bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Evaluation of Task Network Modeling for Use in Simulating Situation Awareness
Authors: Walters Brett , Yow Amy
Published: January 2012

To achieve its mission of regulating the commercial nuclear power industry, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) periodically commissions research studies to investigate potential safety issues. These include operational studies involving operator and crew performance. A main objective of these research projects is to provide information and knowledge that can be used in the development of regulation, regulatory guidance, and improved methods for collecting and analyzing personnel performance data to assist in regulatory inspections, investigations, and evaluations. The Halden Man-Machine Laboratory (HAMMLAB) in Halden, Norway recently conducted a study using professional nuclear power plant operators to investigate the effect of different alarm systems and display types on operator performance. Dependent variables in the Halden Alarm study included a mix of plant performance measures, operator task performance measures, operator cognitive processes, and subjective evaluations. Operator cognitive process measures included measures of Situation Awareness (SA) using an adaptation of the Situation Awareness Global Assessment Technique (SAGAT). Through the NRC, Micro Analysis and Design was allowed access to the work being performed at Halden in order to evaluate the use of Task Network Modeling (TNM) to simulate human behavior in a nuclear power plant. The alarm system, a turbine trip scenario and data from Halden were used as the basis for the model developed in this project. For part of this project, we also developed a model to simulate SA that was representative of how it was measured in the Halden Alarm study. This model was then integrated into our model that represented a disturbance scenario at a nuclear power plant. Data generated by the task network simulation was then compared to data collected from the nuclear power plant simulator at the HAMMLAB. Statistical tests showed no significant differences between the SA scores of actual operators and those SA scores predicted by the model. Thus, results indicate that a simple representation of SA within TNM can be used to accurately predict situation awareness given this measuring technique. Implications of this finding and recommendations for improving the model are discussed.
Retail Workstation Design with the Introduction of Prop Seats
Authors: Baxter Kim , Harrison Deanna
Published: January 2012

Workstation design and re-design can have many objectives. Sometimes it is to identify and resolve ergonomics risk factors, sometimes it occurs due to changes in the corporate mandate or job objectives and sometimes it is initiated because of the opening of new facilities. This is an example of the design and re-design of workstations in a telecommunications retail environment based on a) risk factors identified during ergonomics assessments of existing stores, b) general ergonomics guidelines, and c) the changing business mandate and objectives of the stores.

The purpose of this paper is to describe the involvement of the Human Factors department in the design process, and to discuss some of the outcomes (pros and cons) regarding the workstations and in particular, the use of prop seats.
A Standard Approach to Control Room Design
Authors: Wood John
Published: January 2012

In the developed and developing countries most of our lives are dominated by electronic systems, whether these are for transportation, food distribution, supply of electricity or air transport. Each of these systems will require to be controlled and in most cases this will be exercised from a centralised node — a control room.

Current, electronically based control rooms were preceded by mechanical ones — such as manual signal boxes on the railways — where direct linkages limited the distances between control point and operator. The advent of electronic links, replacing hydraulic and mechanical ones, revolutionised the entire topology of controlling systems. The subsequent twin effects of increasing geographic cover, and economies of scale, has raised the stakes for getting control rooms right the first time. The additional use of computers, to support the decision making undertaken by control room operators, adds yet another dimension to the complexities involved in the planning, design and implementation of control rooms. It is now clear that for most control rooms, and certainly the larger ones, a systematic approach needs to be adopted if the risks of failure are to be avoided.

This paper discusses some of the key issues in control room planning and design including an approach based around the International Standard 11064 — The Ergonomic Design of Control Rooms (Ref. 1)
Workload Assessment and Management for the Multimodal Watchstation
Authors: Van Orden Karl F.
Published: January 2012

The workload assessment system for the prototype multimodal command and control watchstation (MMWS) contains five modules that examine operator state, operator activity, and environmental variables to derive an integrated workload measure in near real time. The task workload estimation module obtains estimated workload data from tasks appearing on a task manager list, modified by tactical complexity and other factors (e.g., system failures). Two operator activity modules, a verbal activity module and a keypress/function usage module, measure operator speaking variables (rate and pitch changes) and console interaction variables, respectively. Finally, information regarding operator state is obtained from separate eye activity modules dedicated to the assessment of drowsiness and high workload. These modules derive real-time moving mean estimates of pupil diameter, blink rate and duration, and fixation dwell times and frequencies. Experimental data and issues concerning the development of the modules are discussed.
Advances in the Integration of Human Engineering and Systems Engineering
Authors: Winters John J. , Parker Christopher W. , Dugger Melissa , Lackie John H. , Wallace Daniel F.
Published: January 2012

The effective inclusion of humans as part of a system commonly requires significant human factors or human engineering input, which must be properly integrated with the overall system development process. This paper describes two recent efforts of the US Navy's Manning Affordability Initiative to influence the systems engineering community to make such integration more likely. One effort involves influencing a systems engineering standard, and the other involves contributions to be made to a systems engineering “how to” handbook.
Advanced Abrams Crew Station Design: A Human Factors Perspective
Authors: Clarke David L. , Barlow Todd
Published: January 2012

In 1994, the U.S. Army sponsored the design of a technologically advanced combat tank, the Advanced Abrams Crewstation (AACS). The goals of the AACS project were: (1) design a three-man crewstation that outperformed the four-man M1A2 tank; (2) incorporate advanced technology subsystems chosen by the Army; and (3) meet all of the Army's requirements for information management that it deemed essential to the digital synchronization of the battlefield. While aircraft have traditionally incorporated state-of-the-art equipment in their designs, main battle tanks have emphasized ruggedness and durability over sophistication. In the past decade, the M1 and M1A2 Abrams tanks have begun to modernize their crewstations with digital, electronic command and control (C2) systems. Initial feedback from field tests of these systems suggested that the addition of an electronic display to the Abrams crewstation, and the accompanying increase in information provided to the tank commander, did not improve the crew's ability to do their jobs. The difficulty of interacting with these systems limited the potential advantage of the underlying technology, and it sparked the initiation of a new soldier-centered design effort. The authors were among the human factors members of a multi-disciplinary team contracted to design a crewstation for a three-man battle tank. This paper discusses the system design and development process and specific lessons learned during the project.
Analysing Advanced Concepts for Operations Room Layouts
Authors: Hendy Keith C. , Edwards Jack L. , Beevis David , Hamburger Trish
Published: January 2012

Three preliminary configurations for the Integrated Command Environment (ICE) of a future USN platform were evaluated in a proof-of-concept study, using the LOCATE layout analysis tool developed in Canada. LOCATE, which develops a cost function reflecting the quality of all human-human and human-machine communications within a workspace, showed little difference between the efficacy of the preliminary designs selected for comparison. It was concluded that this was due in part to the limitations of the study, which included the assumption of a similar size for each layout and the adoption of a common size for each workstation. Based on these results, the USN offered an opportunity to conduct a LOCATE analysis using more appropriate assumptions. A standard crew was assumed, and subject matter experts agreed on the communications patterns for the analysis. Eight layouts were evaluated with the concepts of coordination and command factored into the analysis. Clear differences between the layouts emerged, with the most promising design being further refined by the US.
Generating Complements for Future Naval Platforms
Authors: Kemp Laura , Corbridge Colin
Published: January 2012

Naval platforms require a significant number of skilled personnel to operate them. Predicting the numbers and skills required has traditionally been based on a historical analysis of previous platform classes. This ‘bottom-up’ approach, whilst supporting the introduction of platforms containing many legacy systems, has tended to limit the innovation in complement generation. More recently tools have been developed to derive the complement from a ‘top down’ analysis of platform functions, examples include ERASMUS and CVM-Manning Model. This paper describes the development of a new tool which adopts a similar approach to complement generation. The ‘Complement Calculator’ supports an in-depth analysis of the personnel demands in all three platform watch states, addressing some of the limitations inherent in current complement generation tools.
Health and Safety Monitor: A Web Based Tool for Automatic VDU Risk Assessment by VDU Workers
Authors: Schreibers Kirsten B.J.
Published: January 2012

This paper describes the use of a web based tool for guided VDU risk assessment by VDU workers: the Health and Safety Monitor. This tool consists of checklists which enable VDU workers themselves to draw up an inventory of the work situation. In addition they have to select measures for identified risks and effectuate them to minimise the chance of health related complaints and to improve efficiency. As all types of workstations should have access to the tool, it is web based. The OSH department is indicated to manage and supervise use of the tool. The results of VDU assessments are gathered and kept confidential for analysis by the OSH department.

As risk assessment is part of the EU Directive for VDU work any change in office lay out should be evaluated formally. Automatic assessment of VDU related risks reduces costs compared to time consuming consultation of individual employees with questions/complaints at their workplace. Also VDU workers will get involved in being responsible for correct VDU work. The risk assessment modules of the Health and Safety Monitor will in future be extended with stretching exercises, pause programs, etc.
Cultural Factors and user Interface Design
Authors: Dunckley Lynne , Smith Andy
Published: January 2012

The paper considers the effects of cultural differences on software development of international information systems, particularly human factor issues and user involvement. A questionnaire-based instrument was used to investigate the cultural differences in a group of trainee software designers and especially to consider how the concept of locus of control relates to software design. It was concluded that internal/external locus of control could be related to cultural differences that affect responses to user centered design and team work.
Effect of Pairted Comparison Weighting and Weighting Context
Authors: Adams Catherine M. , Biers David W.
Published: January 2012

The present study compared three subjective workload measurement techniques—a unidimensional scale (UW) and two mutidimenional scales (TLX and ModSWAT)–using a continuous memory task. ModSWAT is a technique that uses the sum of the SWAT dimensions to form the workload composite rather than the standard conjoint measurement procedure. Both weighted and unweighted workload measures were obtained for the two multidimensional scales. The paired-comparison technique used by TLX was employed to weight the three SWAT dimensions. For both multidimensional scales, weighting context was also varied. Paired comparison of the workload dimensions was made either prior to the task in a general context or within context of the task just performed. The major findings were that: (1) ModSWAT and UW were more sensitive than TLX to the task demands (i.e., difficulty) of the continuous recognition task; (2) weighting context affected the weights that were assigned the workload dimensions for both TLX and ModSWAT; (3) weighting context did not affect the weighted workload scores; and (4) the weighted and unweighted workload composites were very similar. Results were interpreted within context of averaging across multiple dimensions when several dimensions are insensitive to the task demands. Variability in the weights assigned contributed to the failure to find a effect of weighting.
Eye Movement-Based Interface Evaluation: What can and Cannot be Assessed?
Authors: Goldberg Joseph H.
Published: January 2012

Interface evaluation by eye tracking-derived data is discussed in this review and synthesis paper. While analysis of eye movements during interface use is becoming more popular, there is little basis for justification of eye tracking methods. A review of traditional interface assessment methods and criteria is provided, to establish areas where eye tracking may potentially impact interface evaluations. Studies are then reviewed, that have used eye tracking-derived measures for performance assessment as interfaces are manipulated. A synthesis is then provided, suggesting that eye tracking-based analysis could have a positive impact in evaluations of consistency, resources, visual clarity, and flexibility, and should have difficulty in ascertaining interface compatibility and locus of control.
Comparison of Muscle Activity during Use of Computer Pointing Devices in Cad Operators
Authors: Tittiranonda Pat , Martin Bernard , Burastero Stephen
Published: January 2012

This study examined the use of four different computer pointing devices on surface electromyographic activity of the index finger, forearm and shoulder/neck muscles among CAD operators in the workplace. Subjects were randomly assigned to use their own mouse, a trackball, a joystick mouse or an experimental mouse. Results showed that there was a statistically significant difference in muscle load for the upper trapezius, extensor indicis proprius, and extensor carpi ulnaris across pointing devices for CAD operations. The flexor digitorum superficialis muscle load remained relatively constant when all pointing devices were compared.
Morphological Evolution of French Military Personnels
Authors: Mollard Régis , Hennion Pierre Yves , Coblentz Alex
Published: January 2012

The survey realized in 1992 on a military population allowed to collect anthropometric data on 688 males and 328 females. Among 73 measurements and 3 index, 26 of them have been retained for the comparison with previous surveys.

Generally used for dimensioning human body models these data represent somatic measurements of reference, as weight and stature and segmentary measurements of trunk and limbs. A comparison with previous data, collected on a equivalent military population in 1973, confirms the modifications along the time are so significant that they can be considered as a phenomenon of morphological evolution. Likewise, the modification of the academic levels, average age and socio-cultural structures in the populations are combined to increase the anthropometric variability. It appears the military population presents a morphological modification with an overall increase in weight, stature and correlated dimensions. Otherwise, a light decrease of the cormic index indicates that the morphological transformation influences on the body proportions, with an increase more notable for the lower limbs compared to the trunk.

The collected anthropometric information allow to update the Individual Database of ERGODATA from which ergonomie recommendations and statistical and morphological models of the human body can be proposed.
Ergonomics and Design: Projections for the Future
Authors: Erbug Cigdem
Published: January 2012

Discussions on the role of design in the post-industrial society, creates new definitions for design. In order to avoid placing a burden on the environment, designing is faced with a new context. In this context design supports long-term use, shared use, reuse, optimisation of useability and many other concepts related with environmental concerns and ethical attitude. It is evident that all these concepts require a new strategy for design where creating value and more human-centred products gain importance. This approach brings new organisations in product life cycle, because believing in these values most of the designers and manufacturers may agree on the new motto for design “less but better”. Therefore a comprehensive strategy is necessary for the communication of ergonomics experts and designers in the near future.
Ergonomic Design by Means of Human Models
Authors: Bubb Heiner
Published: January 2012

The main differences between traditional ergonomic design “a posteriori” and the modern “a priori”- design using computer based human models are described. This development is leading from an earlier “corrective ergonomics” to a new “prospective ergonomics”. There is an incredible improvement in the depth and also in the width of the abilities of the human models. And it can be expected that this development will continue for some time.
Progresses on the Way to a Dynamic Model
Authors: Bubb Heiner
Published: January 2012

Anthropometric human models are useful especially when treating static layout problems. Animation tools normally are used to visualize working processes, but not for changing the hardware design of a working place. Questions about forces applied by humans can presently be answered only by the help of paper and pencil procedures. Even if such procedures exist in a software version, they remain appendages to the existing geometrical orientated modeling programs. Within the research project “RAMSIS-dynamic”, which was supported by BMW, new models have been developed for force, posture, and motion prediction based on experimental data. The procedure predicting the maximum forces uses calculated torque-ellipsoids. Dependencies of posture, gender and age are also considered in this model. For the posture prediction model the assumption is made that people try to minimize the ratio between necessary and maximum torque over all joints of their body. The resulting torque can be measured using a specially designed device. Additionally a model simulating target orientated motions of the limbs with low dynamic forces has been developed. This model considers some important factors like visual behavior, obstacle avoidance and different grasping modes. The three models were evaluated by comparison with real observed forces, postures and movements.
Ergonomics on Both Sides of the Atlantic - Symposium Summary
Authors: Kroemer Karl H. E.
Published: January 2012

Ergonomics (or Human Factors) have distinct features in each continent, region, and nation. These special characteristics may be prominent in the professional/educational background, in the areas of research interests, and in terms of applications in industries, standards, and legislation. Other possible peculiarities may concern the involvement with social and political affairs or in the recognition of Ergonomics by the general public, by the military, and industry and government.
Style, Function, Interaction: Do Designers Disregard User-Product Interaction when Proposing Product Design Concepts?
Authors: Talbot Jonathan
Published: January 2012

This paper reports an investigation of an industrial design project during the preliminary investigation and concept design stages. Conditions for the design project were established where some of the designers followed a more ‘user-centred’ approach to the design problem than others. It might have been expected that designers who were not adopting a user-centred approach would be more focussed on the visual appeal (style) or product technology aspects of their designs and might tend to disregard the interaction sequences involved in actual product use. It was found that designers in both groups resolved the ‘interaction design’ associated with the concepts to a similar level of detail. It was also found that the ‘user-centred’ designers did not tend to gather information on aesthetic issues when inquiring about end user requirements. The implications of these Findings for user-centred design methods are discussed.
Information Management to Support Distributed Decision-Making in the National Airspace System
Authors: Smith Philip J. , Billings Charles , Chapman Roger J. , Obradovich Jodi Heintz , McCoy C. Elaine
Published: January 2012

For Summer 2000, the Federal Aviation Administration introduced a new collaborative procedure for reducing departure delays during weather events. This initiative involved the used of predefined Coded Departure Routes (CDRs). Goals of this procedure included:

Providing airline operations centers and FAA air traffic facilities with a process for working collaboratively to develop earlier plans for dealing with predicted constraints. Giving airport control towers greater flexibility to respond to the often rapidly changing picture regarding available airspace during weather events. Keeping airline dispatchers in the loop through the early identification of alternative departure routes to expedite departures from an airport.

An analysis of the use of CDRs was completed, based on interviews with staff at six airlines and four enroute air traffic control Centers, on analyses of System Command Center advisories and on analyses comparing filed with flown routes. Based on this analysis, recommendations are made for the design of improved tools for information dissemination and decision support.
Human Factors and the International Space Station
Authors: Peacock Brian , Rajulu Sudhakar , Novak Jennifer
Published: January 2012

The purposes of this panel are to inform the human factors community regarding the challenges of designing the International Space Station (ISS) and to stimulate the broader human factors community into participating in the various basic and applied research opportunities associated with the ISS. This panel describes the variety of techniques used to plan and evaluate human factors for living and working in space. The panel members have contributed to many different aspects of the ISS design and operations. Architecture, equipment, and human physical performance requirements for various tasks have all been tailored to the requirements of operating in microgravity.
Achieving Panacea: A Usability Evaluation of a System for Pilot Alerting and Notification of Adverse Conditions - Escape and Avoidance
Authors: Ververs Patricia May , Dorneich Michael C. , Good Michael D.
Published: January 2012

This paper acknowledges the recent thrust to integrate systems on the flight deck and details a usability evaluation of a prototype concept that provides integrated alerting functionality. The ANCOA (Alerting and Notification of Conditions Outside the Aircraft) concept was conceived as means for reducing error conflicts and establishing a clear prioritization among currently independent and disparate alerting systems for hazards external to the aircraft (e.g., TCAS, EGPWS). ANCOA reduces alert proliferation by creating a standardization by which all incoming information is categorized and prioritized under a common framework. By creating a consistent alerting and display philosophy to present information to the crew, we can reduce the demands on pilot attention and information processing. In this paper we discuss a couple of recent integrated hazard awareness systems developed by Honeywell International that make the innovative initial step to incorporate previously separate systems into a single system. We present ANCOA as a concept that can enhance systems of their type and advance their utility. We evaluated the concept's efficacy and present the results of a usability study involving nine commercial pilots that reviewed the concept.
Analysis of Mid-Air Collisions in Civil Aviation
Authors: Taneja Narinder , Wiegmann Douglas A.
Published: January 2012

Mid Air Collisions (MAC) are tragic events, with the potential of multiple fatalities. Despite the improving trends in aviation safety, the rate of MAC has remained stable for the past few years. There is an absence of published literature on MAC and related human performance issues. Consequently, this study analyzed 79 mid air collisions in civil aviation in the United States from 1994 to 1999 in an attempt to further understand the causes of these accidents. Contextual data was analyzed in terms of accident location, phase of flight, type of aircraft operation, visibility conditions, and direction of aircraft trajectories (same vs. opposite direction). Pilot factors were also examined, including recent flying experience and medical certification. An attempt is made to interpret the results in terms of recent models of pilot vigilance and scan patterns. Recommendations are made for possible future research in the area.
Further Lessons Learned in the Design of Computer-Human Interfaces for Terminal Air Traffic Control Systems
Authors: Allendoerfer Kenneth R. , Yuditsky Tanya
Published: January 2012

The Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) will replace aging radar data processors and controller workstations at Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of Defense (DoD) terminal air traffic control facilities. In the late 1990s, computer-human interface (CHI) issues were identified with the major STARS components. Since then, many CHI modifications that make STARS easier to use, easier to maintain, and more acceptable to the controllers and airway facilities technicians have been prototyped, implemented, and tested. We are currently designing CHIs for upcoming enhancements in which decision-support tools, satellite-based surveillance, and advanced weather information will be integrated into STARS. This paper will discuss lessons learned during the STARS CHI development that may interest acquisition programs dealing with similar issues. Specific examples include the development of monitoring systems, the design of target symbols, and the depiction of weather information.
The Effect of Some Worker-Related Variables on Work Ability, Work Technique, and Number of Errors in a Packing Job
Authors: Schwerha Diana J.
Published: January 2012

A study was conducted to determine the effect of some worker-related variables on work ability, work technique, and number of errors for a group of nine female employees aged 25 to 55 working as packers at a global distribution center located in the U.S.A. Work ability questionnaires (from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health) were given, quality ratings (as indicated by the number of errors) from the previous month were obtained, and employees were videotaped. Correlation analysis indicated that tenure was inversely related to work ability. Analysis of variance indicated that age and height were significantly related to the number of errors. Post-hoc tests indicated that older employees and taller employees had fewer errors. This finding was especially interesting considering that the workstations were designed for men or very tall women. This research serves as a pilot for a study aimed at discerning different working techniques through the development of a model that uses frequency and types of movements.
Effects of Automated Cueing on Decision Implementation in a Visual Search Task
Authors: Galster Scott M. , Bolia Robert S. , Roe Merry M. , Parasuraman Raja
Published: January 2012

A visual search paradigm was used to examine the effects of status information automation cueing in a target detection task. Manual and information automation conditions were manipulated with the size of the distractor set. Participants were required to respond to the presence or absence of a target in a time-limited trial. In the information automation condition, status information regarding target presence was presented to the participant. The participants were informed that the information automation was not perfectly reliable. A significant detection performance improvement was observed with the addition of the information automation. This improvement was more marked in the condition with the higher number of distractors. Additionally, detection performance declined when the information automation was invalid, without a corresponding increase in subjective measures of workload or confidence. Implications of the results and future studies are discussed.
Evaluating a Decision Skills Training Approach for the U.S. Army
Authors: Pliske Rebecca M. , Militello Laura , Phillips Jennifer , Battaglia Deborah A.
Published: January 2012

This research effort explored methodological issues associated with evaluation studies that assess the effectiveness of training programs to improve decision-making skills. We conducted a pilot study to assess the usability of IMPACT (IMproving Performance through Applied Cognitive Training), a multimedia CD-ROM based training program that teaches Army leaders how to develop their subordinates' decision-making skills. Twelve captains at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point were randomly assigned to use IMPACT to learn new debriefing techniques or to use the Army's standard After Action Review techniques to facilitate decision-training sessions with 65 cadets. Although we found few statistically significant differences between trainees in the different conditions, the trainers reported that IMPACT is a valuable and highly usable training tool. Furthermore, we were able to develop an objective (multiple choice) test to measure decision quality, as well as a process that resulted in reliable ratings of decision quality from subject-matter experts.
Information Displays for Medical Diagnosis
Authors: Haarbauer Eric S. , Mahan Robert P. , Crooks C. L.
Published: January 2012

The Proximity Compatibility Principle (PCP) states that a display format is well-suited to a given task if the information sources in the display are related to the same degree as information sources in the task. While experiments have shown that PCP can provide useful display design guidelines for many types of tasks, diagnosis tasks have not seemed to conform to PCP's predictions. The current experiment compared performance with integral, configural, and separable displays in three diagnosis tasks based on a medical diagnosis technique. As predicted, the integral display allowed the best performance. The results indicate that PCP is a useful theory for diagnosis tasks, but different diagnosis tasks can differ widely in their task demands.
Human Performance in Timing of Discrete Actions
Authors: Rantanen Esa M. , Xu Xidong
Published: January 2012

An experiment on human timing performance is described. A scenario of street crossing without the aid of traffic lights was presented on a computer screen. The subjects' task was to let a pedestrian to cross the street between successive vehicles by pressing a key. Independent variables were the size of the gap between vehicles and the speed of the traffic stream. The subjects' performance was evaluated by the distributions of the crossing initiation times and the proportions of two types of timing errors in the experimental conditions: Too early and too late releases of the pedestrian. Increasing the accuracy requirement by reducing the duration of the window of opportunity resulted in a shift to earlier release times, smaller standard deviations of the release time distributions, and increased proportions of the “too early” errors. Our results show a way to include also the tails of the response distributions in the analyses.
Toward a Human Emulator: A Framework for the Comprehensive Computational Representation of Human Cognition
Authors: Forsythe Chris , Raybourn Elaine
Published: January 2012

In recent years, Sandia National Laboratories has undertaken a program of research and development with the goal to attain a realistic computational representation of human cognition, a “human emulator.” Realism requires that the representation address cognitive, and organic factors (e.g., stress, arousal, fatigue). Near-term application is envisioned in training and evaluation with long-term potential for broad application across a spectrum of technologies. This paper describes the conceptual framework that has been developed and implemented in an initial prototype. Specifically, this framework emphasizes a computational instantiation of Naturalistic Decision Making with an underlying foundation based on human neurophysiology.
Developing a One-Quarter VGA Operating System UI for Communicator Products
Authors: Maddox Michael E. , Cox Norm
Published: January 2012

The number of wireless phone products continues to grow at a very rapid pace. Likewise, competition among small-format operating systems and among hardware vendors has produced a variety of hand-held, business-information-oriented devices known generically as personal digital assistants, or PDA's. In the last several years, there has been a movement toward the convergence of wireless phone and PDA technologies. Such combined products have the advantages of the cell phone's wireless communication capabilities and the PDA's larger display and integrated address/email/internet functions. This manuscript describes the authors' work in developing a new operating system user interface framework for the next generation of one-quarter VGA (QVGA) integrated phone/PDA (communicator) products, as well as the functional UI for the telephone portion of the UI for a new QVGA device.
Techniques for Interacting with Large Information Spaces on Small-Screen Displays
Authors: Good Michael D. , Dorneich Michael C. , Deaton John E. , Glenn Floyd , Burke C. Shawn , Downs Joshua
Published: January 2012

The dramatic growth in recent years of computing devices with small display surfaces (e.g., PDAs, WAP phones, handheld computers) has spawned the need to consider new interaction methodologies that will allow users to interact with information spaces that might require more space than the display can provide. This paper describes potential solutions to allow users to interact easily and intuitively with large information spaces when presented on a small screen. We used a human-centered iterative design approach consisting of knowledge elicitation tasks, user feedback sessions, and concept development to identify two primary interaction methodologies: Dynamic Information Magnification (DIM) and Dynamic Information Labeling (DIL). DIM is a way for the user to enhance relevant portions of an information space through magnification functions while DIL is a way to enhance information through smart highlighting and labeling. These two techniques were applied to complex flight performance charts as part of an ONR-funded program that is focusing on the development of an electronic checklist and procedure manual. Early findings suggest that the Dynamic Information Labeling concept shows the most promise for the particular domain to which this technique was applied. Concept descriptions, informal user feedback, and implications of interaction methodologies for use with large information spaces on small-screen displays are described.
Examining Automatic Text Presentation for Small Screens
Authors: Bernard Michael L. , Chaparro Barbara S. , Russell Mark
Published: January 2012

This exploratory study compared three types of automatic text presentation for small screen interfaces—rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP), three lines, and ten-lines of text—at fast, medium and slow speeds for differences in reading comprehension, satisfaction, and preference. The results revealed a significant main effect of presentation speed, favoring the slowest speed. A marginal main effect of presentation method was also found, favoring RSVP and the ten-lines of text presentation. The readers were equally satisfied with all three methods of presentation.
Effects of Face-Threatening Acts in Human-Computer Dialogues
Authors: Colón Jaime X. Elías , Pérez-Quiñones Manuel A. , Ferreira Raquel
Published: January 2012

This work explores the relationship between Face Threatening Acts (FTAs) commonly performed by the computer (in the form of interruptions) while interacting with users. It investigates the effects that these acts have upon the user's satisfaction. An experiment proved a hypothesis: FTAs performed by a computer interface have a detrimental effect upon the user perception of the interaction with the computer. This effect is observed on the user perception of the interaction as being less friendly, less motivating and less cooperative. It was also found that politeness strategies had no effect on minimizing the perception of a FTA.
The Effects of Active and Passive CD Retention Features on CD-Rom Drive Usability
Authors: Kelaher Dan
Published: January 2012

Servers that can be mounted either vertically or horizontally should optimally allow the CD-ROM drive to be oriented horizontally in both scenarios. However, some systems do not allow this flexibility due to the constraints of the mechanical package. A usability test was performed to compare 5 different CD-ROM drive designs placed in servers that can be either mounted horizontally in a rack or vertically as a tower. This work was performed to determine the drive(s), which would minimize the risk of dropped CDs while in a vertical orientation while still being easy to use in both orientations. Twelve subjects participated in the study, 6 human factors engineers and 6 engineers of various disciplines, all working at IBM. The tasks tested were simple CD insertion and removal tasks with the drives mounted in tower and rack configurations. Subjects gave preference rankings and ratings on various usability aspects such as ease of insertion, ease of removal, and the perceived risk of dropping CDs. The results showed that, within the given constraints of these systems and IBM manufacturing processes, the drives which require the user to activate the CD retention feature exhibited significantly lower usability ratings than the drives which required no extra steps. Also, these drives yielded more jammed and dropped CDs than the drives with active retention features due to the users' lack of activating the active retention features correctly. Lastly, the findings showed that human factors engineers tended to be more conservative on these ratings than the non-HF engineers, though these differences were not statistically significant.
Do Handle Design and Hand Posture Affect Pointing Accuracy?
Authors: Hägg Goran M. , Hallbeck M. Susan
Published: January 2012

The design of ergonomic tools has focused on reducing the awkward wrist angles during tasks. However, anecdotal evidence shows that the adoption of ergonomic tools has been slow. This may be due, in part, to the ergonomic handles reducing accuracy of the task performed. A pilot study employing 20 subjects (9 men, 11 women) was undertaken to evaluate 4 handles, with two handles being used both in a pistol-grip and an inline-grip. All handles were evaluated while either seeing the target or blindfolded and either using the index finger extended as a guide or not. Each subject performed 24 total trials, which consisted of aiming at a sheet of vertically mounted A3 paper. The center point was marked and positioned such that the subject, when holding a pistol grip tool, had an adducted shoulder, a right angle at the elbow and a neutral wrist position. Each subject was asked to aim and puncture 10 holes in each target paper at a fixed pace. The results of the pilot study show that the dependent variables of the vector distance from the origin and the vector distance from the centroid of the points is affected primarily by the sight condition, but that the handle orientation with the inline condition was significantly better than the pistol grip for accuracy. In addition, the main effects of gender and tool type were significant for the dependent variable of the vector distance from the centroid. The overall implication is that the most ‘ergonomic’ handle may not yield the most accurate cluster or grouping when pointing and that handles held in an ergonomically awkward wrist posture (average 23° ulnar deviation).
Placement Opportunities for Human Factors Engineering and Ergonomics Professionals in Industry and Government/Military Positions
Authors: Schoeling Scott E. , Goliber Michael J. , Moroney William F.
Published: January 2012

During the period from October 1999 through December 2000, the Placement Service of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society distributed announcements describing 233 new positions available for human factors engineers and ergonomics professionals. This paper describes placement opportunities for HF and ergonomics professionals in industry and government/military (N=220). The attributes of the position descriptions examined include: employment sector, major field of study, degree requirements, required work experience, salary, geographic location, travel, and areas of expertise.

The type of industry seeking most employees was Internet based at 33%. The most frequently specified major field of study was human factors (N=124). Fifty-three percent of the positions describe the master's degree as the minimum requirement. The geographical areas with the most jobs were California (N=48) and the Northwest (N=23). Finally, the area of expertise most frequently requested by employers was usability testing and design (N=99) and Human Computer Interaction (N=42) was the most commonly specified job expertise/function.
For Finding a Human Factors/Ergonomics Job in Industry: Interact with the Authors and Lead Consultant
Authors: Young Karen R. , Shapiro Ronald G. , Lund Arnold M.
Published: January 2012

The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) recently published a new brochure entitled “QUICK TIPS FOR FINDING A HUMAN FACTORS/ERGONOMICS JOB IN INDUSTRY.” The following paper describes the who, what, when, where, why, and how for using this brochure. After having read it, students may have questions about the tips provided, or they may want more in-depth advice. The first half of this poster session will allow students to obtain and read through a copy if they have not already done so. The second half of the poster session provides the opportunity to talk with the authors and lead consultant who produced the booklet. You may view a copy of the booklet in advance at the placement service or on line under the “brochures” section at http://hfes.org/publications/Menu.html . Please read through it, and bring your questions to this poster session.
Do Anti-Glare Filters Help Computer Users in Offices?
Authors: Lorusso Thomas P. , Hedge Alan , Middendorf Sharon
Published: January 2012

Computer screen glare is associated with worker complaints of eyestrain and other visual problems, and it impairs the visual performance of workers. Previous research suggests that the use of an optical glass anti-glare filter that fits over the computer screen can be an effective solution to many kinds of glare problem. The present study tests the effects of four types of ant***glare filter design on self reported comfort, health and performance. Results from a field experimental study show that the use of anti-glare filters reduces the frequency of visual health symptoms. Ratings of productivity were highest for circular polarizing and high transmission filters.
Foliage Plants at the Workplace its Images and Effects
Authors: Miyake Shinji
Published: January 2012

A questionnaire survey was conducted in a middle-sized electric manufacturing company to determine workers negative feelings against foliage plants at the workplace. Around 20% of the workers out of 102 respondents (response rate: 92.7%) thought that foliage plants disrupted their work. on the other hand, 60% of the workers felt refreshed from foliage plants. A 30-item semantic scale was used to evaluate images of foliage plants arranged in a simulated office. Nine kinds of foliage plants (height 150–200 cm) were evaluated by 36 students. The results suggest that the most relaxing plant was a weeping fig with a round-shaped topiary silhouette. on the contrary, Dragon tree and Spanish dagger plants gave feelings of tenseness because their leaves are very sharp and narrow. The result in paired comparisons of five small potted plants showed that weeping fig was the most disliked plant because it looked very weak.
Accidental Shootings: Gun Design and Training Issues
Authors: Paradis Paul , Hendrick Hal W.
Published: January 2012

Ergonomic issues related to gun design are described, with particular attention to trigger design and forces, safeties, and grip size. Problems with the current design of courses and instruction in handgun use are reviewed. Gun design and training issues are illustrated using three actual cases of accidental shootings. The need for human factors professionals to become involved in improving handgun design, handgun training, and in forensic activities related to shooting accidents, is emphasized.
Responding to Uncertainty: Individual Differences and Training Effects
Authors: Washburn David A. , Baker Lauren A. , Raby Pamela R. , Smith J. David
Published: January 2012

Studies of decision making reveal individual differences, not just in perception, memory, categorization, and other cognitive skills that support judgment, but also in the metacognitive processes that monitor confidence and uncertainty. Two experiments are described in the present report in which a psychophysical uncertainty task was used to assess these individual differences, their relation to personality and temperament differences, and the possibility of improving how optimally people respond to their own uncertainty.
Developing Schemas for the Location of Common Web Objects
Authors: Bernard Michael L.
Published: January 2012

This study examined where individuals expect specific web-related objects to be located on a typical web page, as well as compared any schematic differences between novice (less than one year of web experience) and experienced (more than three years of web experience) users for the location of these objects. The web objects examined were: grouping of links that internally connect web pages within the same website, grouping of links that lead to web pages that are external to a website, link to the homepage, internal search engine, and advertisement banner(s). The results suggest that users do have definable expectations concerning the location of these web objects, and these expectations are generally created early (less than one year) in the users' experience with the Web.