware that essential systems had failed. This illustrated the need for a system that provided system situation awareness (SA) to the operator that rapidly disseminated information and responded quickly to connectivity and system failures. To fulfill this need, we created the Advanced Technology Master Caution Panel (ATMCP); analogous to an aircraft master caution panel. This system offers a unique approach to providing system SA that allows the operators to workaround system failures by mapping information technology (IT) resources to crew tasks as a method of monitoring task status. ATMCP offers unlimited flexibility and can be applied to multiple domain areas.
Is Practice Necessary to Speed the Selection of Web Browser Controls that Have Impenetrable Borders?
Authors: Johnson Brian R. , Jones Keith S. , Farris J. Shawn
Published: January 2012

Previous research demonstrated that interface elements could be selected faster when placed against the edge of the screen. Doing so creates an impenetrable border between the element and the edge of the screen that the mouse cursor cannot penetrate. This changes how users move the mouse, so that selection quickens. This study investigated the effect of practice on the acquisition of targets with and without impenetrable borders. Ten participants selected targets that varied in Target Type (with or without impenetrable borders), and Distance (.5, 3.5, 6.5, 9.5, and 12.5 cm) across five Practice Sessions. The results confirmed that targets with impenetrable borders were selected faster than targets without impenetrable borders and that participants demonstrated consistent reductions in selection time over sessions, regardless of the target type. In addition, excessive practice was not necessary to demonstrate target type differences; thus the advantage of having impenetrable borders seems to be relatively instantaneous.
Designing an Adjustable Stool for Height Based on Human Design Technology
Authors: Yamaoka Toshiki , Kubota Susumu , Nishimura Mutsuo
Published: January 2012

This paper describes how to design an adjustable stool for height based on Human Design Technology (HDT). HDT is a Human-centered Design/product development method of visualizing user requirements, which are extracted by 3P (three-point) task analysis and other tools, via a database of seventy design items and a structured concept. Namely a structured concept is constructed based on user requirements and make them visualized using seventy design items. The seventy design items of HDT are classified into the eight large groups: 1) User interface design (twenty-nine design items), 2) UD (nine design items), 3) Kansei (sensitivity) design (nine design items), 4) Product liability design (six design items), 5) Ecological design (five design items), 6) Robust design (five design items), 7) Maintenance design (two design items), and 8) other (human-machine interface design) (five design items). An adjustable stool for height was designed based on HDT.
Using the Pda as an Educational Tool to Collect Work Measurement Data
Authors: Freivalds Andris , Park Shihyun , Kong Dongjoon
Published: January 2012

As human factors (HF) educators, we often struggle to find good, inexpensive tools that allow us to demonstrate both basic principles and practical applications. The following computer software, available on Palm Zires, allows students to collect work sampling data (with QuikSamp) and conduct time studies (with QuikTS) on the least expensive PDAs available, so that multiple units can be purchased at relatively low cost. In addition to the data collection capabilities, the students can also examine the tradeoffs between sample size and the accuracy of the study and other basic work measurement principles.
Using Guided Learner-Generated Instructional Strategies to Transform Learning into a Constructive Cognitive and Metacognitive Activity
Authors: Cuevas Haydee M. , Fiore Stephen M. , Bowers Clint A. , Salas Eduardo
Published: January 2012

Successful learning outcomes in learner-controlled, computer-based training environments are inherently dependent upon learners' possession of well-developed metacognitive skills, that is, how well learners are able to accurately monitor and regulate their knowledge acquisition process. The present study explored the effectiveness of embedding a guided learner-generated instructional strategy (query method), designed to support learners' cognitive and metacognitive processes, within the context of computer-based complex task training. In terms of cognitive processes, results showed that incorporating the query method into the training resulted in improved integration and application of task-relevant knowledge, as indicated by greater similarity to an expert model of the domain and better performance on an integrative transfer task. With regard to metacognitive processes, the query method may have also assisted participants in more accurately monitoring their comprehension, as indicated by their significantly lower bias scores. Results are discussed in the context of designing adaptive learning systems.
Teaching Team Behavior to Human Factors/Ergonomics Students
Authors: Moroney William F. , Stone Nancy J. , Caldwell Barrett S. , Drury Colin G. , Salas Eduardo
Published: January 2012

Most Human Factors/Ergonomics personnel participate as team members as part of their employment. To prepare them for this, graduate programs need to provide students with one or more team building experiences while they are in Graduate School. The purpose of this panel is to lay the groundwork for a “best practices” document so educators can take advantage of what others have tried. Hopefully the exchange of information at the 2004 meeting will lead to a “Guidelines” document that can be circulated among interested members of the Educators Professional Group and discuss at the 2005 meeting. The guidelines should describe what works, what doesn't, and perhaps provide some insight as to why.
Judgments of Risk Associated with Riding with a Reclined Seat in an Automobile
Authors: Rhoades Timothy P. , Wisniewski Elaine C.
Published: January 2012

This study assesses judgments of automobile passengers regarding risk associated with reclined seats. One hundred subjects exiting from state license renewal offices were first shown three photographs of a male sitting inside an automobile with the seat back positioned at different angles and asked to rank order the photographs from “most safe” to “least safe” and explain their ranking. Subjects were then presented with two photographs (upright and fully reclined) and asked which position had a reduced risk of serious injury to the abdomen or neck that could be caused by sliding under the safety belts in a frontal collision. In both the ranking and the forced-choice tasks, all but one of the subjects reported it is safer to have the seat back in a more upright position than in a fully-reclined position. Subjects in this study clearly recognized that sitting upright is safer than sitting fully reclined.
Cost-Justifying Investments in Advanced Human-Machine Interface Technologies I: A Cost-Benefit Framework for the Process Industries
Authors: Jamieson Greg A. , Reising Dal Vernon C.
Published: January 2012

Advanced human-machine interfaces (HMIs), such as those developed under the ecological interface design framework, continue to show substantial advantages for supporting effective operator control (Vicente, 2002). However, prospective industry users of these technologies have expressed a need to make a quantitative economic case for designing and implementing advanced HMIs. To date, no comprehensive cost justification study has been published on advanced HMIs. The purpose of this paper is to report original work on a cost-benefit framework for advanced HMI's. We first present a brief summary of findings from a literature review of existing human factors cost justification studies and present a working list of metrics. We then describe a general cost-benefit framework derived from this list of metrics and discuss issues to be considered in applying this model in practice.
Worldview and Acculturation as Predictors of Performance: Addressing these Variables in Human Factors/Ergonomics Research
Authors: Koltko-Rivera Mark E. , Ganey H. C. Neil , Dalton Joseph , Hancock Peter A.
Published: January 2012

Researchers in human factors and ergonomics (HF/E) are encouraged to consider two classes of predictor variables that typically are not included in traditional performance research: worldview and acculturation. Worldviews are sets of assumptions about life and the physical and social worlds. Acculturation involves the degree of commitment made to a culture's set of values and practices. Worldview and acculturation are highly relevant to performance. Two worldview variables, Individualism—Collectivism and Locus of Control, have attracted research interest. At least four other dimensions within Koltko-Rivera's (2004) collated model of worldview are likely to be relevant to performance: mutability, time orientation, relation to authority, and interaction. As industrialized societies become more diverse, acculturation becomes more relevant to performance. Several areas are identified for future research, such as worldview/acculturation—task interactions, and team cognition. Assessment instrumentation is briefly described.
Validation of a Short Stress State Questionnaire
Authors: Helton William S.
Published: January 2012

Stress is an important aspect of operational settings. This article presents two studies providing initial psychometric and validation evidence of a short multidimensional self-report measure of stress state, the Short Stress State Questionnaire (SSSQ) based on the Dundee Stress State Questionnaire (DSSQ; Matthews et al., 1999, 2002). The first study involved the construction and exploration of the factor structure of the SSSQ using data pooled from three samples. These factor analyses differentiated three aspects of subjective stress similar to the DSSQ: Task Engagement, Distress, and Worry. The second study aimed at providing validity information on the SSSQ in regards to its sensitivity to task-stressors. Different task conditions elicited unique patterns of stress state on the three factors of the SSSQ in line with predictions. The 24-item SSSQ appears to be a useful measure of stress state based on the substantially longer DSSQ from which it was derived.
Measuring Individual Differences in Anthropomorphism toward Machines and Animals
Authors: Chin Matthew G. , Sims Valerie K. , Clark Bryan , Lopez Gabriel Rivera
Published: January 2012

Two scales were constructed to assess anthropomorphism during human-machine and human-animal interactions. Participants were asked about their tendencies to self-engage in anthropomorphic behaviors and their attributions about others' anthropomorphic behaviors. Results indicated that the tendency to anthropomorphize pets is distinct from the tendency to anthropomorphize artifacts such as cars and computers. Parallel results were obtained for the attributions. Subsequent analyses showed a gender difference for the general tendency to self-engage in anthropomorphic behaviors and the nature of the attributions made for others' anthropomorphic behaviors. Females reported that they anthropomorphized animals more than males. They also made more positive attributions for others' anthropomorphic behaviors toward animals. No gender differences were observed for anthropomorphism toward artifacts. Overall, the results support a necessary distinction between anthropomorphism directed toward animals versus artifacts. They also suggest that gender differences in anthropomorphism need to be considered when designing “intelligent agents” that can interact effectively with humans.
A Linear Programming Model for Workstation Adequacy
Authors: Gupta Avaneesh , Zhang Mei , Goonetilleke Ravindra S.
Published: January 2012

Workstation design can have a profound effect on an individual's health. Most product designs are based on a 5th percentile “reach” and a 95th percentile “clearance”. These designs quite often fail to match a person's body measurements since the dimensions of each body link are not exactly the same xth percentile. Even with an adjustable workstation, the user has a dilemma as to what adjustment to make for each adjustable parameter as each adjustment depends on the previous adjustment and the potential number of adjustments is somewhat infinite. This paper focuses on a methodology to achieve a postural fit for a given workstation with an adjustable table, chair, and footrest. The least stressful and somewhat comfortable postures were first determined from the literature. Thereafter, a Linear Programming model was developed to capture these mappings as mathematical constraints and solved. The model was validated with an adjustable workstation and a few participants.
Effects of Work Conditioning and Adjustment Period on Psychophysical Estimates in Manual Torquing Tasks
Authors: Sood Deepti , Nussbaum Maury A. , Babski-Reeves Kari L.
Published: January 2012

Several issues must be addressed in experiments using psychophysical estimations, including the potential effects of work conditioning, the necessary adjustment period, and the validity of experimental results. To address these, two experiments were conducted that simulated different manual torquing tasks. In the first experiment, 16 participants provided their maximum acceptable repetition rate (MARR) in a 2-hour adjustment period, and repeated this for five consecutive days. No significant differences were found across days (i.e. no work conditioning effect). Further analysis indicated that results after 12 minutes were comparable to those at 2 hours. In the second experiment, another set of 16 participants provided estimates of 2-hour MARRs in a 12-minute adjustment period for two task conditions. On subsequent days they worked for 2 hours at their self selected MARRs. Participants were able to perform the tasks at their MARR with low to moderate average ratings of perceived discomfort on these latter days, supporting the use of a short (12-minute) adjustment period.
The Influence of Mere Exposure on Web Based Breadcrumb Navigation
Authors: Hull Spring S. , Chaparro Barbara S. , Halcomb Charles G.
Published: January 2012

Recent studies have shown that while the use of breadcrumb trails to navigate a website can be helpful, few users choose to utilize this method of navigation. This study investigates the effects of “mere exposure” and training on breadcrumb usage and satisfaction. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions. Condition I participants received both exposure and instruction to use breadcrumb navigation. Condition II participants received only mere exposure to the use of breadcrumb navigation and Condition III participants received neither exposure nor instruction to use breadcrumb navigation. Upon completing a list of search tasks, Condition I participants spent less time, visited fewer web pages, and relied less on other methods of navigation. The mere exposure group, Condition II, did not produce significantly faster search times or visit fewer web pages than the participants in Condition III.
Quality of Working Life among Women and Men in the Information Technology Workforce
Authors: Schoepke Jen , Hoonakker Peter L. T. , Carayon Pascale
Published: January 2012

In this paper, we examine quality of working life (QWL) and evaluate and compare the predictors of QWL among 624 women and men in a variety of information technology (IT) jobs in five companies. The following QWL factors were examined: job satisfaction, fatigue, tension, organizational involvement, and burnout. The following predictors of QWL were studied: IT demands, role ambiguity, decision control, challenge and demographics (age, marital status, parental status, and education). Analysis shows that in our sample women in IT jobs do not report poorer QWL than men in IT jobs. On the contrary, women report greater organizational involvement than men.
Two ‘Micro’ IDC Field Investigations Requiring ‘Macro’ Interventions
Authors: Scott P. A. , Christie C. J. , Renz M
Published: January 2012

In industrially developing countries where there are so many minor to major problems across the broad spectrum of basic to sophisticated work sites, and where there is little knowledge of ergonomics, the very limited number of qualified Ergonomists are often ‘forced’ into taking a micro or macro approach to deal with the immediate problem as soon and as effectively as possible. Two recent requests for an investigation of the Human Operator–Task interaction (micro level) reiterated the clear need for a micro-macro approach in the analysis of any work site no matter what the reported problems are.

Two contrasting sites were investigated and although the overt problems had been correctly identified at both sites, the underlying ‘organisation’ causes were not so obvious to management. The authors suggest that the poor working conditions so prevalent in IDCs is the ideal arena to reiterate the need to consider central and peripheral components in order to establish Hendrick's (1996) “Organisational Synergism”.
Designing an Information Querying Interface for a Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient Record System
Authors: Edraki Alireza , Milgram Paul
Published: January 2012

Physicians need to integrate large amounts of information from patient records to determine their patients' current status. Retrieving and querying patient related information involves cognitive processes. To design an easy to use and effective querying interface for modern electronic medical records, a good understanding of the cognitive processes involved in patient related information querying is essential. In this paper cognitive work analysis (CWA) is discussed as a tool for understanding the work domain and for guiding the development of new electronic patient record interfaces, in our case for use by rheumatologists. In particular, CWA is discussed from the point of view of the abstraction hierarchy (AH) framework, and an initial AH of the patient information system work domain is presented.
Design of a Vesitbular Examination and Treatment Device
Authors: Miller Brock , Wardell Ron , Lange Beth
Published: January 2012

To diagnose and treat vestibular disorders, physicians presently manipulate the patient's head and neck, or whole body, through prescribed maneuvers. This project developed a device to aid physicians in such maneuvers while accommodating back and neck pain sufferers. An investigation was conducted into the physiological and mechanical properties of the vestibular system and into the current medical procedures through literature review, observational task analysis, and other analyses. The problems faced by practitioners when engaging patients with current practices and medical devices were identified and a set of recommendations and design implications were created. In questioning the medical procedure, a theory was developed to provide diagnosis and treatment in a more innovative and effective manner. The project considers human factors, safety, functionality and the needs of both doctors and patients.
The Use of Structured Interviews in the Evaluation of a Teledermatology System
Authors: Stronge Aideen J. , Nichols Timothy A. , Rogers Wendy A. , Fisk Arthur D. , Rasche Jeanette D. , Dingbaum Angela
Published: January 2012

Telemedicine systems have been found to increase access to patient care and decrease healthcare costs. However, the widespread adoption and use of telemedicine technologies has been low. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate an existing store-and-forward teledermatology system used by the U.S. military. The human factors issues that emerge in the evaluation of a telemedicine system include user characteristics (e.g., motivation to use the telemedicine system), macro-organizational issues (e.g., workload distribution, communication between team members), and technology issues (e.g., comfort using digital cameras or the World Wide Web). Users of the teledermatology system completed a questionnaire and an interview session. The detailed data from the structured interviews provided insight into the nature of these macro-organizational, user characteristics, and technology issues. The goal of this project was to illustrate how human factors methods can be used to understand the factors that contribute to the success or failure of this system, identify issues/potential problems, and provide recommendations for the current system and guidance for the design of future systems.
Panel: The Role of Human Factors in Healthcare – 2020
Authors: Alvarado Carla J. , Cao Caroline , Klein Gary , Weinger Matthew B. , Patterson Emily , Cook Richard I. , Carayon Pascale
Published: January 2012

What role will human factors professionals play in healthcare 2020? Health systems throughout the world face a number of common pressures, related to demography, epidemiology, science and technology developments, and medical demand. In particular, while developments in technology do not just provide health care with new possibilities for human factors engineering, medical interventions and therapies. They also produce changes the in our understanding of sickness and health, the possibilities and needs for managing the systems, for innovation, for standardization, and the political and economic relationships. The health care providers not only have to cope with these technological developments but assure their successful implementation and acceptance. The uncertainties and expectations linked to these innovations face major issues within the research and health care system, such as policies for managing scarcity of resources and changes in the relative frequency of diseases because of factors like ageing, and mobile global population and the like. A panel of both healthcare and human factors experts will discuss the role that human factors will play in healthcare in 2020.
A User-Centered Evaluation of three Intravenous Infusion Pumps
Authors: Gagnon Roger , Laberge Jason , Lamsdale Allison , Histon Jonathan , Hudson Carl , Davies Jan , Caird Jeff
Published: January 2012

Considerable research has focused on whether medical equipment can be made safer/more effective using user-centered design principles. Medication errors may result from improper operation, mechanical failure, and tampering. The present study evaluated the effectiveness and advantages of three intravenous infusion pumps. Five evaluators used heuristic evaluation to identify, categorize, and prioritize usability problems. Positive and negative features were classified according to usability and design principles. The most common negative feature was difficulty setting up an infusion. The most common positive feature was visual feedback regarding pump status. The methodology was effective at identifying a number of problems. Ongoing research involves testing domain-experts to validate the severity of the usability problems identified and discover other safety-relevant errors.
Effects of Menu Foresight on Information Access in Small Screen Devices
Authors: Bay Susanne , Ziefle Martina
Published: January 2012

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of menu foresight (the number of menu items visible at a time on the display) on the usability of small screen devices. Cognitive factors (field dependency, locus of control and mental rotation ability) mediating the effects were assessed in order to identify the underlying processes of accessing information. Thirty-nine participants processed tasks on a simulated cellular phone where one, three or seven menu items were presented on the display. Search time, executed steps as well as ratings of the ease of use were collected. Results show that intermediate foresight (three items) led to the best performance. Highly field dependent users showed to have extreme difficulties when only one function was seen on the display whereas low spatial ability participants had most trouble with seven items displayed at a time. These findings suggest that cognitive processes of prestructuring information account for the effects of menu foresight.
Mobile Video: A Study of Quality Perception
Authors: Heppner Clyde , Benkofske Matrese , Moritz Robert
Published: January 2012

This paper presents an evaluation of the perception of streaming multimedia quality when delivered over a limited bandwidth, third generation (3G) wireless data network. The study has three primary objectives: 1) measure the perceived quality of the multimedia experience as a function of frame rate, audio fidelity and data connection speed, 2) identify where the perceived quality of the multimedia experience shifts from being acceptable to unacceptable, and 3) identify the optimal combination of frame rate, audio fidelity and connection speed that provides the best customer experience. Analysis was conducted using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). RSM was used to identify how the three parameters of frame rate, audio stream bit rate and data connection speed interact and affect significant shifts in the perceived quality of the multimedia experience. Results identify the parameters and their characteristics that are related to shifts in the perceived quality across five types of multimedia content. The findings of this study are used to guide multimedia content developers on how to create (i.e., coding and encoding) multimedia content to ensure the best possible experience over limited bandwidth 3G wireless data networks. In addition, this research has implications for the design of future mobile data networks that will use quality of service technologies to ensure the best possible customer experience.
Content is King: The Effect of Content on the Perception of Video Quality
Authors: Kortum Philip , Sullivan Marc
Published: January 2012

This paper describes a study which examined the effect of video content on viewers' perception of the picture and sound quality of that content. 40 participants viewed 20 different clips of major studio release movies that were 2 minutes in duration. Each clip was encoded at five different rates (490 kbps, 771 kbps & 1100 kbps, VHS and DVD). Each participant saw each clip only once and the level at which that clip was encoded was selected from a counter balanced list. Results indicated that desirability of the content played a significant role in a viewer's subjective ratings of the sound and video quality for a particular clip. It was found that the sound and picture quality of highly desirable content (as determined by each viewer) was rated significantly higher than content that was deemed neutral or undesirable. The study has implications for selecting content for subjective video quality studies
Haptic Perception of Affordances of a Sport Implement: Choosing Hockey Sticks for Power versus Precision Actions on the Basis of “Feel”
Authors: Hove Philip , Riley Michael A. , Shockley Kevin D.
Published: January 2012

The present study investigated how changing the mass distribution of a hockey stick influenced the perceived affordances of a stick's utility for performing either a precision or power action. Top-weighted sticks were preferred for executing precisely controlled movements, both before and after using the stick to complete an interception action task. Initially, participants in the power condition preferred the bottom -weighted stick. However, once participants performed the power condition action task, they preferred a stick with a mass concentration closer to their point of grasp. These results indicate that a held object's perceived affordances are influenced both by its mass distribution, and the perceiver's level of experience using the tool for a given action. Human factors consideration include designing hand-held sporting equipment that capitalizes on people's sensitivity to an object's mass distribution.
Feature Presence/Absence Modifies the Event Rate Effect and Cerebral Hemovelocity in Vigilance Performance
Authors: Hollander Todd D. , Warm Joel S. , Matthews Gerald , Shockley Kevin , Dember William N. , Weiler Ernest , Tripp Lloyd D. , Scerbo Mark W.
Published: January 2012

Observers monitored displays of five circles for the presence or absence of a line in one of the circles during a 40-min vigil. Displays were updated 6, 12, or 24 times/min (event rate). Signal detections varied inversely with event rate when observers monitored for the absence of the distinguishing feature but not when monitoring for the presence of that feature and judged the workload of their assignment to be greater when monitoring for feature absence than presence. In addition, the availability of information processing resources, as indexed by transcranial Doppler sonography measurements of cerebral blood flow, was exhausted more rapidly when observers monitored for feature absence than for feature presence. This effect was limited to the right hemisphere. The results are consistent with the view that detecting feature absence is more capacity demanding than detecting feature presence and with previous brain imaging findings indicating right hemispheric control of vigilance.
Effects of Varying the Threshold of Alarm Systems and Task Complexity on Human Performance and Perceived Workload
Authors: Bustamante Ernesto A. , Anderson Brittany L. , Bliss James P.
Published: January 2012

Using a dual-task paradigm, we examined how alarm system detection threshold and task complexity affected human performance and perceived workload. We hypothesized that using an alarm system would improve task performance and lower perceived workload, particularly when task complexity was high and at the medium threshold level. Twenty-one students from Old Dominion University participated in this study. Results showed that alarm use improved performance during low task complexity. For high task complexity, improvement was accomplished only when alarm system threshold was low or intermediate. Results also indicated that changing the alarm system threshold affected performance only under high task load conditions. Optimal performance was achieved by setting the threshold of the alarm system at its lowest level. The use of alarms reduced workload under both low and high task complexity levels, but only when the threshold was high.
Evaluation of Prototype Labeling for Personal Flotation Devices: Methods and Observations
Authors: Young Stephen L. , Isaacson Judith J. , Frantz J. Paul , Rhoades Timothy P.
Published: January 2012

Research conducted while developing and evaluating uniform labels for personal flotation devices (PFDs) yielded a number of interesting findings and observations. First, a mixed-format focus group methodology, in which participants gave individual, written feedback as well as engaging in a structured group discussion regarding prototype labeling, was used successfully. Second, this methodology was useful in assessing people's interpretation of graphic elements for relatively complex information on a label. Third, additional evaluation methods could be used to determine how people may use redundant information on a label. Finally, participants were able to provide general or high-level feedback regarding their overall preference for revised labeling (compared to the baseline labeling). These observations may be applicable to other projects involving the evaluation and revision of labeling.
Facing a Pervasive Bias in Warnings Research
Authors: Ayres Thomas. J.
Published: January 2012

Warning labels and signs are widely used and recommended despite a lack of evidence that they prevent accidents. Most studies of warnings use subjective judgments or responses or else measure compliance in laboratory conditions rather than real-world compliance, but many researchers, juries, and regulators continue to advocate development and deployment of warnings. Several lines of research suggest that people – including researchers and safety professionals – are prone to an attribution error, emphasizing individual rationality and character while underestimating the importance of situational influences. Recommendations are offered for a shift in warnings research and practice.