bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Augmenting the Traditional Approach to Usability: Three Tools to Bring the User Back Into the Process
Authors: Jones David L. , Champney Roberto , Axelsson Par , Hale Kelly
Published: January 2012

A primary goal of the usability evaluation process is to create interfaces that can be seamlessly integrated into current processes and create an enjoyable experience for the user. Given this, it is critical to capture user input to effectively drive product development and redesign. While many methods are available to usability practitioners, this paper highlights three techniques that can be used to substantially enhance usability evaluation output. Specifically this paper presents a method to utilize focus groups, emotional profiling and Kano analysis methods in combination to define user needs, expectations, and desires, provide an explanation of why features of a product are liked or disliked, as well as add additional structure to the prioritization of usability shortcomings and related redesign recommendations. A background on each method, the process for implementing them into usability analyses, and guidelines for successful use are provided for usability practitioners.
Ergonomic Evaluation of Writing Instruments
Authors: Gnaneswaran V. , Herring S , Ge Wei Hua , Castillejos P. , Bishu R.R.
Published: January 2012

The objective of this study was to evaluate, using ergonomic principles, a number of interesting looking instruments. A three phase evaluation procedure, comprising a paired comparison procedure, subjective evaluation and objective assessment was followed. A total of 8 pens were evaluated using 30 students from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Results showed that such a three phase methodology can be effective in evaluating products. The results also have ramifications for designers and users of pens.
Effects of a Vibrating Mouse on Computer Users' Work Behaviors and Performance
Authors: Moe C.R. , Hedge A.
Published: January 2012

This study investigated the effects of a computer mouse that vibrates after 10 seconds of inactivity to remind the user to release their grip and rest their hand. A laboratory experiment tested the reactions of 11 female and 7 male participants to this vibrating mouse against a conventional mouse to see how it affected Ps performance of 5 tasks, their resting behavior and their mouse preference. No effects on task performance were found between the two conditions. The vibrating mouse induced significantly more resting behavior (p=0.02) and marginally more hand removals (p=0.06). However, it also induced significantly more unsupported hand hovering (p=0.00). Some Ps found that the vibrating mouse was disruptive to their performance. Further investigation of the effects of task type and user technique on the use of the vibrating mouse is needed.
The effect of display size on performance of operational tasks with UAVs
Authors: Minkov Yaniv , Perry Shay , Oron-Gilad Tal
Published: January 2012

The user-Interface of military dismounted systems has extreme influence on soldiers' ability to complete their missions and to protect themselves during combat. This work focused on the type of displays required to retrieve information from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in operational situations. Twenty IDF soldiers with limited experience in operating UAVs, participated in this simulated study of display-size preferences. In the 3 × 2 within subject design, participants used 3 types of displays on two missions: navigation and target detection. Performance data was collected for both tasks. Participants also completed the NASA-TLX and a closing questionnaire. Statistical analyses showed that performance differences between displays were task dependent. Thus, some tasks can be performed with a smaller display at the same level of performance by exerting more mental effort. Furthermore, sensitivity to task difficulty was evident.
Reduction in Tree Stand Assembly Errors with Modified Instructions
Authors: Gregory Wayne , Berkhout Jan
Published: January 2012

Naïve subjects performed a direct out-of-the-box assembly and installation sequence for two models of hunters' tree stands. Their actions were timed and monitored in detail using an array of video cameras. After extensive analysis of their assembly errors and interactions with the packaged instructions, two alternative instruction sets were written, one with modified language, the other with additional user-friendly graphic material. Two additional groups of naïve subjects who assembled tree stands packed with these alternative instructions took significantly less time and made significantly fewer errors.
Pilot Expertise and Instrument Failure: Detecting Failure is Only Half the Battle
Authors: Brou Randy J. , Doane Stephanie M. , Carruth Daniel W. , Bradshaw Gary L.
Published: January 2012

The present research examined novice and expert flight performance in simulated routine and announced instrument failure flight conditions. Pilots flew routine flight segments under simulated instrument flight rules, and were informed there would be an instrument failure at some point. Microsoft Flight Simulator was used to simulate a slow vacuum failure that impacted the attitude indicator and the failure was explicitly displayed in large letters on the instrument panel throughout the failure segment. Although novices and experts showed minimal axis deviations from optimal during routine flight maneuvers, the novice deviations increased significantly in the announced failure condition. The results have implications for the efficacy of instrument failure indicators for novice pilots with approximately ninety-five hours of flight experience.
Driving Under the Influence of Phones: The Importance of Cognitive Ability and Cognitive Style on Interruption-Related Performance
Authors: Lottridge Danielle , Chignell Mark
Published: January 2012

The impact of notifications on driving performance is a critical safety concern (Lee & Strayer, 2004). This study examined how interruptions (including phone calls) impair simulated driving performance, and how individual differences mediate the effect of those interruptions. Consistent with our hypothesis, field dependent participants answered phone calls more quickly and with less consideration of the difficulty of the current driving situation than more field independent participants. Further, a post-hoc analysis showed that, on average, field dependents with small operating spans crashed twice as often as the other drivers. Thus the detrimental effect of a field dependent style on managing interruptions while driving is likely worsened for people with low working memory capacity. It is suggested that future research should investigate the safety implications of individual differences in interruption handling ability. Such research is needed to support ongoing efforts to develop guidelines and legislation concerning the use of distracting information technologies (such as cell phones) in automobiles.
Interaction of Vehicle Speed and Auditory Detection of Backup Alarms AKA: Can the Construction Worker Get Out of the Way?
Authors: Lancaster Jeff A. , Alali Khaled , Casali John G.
Published: January 2012

Accident and incident reports have indicated that construction workers, who comprise only a fraction of the industrial work force, suffer more fatal injuries than in any other industry. Many of these accidents and incidents involve workers being struck and run over by a reversing vehicle. During performance of their duties, construction workers are frequently in the vicinity of backup alarms mounted on a variety of vehicles, each with different backing speeds. Due to the loud ambient noise prevalent on many construction sites, workers may wear hearing protection devices, which can affect their ability to detect these backup alarms. An experiment was conducted in free-field conditions to determine the distance at which normal-hearing listeners who wore a high-attenuation earmuff could detect a standard backup alarm signal. Based on the data collected, a relationship was established between the minimum-required backup alarm detection distance and the reversing speeds for several typical vehicles.
NASA Space Flight Human System Standards
Authors: Russo Dane , Foley Tico , Stroud Ken , Connolly Janis , Tillman Barry , Pickett Lynn
Published: January 2012

NASA has begun a new approach to human factors design standards. For years NASA-STD-3000, Manned Systems Integration Standards, has been a source of human factors design guidance for space systems. In order to better meet the needs of the system developers, NASA is revising its human factors standards system. NASA-STD-3000 will be replaced by two documents: set of broad human systems specifications (including both human factors and medical topics) and a human factors design handbook.
Tactons in multitask environments: The interaction of presentation modality and processing code
Authors: Ferris Thomas , Hameed Shameem , Penfold Robert , Rao Nikhil
Published: January 2012

Tactons, or vibrotactile icons, have been proposed as a means to communicate complex concepts to users and to support multitasking in environments involving numerous visual and/or auditory tasks and stimuli. This study investigated the role of processing code in the interpretation of tactons while performing concurrent visual tasks in such environments. Participants decoded tactons composed of spatiotemporal patterns of vibrations – requiring spatial processing – and interpreted one of two types of visual task stimuli – requiring either spatial or categorical processing – in a driving simulation. Compared to single-task performance, there was a significantly larger dual-task performance decrement when the tacton task was paired with the visual task requiring spatial (as compared to categorical) processing. The findings are consistent with the assertion of Multiple Resource Theory that interference between concurrent tasks is greater when these tasks involve the same processing code. They illustrate how distributing task-related information across modalities is beneficial but not sufficient to avoid task interference. A direct implication of the findings is to avoid the use of spatiotemporal tactons in environments which rely heavily on spatial processing resources, such as car cockpits or flight decks.
A Cognitive Constraint Model of the Effects of Portable Music-Player Use on Driver Performance
Authors: Brumby Duncan P. , Salvucci Dario D. , Mankowski Walt , Howes Andrew
Published: January 2012

We describe an approach to modeling strategic variations in how people might select media content from an Apple iPod portable music player while driving. An experiment was conducted to determine the time required to select a target from a list using the scroll wheel on the iPod. It was found that a linear model accurately predicted the time to scroll through a list to a target. This model was then used in conjunction with a previously reported steering control model to derive a priori predictions for dual-task performance over the entire range of possible multitasking strategies. From this set of strategies, we then focused on identifying the fastest and the safest strategies for completing both a simple selection task and also a more complex selection task. It was found that the model predictions bracketed the observed human data from a recent study that investigated the effects of using an iPod while driving. Moreover, the analysis suggests that in order to compensate for the inherent risks of using devices that demand longer interaction episodes to complete a task, people might adjust their multitasking strategy by giving more time up to steering control while completing the secondary task.
Assessing Distributed Mission Operations Using the Air Superiority Knowledge Assessment System
Authors: Rowe Leah J , Cooke Nancy J , Gehr Sara Elizabeth , Bennett Winston
Published: January 2012

The Air Superiority Knowledge Assessment System (ASKAS) was developed at the Air Force Research Laboratory as a method for measuring knowledge in fighter pilots. Differences in ASKAS results have been shown to correspond with the knowledge level of pilots with different amounts of experience. To further test this tool, it has recently been integrated into a week-long training program. ASKAS is given before and after training to measure changes in knowledge as a result of the training. Our results show that there is a small but measurable increase in knowledge, as measured by ASKAS, after the training. In addition, there is a quadratic relationship between pilot experience and performance on ASKAS, suggesting that mid-level pilots have the highest levels of knowledge. These results support the validity of ASKAS as a tool to measure changes in knowledge during training, and provide insight on how to improve ASKAS for future use.
Effects of 2-Dimensional and 3-Dimensional Media Exposure Training in a Tank Recognition Task
Authors: Keebler Joseph R. , Harper-Sciarini Michelle , Curtis Michael T. , Schuster Dave , Jentsch Florian , Bell-Carroll Meredith
Published: January 2012

This investigation explores the differences between two types of military vehicle training: a current training method (2-dimensional, military-issued cards) and a novel method using 3-dimensional 1:35 scale models. Participant performance was tested in 3 areas: an identification task (can you name this vehicle?), a recognition task (have you seen this vehicle before?) and a friend/foe differentiation task. All three tasks were tested in both two dimensions (Training cards) and three dimensions (1:35 models). The performance results of the tasks support the integration of 3D training.
Studying Complex Human-System Behaviour: Human-in-the-loop Simulation Requirements
Authors: Crone David , Sanderson Penelope , Naikar Neelam
Published: January 2012

The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) is required to provide advice to customers for the procurement of future military systems using the high fidelity human-in-the-loop simulation (HILS) facility housed in the Air Operations Simulation Centre (AOSC). A program of research is under way that compares two work analysis techniques (traditional task analysis and Cognitive Work Analysis) on the basis of whether the human-system performance measures that they suggest are sensitive to system modifications and so may be used for system evaluation. In this paper we show that representing aircrew's tactical environment as a series of concentric “rings” resulted in the development of HILS requirements that let us evaluate the measures derived from both work analysis approaches. Using the rings to frame the experiment and develop simulation requirements was beneficial for several reasons including participant involvement, validity of the system and operator behaviour observed, and completeness of the study.
Caffeine: Mitigating the Effects of Fatigue on the Flight Deck?
Authors: Molesworth Brett RC , Young Ricky
Published: January 2012

Fatigue relating from sleep loss or circadian disruptions continues to pose a significant threat within aviation. Caffeine is one method employed by pilots on the flight deck to alleviate some of the symptoms associated with fatigue. The present study sought to investigate the effects of caffeine on pilot performance during a demanding task. Employing a repeated measures design, forty-two pilots were randomly divided into three groups (0mg/kg, 3mg/kg and 5mg/kg of caffeine) and completed a base-line task followed by a test task, thirty minutes post caffeine consumption. Both experimental tasks involved pilots completing games on Space Fortress - a computer-based research tool developed at the University of Illinois - Cognitive Psychophysiology Laboratory for the study of complex skills. The results failed to reveal any difference in pilots' performance from the consumption of caffeine. The results are discussed from both an applied and experimental perspective.
Assessing the Situation Awareness of Pilots Engaged in Self Spacing
Authors: Strybel Thomas Z. , Vu Kim-Phuong L. , Kraft Jerome , Minakata Katsumi
Published: January 2012

We measured situation awareness (SA) of pilots in a simulation of an approach to a large metropolitan airport (DFW), using both SAGAT and SPAM probe techniques. Both methods of SA measurement significantly predicted pilot performance on a self-spacing task but in SPAM scenarios, probe latency predicted IAS variability, and in SAGAT scenarios, accuracy predicted IAS variability.
Coordination and Safety Behaviors in Commercial Aircraft Maintenance
Authors: Suzuki Takahiro , von Thaden Terry L. , Geibel William D.
Published: January 2012

Commercial aviation maintenance related incidents reported to the Aviation Safety Report System were investigated focusing on coordination problems. Among 1000 analyzed reports from a two-year period, 98 internal coordination issues within the maintenance team, and 24 external coordination issues between maintenance and other departments were discovered. Frequently established problematic included: not delivering information, sending wrong information and lack of responsibility. Most conflicts were solved by competing (or accommodating) behavior, such that one party prevailed over the other party's opinion. Coordination problems have the potential to render many necessary safety procedures ineffective. This study identifies coordination problems that are potential sources impairing safety procedures in aircraft maintenance such as misapplication of minimum equipment list items, missing inspections, logbook entry failures, and wrong parts installation.
Analysis of Visual Demands of In-Vehicle Text Displays Reveals an Age-Related Increase in Time Needed to Reallocate Attention to the Road
Authors: Schieber Frank , Holtz Ann , Schlorholtz Ben , McCall Robert
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this study was to evaluate age differences in the visual demands imposed by reading in-vehicle text message displays during simulated driving. Visual demand was operationalized in terms of five eye gaze data parameters. Sixteen young (mean age=20) and 16 older (mean age=77) licensed drivers served as participants. They were required to read variable length text messages from a console mounted display while driving on straight segments on a simulated rural highway. Older drivers required much more time to complete the concurrent text reading task — especially for messages of longer lengths. As hypothesized, most of this age-difference resulted from an increase in the time spent reacquiring the road scene between successive glances to the text display. Lane keeping variability increased and driving speed decreased while reading text for older, but not younger, drivers. This pattern of findings is consistent with prior claims that driving performance in older adults is negatively influenced by problems with attention switching mechanisms.
Human Total Cost of Ownership: Measuring the Impact of Human Factors on System Engineering
Authors: Hoffman Robert R. , Zachary Wayne , Burns John , Drillings Michael , Hale Christopher R. , Linegang Michael
Published: January 2012

The procurement process often results in information systems that are of limited usefulness, usability and understandability. A focus on short-term cost of acquisition, as a main driving force in procurement, always comes with a hefty price that weighs most heavily on the shoulders of those who have to conduct cognitive work using the new technologies. Procurement that is driven primarily by Designer-Centered Design and the goal of reducing immediate cost fails because it does not recognize the value of the human component. Zachary et al. (2007) proposed a new family of measures for use in procurement, referred to collectively as Human Total Cost of Ownership (HTCO). HTCO might be defined in a number of ways, and from the conceptual definitions one might generate a number of operational definitions of how to actually calculate metrics. Panelists will address the overarching questions of HTCO measures and their integration into the acquisition and development process, current obstacles to Human-Centered Design, ways in which HTCO might gain entry into the procurement process, and alternative approaches to creating specific HTCO measurables.
Adapting to Change and Uncertainty: CSE 25 Years After
Authors: Nemeth Christopher P.
Published: January 2012

Design cycles for rapidly-evolving systems such as information and communication technology (ICT) are too short to allow for long-term deliberation. We need means to learn about how people adapt to change and uncertainty and how complex systems behave. We also need to learn how to elicit and understand true expertise in work settings and make it useable for others. The value of cognitive systems engineering (CSE) lies in the ability to understand domain semantics, reveal expertise, and derive essential features for adaptive systems. Insights from cognitive researchers who have substantial firsthand experience with the study of human performance in complex, uncertain work settings demonstrate the current state of CSE and the potential for CSE to reveal how people adapt to change and uncertainty and how complex systems behave. This has implications for the development of resilient systems.
Cognitive Systems Engineering for Evolvable Human-in-the-Loop Data Fusion
Authors: Mahoney Sam , Pfautz Jonathan , Fichtl Ted , Guarino Sean , Carlson Eric , Powell Gerald , Roth Emilie
Published: January 2012

Data fusion systems are increasingly being used to support military planning and decision making. Typically these systems are designed around the current capabilities of particular data collectors (e.g., sensors) and processing algorithms. They incorporate an ‘ontology’ that reflects the designer's perception of the key features of the world (e.g., types of threats, classes of vehicles to be tracked) and how these can be parsed by the data fusion systems. As a consequence they are limited in their ability to adapt to the dynamic changes that inevitably arise in the operational environment (e.g., new sensors, weapons, tactics). This is representative of a more generic problem with current approaches to system design that result in rigid systems that are unable to evolve to keep pace with changing operational conditions. In this paper we present the results of an analysis, design, and development effort intended to move away from traditional data fusion systems towards evolvable human-in-the-loop data fusion systems. We discuss the analysis we conducted in support of an evolvable system design and provide an overview of the prototype evolvable data fusion system architecture we are developing.
Using Expert Knowledge to Identify Visual Cues for Landmine Detection
Authors: Staszewski James J. , Davison Alan D. , Dippel David J. , Tischuk Julia A.
Published: January 2012

Previous research on training and work analysis shows that expert knowledge represents a valuable resource for addressing use-inspired research questions and solving practical problems in these areas. Here, the body of principles, theory, and methods expertise research has accumulated were used to guide exploration of a new approach to a significant practical problem: Can human vision supplement the information that handheld landmine detection equipment provides its operators to increase detection rates and reduce the hazard of the task? The goal was to acquire objective, foundational knowledge on which visual detection training could be based. A representative set of defused landmines were buried at a field site with bare soil and vegetated surfaces using doctrinal procedures. High-resolution photographs of the ground surface were taken for approximately one month starting in April 2006. An analysis exploiting the perceptual sensitivity of expert observers showed signature photos to experts from related domains with instructions to identify the cues and patterns that defined the signatures. Analysis of experts' verbal descriptions identified a small set of easily communicable cues that characterize signatures and their changes over the duration of observation. Findings illustrate the value of exploiting the knowledge based perceptual selectivity of experts to identify critical features in perceptually complex domains and tasks.
Characterization of Mental Models in a Virtual Reality-Based Multitasking Scenario
Authors: Zhang Tao , Kaber David B. , Hsiang Simon M.
Published: January 2012

This research developed an empirical approach for characterizing user mental models in multitasking scenarios in virtual reality (VR). Participants were required to attend to and detect different types of perceptual events occurring randomly in time in a virtual locomotion environment (VLE) simulation while carrying on physical activity (walking on a treadmill). Three different forms of mental models for performing the perceptual task were hypothesized and expected response patterns for situation awareness (SA), task performance measures and mental workload ratings were compared with observed data. Results demonstrated the SA and task measures to be useful for identifying the occurrence of different mental models and to reveal response patterns in-line with hypotheses. However, in the multitasking scenario, the process of developing SA appeared to be substantially influenced by the physical and cognitive task demands; thus, the progressive development of highly accurate mental models of event distributions appeared to be restricted. Possible applications of the results of this study include development of training programs for mobile, visual inspection tasks, such as airport roving security patrols, for accurate mental model development and promoting detection of critical events.
The Effect of Interruption Modality on Primary Task Resumption
Authors: Ratwani Raj M. , Andrews Alyssa E. , Sousk Jenny D. , Trafton J. Gregory
Published: January 2012

The majority of empirical papers investigating the effect of interruption modality on primary task resumption have been grounded in Multiple Resource theory; this theory stresses the benefits of cross-modal information presentation. Alternatively, Altmann and Trafton's (2002) Memory for Goals theory suggests that maintaining an association between the suspended primary task goal and relevant environmental cues is critical to the task resumption process. Using reaction time and eye movement measures, the theoretical predictions of these two frameworks were empirically examined to determine whether interruption modality influences primary task resumption.
Supporting Joint Human-Computer Judgment Under Uncertainty
Authors: Miller Sarah , Kirlik Alex , Kosorukoff Alex , Tsai Jennifer
Published: January 2012

In this paper we present a concept and interface design aimed at combining expert human judgment with computational support. The goal of this design is to leverage the strengths and simultaneously compensate for the weaknesses of both the expert and a computational model. In order to test the design, we created a task modeled after fantasy baseball, which requires competitors to predict the performance of actual Major League Baseball (MLB) players over the course of the season. The most substantial and challenging aspects of the design involved how to both welcome expert input on a case-by-case basis, yet also provide visual guidance for how these inputs should reflect an appropriate degree of regression to the mean, or reliance on base-rate information. Results showed that the joint human-model system resulted in better performance than a model, which was based, in part, on past performance. The joint system also outperformed unaided or partially-aided experts in some cases but only equally as well in other cases. Design implications and future directions are discussed.
Design Decision Making: Adapting Mathematical Paradigms to fit Designers' Actual Needs
Authors: Hayes Caroline C. , Akhavi Farnaz
Published: January 2012

When designing products, designers follow a process in which they compare complex alternatives and select one for further development. Because of the complexity and uncertainty involved in comparing and ranking design alternatives, and the high cost of making bad decisions, mathematical decision methods have long held much theoretical appeal for use in design decision making. However, designers do not use them in most practical design work. Why does this discrepancy between theory and practice exist? This paper is a follow-on to a study presented by the authors last year assessing the costs and benefits of various mathematically-based decision support tools. This work aims to provide insights into the results of that study by presenting ethnographic observations of designer's decision making processes, a description of how the assumptions of mathematical decision methods are not well matched to designer's needs. However, by understanding these needs better we are several steps closer to being able to create decision support tools that product designers will want to adopt.
A Model of Expert Decision Making in Post-Flop Betting in Poker
Authors: Bina Bardia , Chen Huei-Yen Winnie , Milgram Paul
Published: January 2012

Most past research in modelling poker arises from the field of artificial intelligence, based on the many rules and probabilities involved in the game. The present study examines poker from a new perspective: applying knowledge elicitation techniques to model some of the decision making processes of expert poker players in post-flop betting. Based on data obtained through observations and interviews, using expert players as study participants, a decision making model is proposed, together with an abstraction hierarchy model. It was found that poker players create a set of mental models of their opponents, the active game situation, and of themselves as perceived by their opponents, in order to achieve the purposes of always making better decisions than their opponent and, whenever possible, maximizing the consequences of the opponent's mistakes. A set of strategies that are independent of specific situations and individual players were also discovered in this study.
Multi-method Approach to Team Situation Awareness
Authors: Sulistyawati Ketut , Chui Yoon Ping , Wickens Christopher D.
Published: January 2012

In this paper, we present our definition and multi-method approach to assess team SA, followed by an application of the measurement approach in a simulated air combat environment. In the simulation, team SA is measured using Situation Awareness Global Assessment Technique (SAGAT) on the elements related to own and teammate's responsibilities, confidence level on the accuracy of SAGAT responses, and awareness of teammate's workload and SA levels. The interrelationships between various measures of team SA, and between each measure of team SA and teamwork behavior and performance outcome are analyzed. The result suggests that team SA is a multi-dimensional construct, and that each aspect can be developed from different information sources. The correlation analyses with teamwork behavior measures reveal the strong associations between team SA and information sharing and backup behavior. Finally, SAGAT scores, confidence bias, and backup behavior are found to have strong associations with team performance outcome.
Individual and Group Electronic Brainstorming in an Industrial Setting
Authors: Stevens Susan M. , Dornburg Courtney C. , Hendrickson Stacey M. L. , Davidson George S.
Published: January 2012

An experiment was conducted comparing the effectiveness of individual versus group electronic brainstorming in addressing real-world “wickedly difficult” challenges. Previous laboratory research has engaged small groups of students in answering questions irrelevant to an industrial setting. The current experiment extended this research to larger, real-world employee groups engaged in addressing organization-relevant challenges. Within the present experiment, the data demonstrated that individuals performed at least as well as groups in terms of number of ideas produced and significantly (p<.02) outperformed groups in terms of the quality of those ideas (as measured along the dimensions of originality, feasibility, and effectiveness).
Head Mapping: Search for an Optimum Bone Microphone Placement
Authors: McBride Maranda , Tran Phuong , Letowski Tomasz
Published: January 2012

Bone microphones have been reported to be effective mechanisms for converting head vibrations into audio signals during speech production in high noise environments. This paper presents results of a study conducted to evaluate recordings of speech signals received by a bone microphone at various locations on the human head. Twelve different locations, four voices, and three words were used during the recording sessions. Twenty-two students evaluated 144 randomly presented recordings in a single group setting. Each recording was evaluated regarding its intelligibility (rating scale from 0 to 100%) and speech quality (rating scale 1 to 5) using a paper survey instrument. Results of the evaluation indicated significant differences in both intelligibility and quality between many of the locations and the results for intelligibility and quality were highly correlated. The two locations that resulted in the highest intelligibility and quality ratings were the forehead and temple.
Developing a Decision Support Tool for Design
Authors: White Brent-Kaan , Helfman Jonathan I.
Published: January 2012

A decision support tool has been created to help developers of enterprise business applications choose appropriate user interface design patterns. The tool implements a dynamic visualization of design choices structured as a faceted classification of user tasks and user types. Terminology used for the facet and choice labels was informed by interviews with developers about their design strategies. The main finding from testing 17 developers was that when the wrong patterns were selected, it was usually due to misinterpretation of the facet choice labels. As a result, certain facet choices were removed or consolidated and new ones were identified.
Constraining Presentation Pace and Using Multimodal Materials: Intertwined Design Considerations?
Authors: Zolna Jesse S. , Catrambone Richard
Published: January 2012

Presentations using a mixture of media can keep observers interest and increase the likelihood that people will retain information. When verbal and visual media are used together, offloading text for narration in the presence of visual materials often improves learning. However, recent research has pointed to the fact that this effect might be dependent on constraining the pace of presentation and that the effect is reduced when time to study static visual materials is increased. The present experiment extends this research to animated visual materials, by manipulating the verbal presentation modality and pace of presentation. There was a main effect of presentation pace and no main effect of verbal presentation modality. This lack of a modality effect was unexpected and possibly came about due to interactions with presentation pace. This suggests that designers need to consider the effects of verbal presentation modality and study time in tandem rather than as discrete design elements. This also points to the need to test other design combinations to guard against other unexpected or surprising relationships between design elements.
Demonstration of a Teamwork Skills Training Program for the Dynamic Targeting Cell
Authors: Alexander Amy L. , Beaubien Jeff , Marc Yale , Artis Sharnnia
Published: January 2012

The Dynamic Targeting Cell (DTC) is responsible for prosecuting time-sensitive, dynamic, and emerging targets in the global war on terror. Many DTC tasks impose complex information and resource interdependencies that must be resolved under conditions of high workload. Therefore, DTC operators need effective teamwork skills such as communication, coordination, shared situational awareness, and decision making. The Intervention Methods and Performance Assessment for Crew Training (IMPACT) program is a low physical fidelity, but high psychological fidelity, “training accelerator” that is designed to improve both intra- and inter-team coordination skills. IMPACT training fuses multimedia instruction, practical exercises, instructor feedback, and guided self-reflection using the deliberate practice approach to complex skill acquisition. After completing IMPACT, DTC trainees will be able to “hit the ground running” immediately upon entering a high physical fidelity training simulation or combat exercise.
The Need for International Human Factors Engineering Education Programs: Barriers, Benefits and an Evaluation Methodology
Authors: Guerlain Stephanie , Peckinpaugh Amy
Published: January 2012

As an introduction to the panel, “The Need for International Human Factors Engineering Education Programs”, this paper introduces the reasons why we should consider offering human factors engineering students international education experience and the barriers to doing so. The paper proposes common criteria and a scoring methodology for evaluating programs since they usually have quite varied components. The methodology is introduced to help the audience evaluate the three international human factors engineering education programs that will be described in the panel as compared to each other and to other existing international engineering education opportunities.
Self-Globalization: Strategies in HF/E education, research, and practice
Authors: Smith-Jackson Tonya , Artis Sharnnia , Brunette Maria , Johnson Kayenda , Perez Graciela , Resnick Marc
Published: January 2012

This panel will focus on successful methods and strategies used to globalize Human Factors and Ergonomic (HF/E) research, education, and practice. An introduction will be provided that focuses on the increasing demands for professionals with a globalized mindset and cultural competence. Panelists will highlight successful projects or approaches that have helped to ensure the relevance of HF/E in an increasingly globalized society. Each panelist will share recommendations and lessons learned on how to globalize our discipline from their own perspectives in industry, government, and academia.
Speed and Accuracy: A Complex Interplay in Skill Development
Authors: Hong Helena , Williamson Ann M.
Published: January 2012

Theories and models of skill development often assume that speed and accuracy are interchangeable performance indices that improve in a straightforward relationship with extended practice. This ignores the fact that practice may alter the compromises between speed-accuracy tradeoff (SAT) which is known to set limits to performance. Thirty participants were trained on a simple psychomotor task. Practice significantly improved all speed measures but did not significantly reduce error rate. Specifically, the majority of errors occurred on trials with low target probability and did not decrease with increased practice. Moreover, the study found no relationship between speed and accuracy for trials with high target probability, but a clear tradeoff was found for trials with low target probability. The results highlight the complexity of the skill development process and demonstrate a situation where practice did not result in error reduction due to the complex interplay between SAT and target probability.
Impact of Position Optimization on Comfort and Working Posture Preference for Computer Operators with Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Haynes Scott
Published: January 2012

Many computer operators, such as those with chronic low back pain (LBP), may benefit from alternative working postures. Advances in computer technology are making changes to traditional computer workstations more feasible. However, many computer workstations do not appear to provide adequate postural support for people who might benefit from alternative working postures. This paper describes the results of a study investigating the impact that position optimization has on user comfort and working posture preference. The results of two tests are compared. In the first test, computer peripherals and postural supports were positioned for each participant, while in an upright seated posture, then maintained in those relative positions for each of five different working postures. In the second test the postural supports and computer peripheral positions were adjusted to maximize user comfort in each posture. The results indicate improved user comfort with the optimized positioning, and a change in the preferred working postures for people with and without chronic LBP.
National Ergonomics Month: A Time for Teaching, Learning, Networking, Service, and Fun!!!
Authors: Shapiro Ronald G. , Cuevas Haydee M.
Published: January 2012

A review of the early history of National Ergonomics Month (NEM) is presented in this brief paper. This paper also provides a link to the Games to Explain Human Factors: Come, Participate, Learn, and Have Fun!!! PowerPoint presentation with a built in instructor/facilitator guide. Conference attendees are encouraged to utilize Games or another presentation to explain the Human Factors/Ergonomics profession to students in middle school and high school as well as to college and university faculty and students during NEM or at another convenient time.
Usability Study of a Powered Lift for Wheelchair Users
Authors: Nasarwanji Mahiyar F. , Paquet Victor L. , Feathers David J. , Lenker James A.
Published: January 2012

Stairways into building or public vehicles are important environmental barriers that limit accessibility to users of wheeled mobility devices. Powered van lifts can serve as an alternative to stairs, ramps or porch lifts, but they have not yet been carefully evaluated for this purpose. The objectives of this study were to characterize the usability of a powered van lift device for wheelchair users and demonstrate the utility of using a multi-method evaluation approach to identify opportunities for design improvements. Twenty experienced wheeled mobility device users either alone (n=11) or with the assistance of a caregiver (n=9) completed tasks using a powered van lift. Measurements were made on the unrestricted space required to enter and exit the lift, time required to enter and exit the lift, errors made during the operation of the lift's control, and self-reports of device usability obtained with a questionnaire. Results indicated that the clear space required for the lift was less than what would be expected for a ramp and that the self-reported usability of the device was reasonably good. However, the time required to use the lift was high and participants had difficulty operating the lift's safety-belt. Improvements should be made to the design of the safety-belt to increase usability. Additional studies that include other user populations are recommended to investigate the efficacy of the device as an alternative to stairs, ramps and “porch” lifts.
Ergonomics for Children: Forward Directions
Authors: Rice Valerie , Hendrick Hal , Jacobs Karen , Lueder Rani , Pauls Jake , Wogalter Michael , Bazley ConneMara
Published: January 2012

A relatively new area of human factors/ergonomics practice focuses on designing for children. The objective of this panel is to discuss ‘forward directions’ for human factors professionals currently designing for children or desiring to begin working with design of environments, goods, and procedures for children. Each panelist is an expert in an aspect of design that applies to children. Each will give a brief example of their practice or experience. They will offer their opinion on the greatest issues facing human factors engineers as they investigate design for children and the challenges facing the world's children of today.
Human Factors and the Nuclear Renaissance
Authors: Boring Ronald L. , O'Hara John M. , Hugo Jacques , Jamieson Greg A. , Oxstrand Johanna , Ma Ruiqi , Hildebrandt Michael
Published: January 2012

Following the Three Mile Island incident and the Chernobyl accident, there was a general decline in public acceptance of nuclear power plants. Consequently, there was a heavy push to ensure the safety of existing plants coupled with a large-scale decline in the development of new plants. This situation has posed unique challenges to human factors within the nuclear industry. The emphasis of research came in the form of ensuring the safety of as-built systems. This approach clashed with broader human factors work, which used a variety of innovative approaches to design novel or incrementally improved interfaces. The situation is changing now. As current plants near the end of their operational life, there is an urgent need to develop new plants and modernize aging plants to sustain current energy production levels and, in many countries, to meet growing power demands. The resurgence of interest in nuclear energy has been called the “nuclear renaissance.” The challenge for human factors is now to go beyond as-built safety requirements and provide innovative interface concepts that maximize human performance in new plants. The purpose of this panel is to bring together established and new human factors professionals in nuclear energy to discuss the opportunities and challenges for research, practice, and regulation of this nuclear renaissance.
Three Perspectives of Rounds: Choreographing Information Flow in an Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Xiao Yan , Ho Danny , Vaidya Vinay , Sen Ayan , Gorman Paul , Hazlehurst Brian , Hu Peter , Hall Kendall
Published: January 2012

Communication in acute hospital care occurs frequently in group settings, with “rounds” as the prototypical forum for care providers to review and plan for patient care. Many care providers spend hours each day in rounds. While studies have demonstrated the importance of rounds as a mechanism to improve care coordination, care providers frequently express frustration about rounds. Previous observational studies of rounds have identified factors influencing information transfer: physical, social, cognitive, and supporting artifacts. In this paper, we adopt three perspectives in advancing our understanding of communication during rounds and in devising interventions: distributed cognition, computer-supported cooperative work, and common ground. We use video recordings of rounds discussion of one patient in a pediatric intensive care unit to illustrate the choreography of information flow aided by artifacts, the use of visual “text” in discourse, and the scaffolding process of incrementally building a shared understanding about the care and the status of the patient. We highlight the importance of detailed studies of communication in embedded work practices and the need for a multi-theoretical approach for future studies of communication.
Performance, Stress, Workload, and Coping Profiles in 1st Year Medical Students' Interaction with the Endoscopic/Laparoscopic and Robot-Assisted Surgical Techniques
Authors: Klein Martina I. , Warm Joel S. , Riley Michael A. , Matthews Gerald , Gaitonde Krishnanath , Donovan James F. , Doarn Charles R.
Published: January 2012

First-year medical students performed a simulated surgical task involving item transfers using a laparoscopic trainer box and the Intuitive Surgical's da Vinci® Surgical System. Performance efficiency in terms of the ratio of successfully transferred items to the sum of transferred items plus drops was greater when using the da Vinci than the laparoscopic system and task-induced stress measured by the Dundee Stress State Questionnaire was greater when working with the laparoscopic than with the da Vinci system. Perceived mental workload indexed by the Multiple Resources Questionnaire was high with both systems. With both systems, profiles of the information-processing resources involved in task performance emphasized manual, short-term memory, spatial, and visual/temporal processing dimensions. As measured by the Coping Inventory of Task Stress, task-focused coping was the dominant coping style used by the students with both surgical systems. The results have potential implications for selection and training with minimally invasive surgery procedures.