bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Affect and Trust in Technology in Teams
Authors: Xu Jie , Montague Enid
Published: October 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of affective process on trust in technology in teams. Previous research has shown that affect influences trust in technology thus could potentially impact appropriateness of technology use and performance of the team. In this study, 54 participants worked as two-person teams and multi-tasked under varied technology reliability and task difficulty levels. Incidental affect was manipulated by having the participants to view affective images. The results indicated that positive integral affect positively related to trust in technology. Incidental affect influenced trust in technology, however, this effect was moderated by positive integral affect. Positive integral affect also mediated the relationship between technology/task conditions and trust in technology. These findings revealed the role of affect in the mechanism of trust calibration process and have important implications for system design.
Pupil Dilation and Eye Movements Can Reveal Upcoming Choice in Dynamic Decision-Making
Authors: Peysakhovich Vsevolod , Vachon François , Vallières Benoît R. , Dehais Frédéric , Tremblay Sébastien
Published: October 2015

In dynamic environments such as air-traffic control, emergency response and security surveillance, there are severe constraints to information processing and decision-making. Human operators must constantly monitor, assess, and integrate incoming information in order to make optimal decisions in such complex environments. In order to maximize operators’ performance, there is a need for effective technological support for dynamic decision-making. Eye tracking is one promising avenue that can provide online, non-obtrusive indices of cognitive functioning. Using a simulated maritime decision-making environment, we evaluated whether oculometry may be exploited to foretell the decision made by the operator beforehand. Our results showed that pupil dilation and fixation transitions can reveal the upcoming judgment of the human operator by about half a second before the decision. This finding can be useful to design adaptive support tools for dynamic decision-making by integrating the operator’s cognitive state.
Providing a Contaminant and Mitigation Analysis Tool for Enhanced Decision Making and Knowledge Acquisition
Authors: Danczyk Jennifer , Jacobs Paula , Farry Mike
Published: October 2015

Environmental awareness has become an important consideration within military training facilities. Facility managers are tasked with scheduling mitigation events to prevent the transport of toxic waste accumulated from training exercises to neighboring bodies of water, which harms surrounding ecosystems and communities. Currently there isn’t an easy way to perform this task due to facility managers lacking knowledge in environmental concepts and contaminant properties. To assist facility managers, we conducted domain analysis for the design of a decision support tool that is equipped with models, visualizations, and information on toxic properties and transport phenomenon of contaminants. We created an intuitive representation displaying appropriate timing to perform mitigation events. Feedback on the validity of our prototype was received by subject matter experts familiar with current processes used for contaminant analysis and mitigation scheduling. With further development, this tool will improve the efficiency of military training facilities scheduling efforts while optimizing monetary savings.
Price as Information
Authors: Illingworth David A. , Thomas Rick P.
Published: October 2015

This study investigated the influence of incidental search costs on decisions to terminate information acquisition and the valuation of information sources. Participants who paid for information in a sequential hypothesis testing, medical diagnosis task terminated search earlier than those who acquired information without incidental costs. This finding is consistent with research in various search domains that demonstrates the aversive nature of costs. Participants exhibited a preference for highly diagnostic tests over those possessing low diagnosticity when cost distributions required participants to pay the same price to view the outcome of each tests. However, participants showed a preference for tests that were more expensive than their alternatives when costs differed between tests. This finding suggests that incidental costs influence the valuation of an information source during search. Our observation is consistent with a cost-quality substitution heuristic, where acquisition costs become a surrogate for usefulness when estimating the quality of tests.
Interruptions can Change the Perceived Relationship between Accuracy and Confidence
Authors: Zish Kevin , Hassanzadeh Shiva , McCurry J. Malcolm , Trafton J. Gregory
Published: October 2015

Interruptions are disruptive in that they can decrease accuracy and the time taken to complete a task. In fields such as aviation and medicine, interruptions can not only reduce performance but lead to egregious outcomes. In such situations, confidence in whether a procedure has been completed may become a crucial aspect of judging where to resume a task. This paper demonstrates that interruptions both decrease accuracy and reduce confidence. More importantly, interruptions change the relationship between accuracy and confidence, reducing the likelihood that participants can determine where to resume appropriately.
Articulating and Understanding the Development of a Team Mental Model in a Distributed Medium
Authors: McNeese Nathan J. , Reddy Madhu C.
Published: October 2015

Because teams are constantly evolving, we must continue to work towards understanding team cognition development. One particular example of this is the continued efforts towards understanding developmental differences in co-located and distributed mediums. Both of these settings are imperative and critical to teamwork. As individuals become more mobile and less physically connected, supporting teamwork in distributed settings is becoming more and more important. In this paper, we present a study focused on the development of a team mental model (TMM) of collaborative information seeking (CIS) in a distributed setting. The study’s findings provide insights into how a TMM specific to CIS develops within a distributed medium, highlighting specific aspects that help and hurt development. Concluding thoughts are presented with the aim to further understand how TMMs develop differently within the contexts of co-located and distributed mediums.
Increasing Transparency in Science through Scaffolding
Authors: McIntyre Scott E.
Published: October 2015

Scientific literacy is poor in the United States and most have to rely on authority (media or scientists) for interpretations of scientific validity. Three reasons contributing to this are low formal science education enrollment and requirements, an opaque peer review system, and inaccessibility to research manuscripts. Scaffolding STEM education using restructured post publication abstracts may help those with little science and statistics education to informally learn best practices in scientific research while assisting with evaluation of internal, statistical and external validity of scientific research. For this experiment, paper prototypes of an internet based autodidactic electronic STEM education and research review system were used. Scaffolding allowed college students without statistics or scientific research methods education to extract more information faster than those with such education using full research articles, F (1, 26) = 56.88, p < .001, η2 = .69.
Exploring the Challenges of Implementing Guidelines for the Design of Visual Analytics Systems
Authors: Haider Johanna , Pohl Margit , Hillemann Eva-Catherine , Nussbaumer Alexander , Attfield Simon , Passmore Peter , Wong B. L. William
Published: October 2015

Intelligence analysis activities are increasingly seen as a sense-making activity. Information systems supporting these activities have, therefore, to be designed in a way to enable analysts to engage in sensemaking in an efficient manner. In the context of the VALCRI project, we developed guidelines for an appropriate design of intelligence analysis systems. Such guidelines can be very valuable in the design process, but their application is sometimes not straightforward. We describe such problems and also suggest possible solutions for these application problems within the context of intelligence analysis.
The Utility Of Configurable Display Systems For Overcoming Automation Brittleness In Complex Geospatial Decision Making Tasks
Authors: Rieth Cory A. , Smallman Harvey S.
Published: October 2015

Systems designers are creating configurable overlay systems to allow geospatial decision makers to relate and integrate multiple data sources. Modelers are producing predictive models to help decision makers by relating information directly to decisions, e.g. as “risk surface” overlays. However, these models are inherently bounded in scope, and cannot reflect contextual changes outside of their design. Using a proxy task, we experimentally tested the performance benefits of model products against other common presentation formats, with and without explicit external context rendering the model inaccurate. We examined how participants remediated the impact of context in a configurable system. The results indicated the strengths of access to model products, the weaknesses when provided without the original underlying data, and preferences towards using raw data to adapt to context over other formats. In future work, we will relate the process metrics of interactive behavior when performing the task, to the outcomes reported here.
Representing Autonomous Systems’ Self-Confidence through Competency Boundaries
Authors: Hutchins Andrew R. , Cummings M. L. , Draper Mark , Hughes Thomas
Published: October 2015

A method for determining the self-confidence of autonomous systems is proposed to assist operators in understanding the state of unmanned vehicles under control. A sensing-optimization/verification-action (SOVA) model, similar to the perception-cognition-action human informational processing model, has been developed to illustrate how autonomous systems interact with their environment and how areas of uncertainty affect system performance. LIDAR and GPS were examined for scenarios where sensed surroundings could be inaccurate, while discrete and probabilistic algorithms were surveyed for situations that could result in path planning uncertainty. Likert scales were developed to represent sensor and algorithm uncertainties, and these scales laid the foundation for the proposed Trust Annunciator Panel (TAP) consisting of a series of uncertainty level indicators (ULIs). The TAP emphasizes the critical role of human judgment and oversight, especially when autonomous systems operate in clustered or dynamic environments.
Evaluation of information quality and automation visibility in Information automation on the flight deck
Authors: Dorneich Michael C. , Dudley Rachel , Rogers William , Letsu-Dake Emmanuel , Whitlow Stephen D. , Dillard Michael , Nelson Erik
Published: October 2015

An empirical study was conducted to evaluate human factors issues related to the automation visibility and information quality of an information automation system. Information automation is responsible for the collection, processing, analysis, and presentation of information to the flightcrew. Previous analysis had identified a set of characteristics particularly applicable to aircraft flight deck information automation and associated human factors issues. Air transport pilots interacted with an example information automation system in ways that allowed investigation of the information automation characteristics of automation visibility and information quality. The evaluation found that poor information quality appeared to be difficult for participants to detect, even when they were presented with the highest automation visibility level. In the times that they did not successfully compensate, participants tended to over-trust the automation, so when information was missing and they were under high workload, they chose the top plan suggested by the automation even though it was not the truly best plan. Trust in automation was reduced by low information quality, but compensated for by increased automation visibility.
Problem Solving when Procedure Conditions Are Not Met
Authors: Billman Dorrit , Schreckenghost Debra , Billinghurst Sabrina
Published: October 2015

Procedures and software for procedure execution are widely used in many work domains, and they support fluent performance in well-understood tasks. However, over-reliance on procedures can create challenges when the conditions assumed by procedures are not met. It is desirable for people to be able to use the same software to problem-solve when procedure conditions are not met as well as execute the procedures fluently when these conditions are met. We provide a detailed case study in a complex aerospace domain identifying strategies participants used to problem-solve when procedure conditions were not met. Our participants used software (called PRIDE) that was designed for fluent execution of electronic procedures, successfully for problem-solving as well. We develop strategy-level coding, and the construct of a planning set as part of strategy definition, used to code participant data. Further research will analyze and develop the resources needed to support problem solving as well as routine execution during operation.
Advances of Research in Affective Processes in Communication and Collaboration
Authors: Xu Jie , Montague Enid , Gratch Jonathan , Hancock Peter , Jeon Myounghoon , Pfaff Mark S. , Xu Jie
Published: October 2015

Affective processes have been an important research area for human factors and ergonomics. Although there is an obvious connection between affect and communication and collaboration, little research has been conducted in the human factors community until recently. In this panel, the panelists will discuss recent advances in affective research in communication and collaboration systems. Theoretical perspectives in human computer interaction, human agent interaction, and teamwork that take affective process into account will be discussed. Methodological issues will also be addressed, such as the measurements of affect, research design, and data analysis methods. Finally the applications of the theories and methods in different systems, such as human robot interaction, healthcare, and multi-tasking teams, will be discussed.
UX Day Design Challenge
Authors: Lewis Bridget A. , Parker James , Cheng Lara W.S. , Resnick Marc
Published: October 2015

Hackathons have become a popular method for group design ideation and conceptual development for practical design challenges in a variety of technology domains. Perhaps the most common is software development and a common application is for social entrepreneurship, as a way to assist worthy causes in a short amount of time and at low cost. Companies also use hackathons as a source of new ideas for challenging design objectives or to audition potential employees and contractors. One of the major benefits of the hackathon model is that they are exciting and engaging because of the time pressure, competitive environment, and often intrinsic motivation. This usabil-athon session will leverage each of these by assigning an unknown design challenge that solves a real-world problem, in a team-based challenge, with extreme time pressure, using rapid design ideation methods, with tangible rewards, among and against valued peers, and with a live audience. This session continues the model of User Experience Day to introduce new session formats to the HFES Annual Meeting and attract User Experience Practitioners who may not otherwise attend the annual meeting.
Enabling Graduate School Decision-Making Through User-Centered Redesign of Program Website
Authors: Jahn Michelle , Cox Perry , Du Weidan , Vorvoreanu Mihaela
Published: October 2015

When faced with difficult budget restrictions, many university departments attempt to increase enrollment to offset costs. To appeal to high quality students who may be interested in a program, it is critical for a university department to provide information online in an easily accessible, aesthetically pleasing format that matches potential students’ goals and information needs. Our research team was tasked with helping [redacted] university’s Computer Graphics Technology (CGT) Master of Science (MS) program to improve their existing website. Through user-centered design and goal-directed design methodologies, we were able to evaluate the existing website for design flaws, gather user research to inform our conceptual redesign, and evaluate our redesign for usability and compatibility with users’ mental models. This paper outlines our process and concludes with design implications that other university departments can use to improve their own websites.
All Signals Go
Authors: Welk Allaire K. , Mayhorn Christopher B.
Published: October 2015

Signals intelligence analysts play a critical role in the United States government by providing information regarding potential national security threats to government leaders. Analysts perform complex decision-making tasks that involve gathering, sorting, and analyzing information. The current study evaluated how individual differences and training influence performance on an Internet search-based medical diagnosis task designed to simulate a signals analyst task. The implemented training emphasized the extraction and organization of relevant information and deductive reasoning. The individual differences of interest included working memory capacity and previous experience with elements of the task, specifically health literacy, prior experience using the Internet, and prior experience conducting Internet searches. Preliminary results indicated that the implemented training did not significantly affect performance, however, working memory significantly predicted performance on the implemented task. These results support previous research and provide additional evidence that working memory capacity influences performance on cognitively complex decision-making tasks, whereas experience with elements of the task may not. These findings suggest that working memory capacity should be considered when screening individuals for signals intelligence positions. Future research should aim to generalize these findings within a broader sample, and ideally utilize a task that directly replicates those performed by signals analysts.
Capturing Performance in Cyber Human Supervisory Control
Authors: Mancuso Vincent F. , Funke Gregory J. , Strang Adam J. , Eckold Monica B.
Published: October 2015

Modern cyber operations require operators to maintain supervisory control of remote computer agents. A current operational concern is the number of agents an operator can control at once. This type of task resonates with similar Human Supervisory Control (HSC) research that has been conducted in environments such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle operations. Within the relevant literature, there has been limited discussion of cyber-HSC, and no available experimental research. In this paper, we present an initial exploration cyber-HSC. Using the BOARD 1.5 Simulation, we manipulated the number of autonomous assets accessible to a human operator. We expected that as the number of autonomous agents available increased, we would observe concomitant changes in human performance and cognition.However, our results indicated that participants’ overall span-of-control did not vary with additional agents. Our findings highlight the need for continued research on issues of supervisory control within cyber operations.
Effects of Mouse, Trackpad and 3d Motion and Gesture Control on Performance, Posture, and Comfort
Authors: Kar Gourab , Vu Amy , Juliá Nehme Begoña , Hedge Alan
Published: October 2015

The effect of using a mouse, a trackpad and a 3D motion-and-gesture control (3DMGC) on point-and-click task performance, posture and comfort was tested with twelve participants. Performance (movement time, throughput, error); wrist and arm posture; comfort and usability ratings were recorded. Results showed that for performance measures, the mouse performed the best, having the fastest movement time and highest throughput; the trackpad had the least errors. Movement times were significantly slower for the 3DMGC and this had the lowest throughput among the three input devices. Postural analysis using RULA indicate that compared to a mouse and trackpad, posture was worse for ‘clicking’ task with the 3DMCG and this was also rated the least comfortable of the three and the most difficult to use.
Paper vs. Screen
Authors: Chen Dar-Wei , Catrambone Richard
Published: October 2015

Students are increasingly learning through online environments that deliver different experiences from traditional classrooms. In this study, participants’ learning environments were manipulated using two independent variables, each with two levels for a total of four conditions: study medium, which is the focus of this paper (text was presented either on paper or a screen), and in-text prompts (metacognitive or non-metacognitive in nature). Ninety-two participants were randomly assigned to one of the conditions in a between-subject design; during the study, they each read three expository texts, completed a comprehension test after each text, and responded to a survey at the end of the study. Participants who read text on paper tended to take more notes and spend more time studying than those who read from a screen, but comprehension differences were negligible. Results from this study can inform dialogue about the effects of technology in classrooms.
Crossover-Repeated Measures Designs
Authors: Tippey Kathryn G. , Ritchey Paul , Ferris Thomas K.
Published: October 2015

Human Factors experiments often involve complex experimental designs that require complex statistical analysis. In practice, however, these complex models are often evaluated using oversimplified analyses that do not adequately account for statistical factors that can impact the interpretation of results. This article discusses a useful design for Human Factors experiments: the crossover-repeated measures design. It illustrates the importance of oft-ignored analytical steps in this design and how they can lead to different interpretations of the data and misleading conclusions. The article is intended for use as a refresher and includes explanations of statistical terminology and the components specific to crossover-repeated measures designs. Finally, it provides a case study of how proper and improper statistical methods can lead to drawing different conclusions from the data. SAS Code of the analyses performed for the case study can be found at < https://sites.google.com/a/tamu.edu/tippe002/home/sas >.
Use of Front-end Evaluation to Design an Undergraduate Industrial and Systems Engineering Ambassador Program (ISEAmP)
Authors: Benedict B. , Stewart G. , Brown J. , Vinson E. , Smith-Jackson T.
Published: October 2015

University Ambassador Programs typically use a selective process to identify undergraduate juniors and/or seniors with strong leadership capabilities. While programs have proliferated across the nation, few have elicited fundamental design concepts based on predominantly underrepresented minorities, yet these studies are needed to ensure equity in benefits of such programs. The role of the ambassador is multifaceted, consisting of supporting departmental recruitment, peer-mentoring of other students, and serving as student liaisons for departments or colleges/schools and their respective stakeholders. A scaled -down version of an ambassador program was implemented to enhance student engagement and retention through peer mentoring. The program is referred to as ISEAmP (ISE Ambassador Program). A front-end evaluation was conducted to extract user requirements and success metrics. Initial results of the front-end evaluation are discussed and recommendations are provided to apply to the next implementation of the program.
What to Teach in HCI?
Authors: Jeon Myounghoon
Published: October 2015

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) has been rapidly changing from the design and evaluation of interfaces into the enhancement of general human values. Because of this dramatic change, there is a gap between what has been taught in HCI and what is (or will be) required in the HCI field. In the present paper I describe the status quo of HCI education as domain science and then, I argue that we had better focus more on human sides in HCI education: emotions and embodied cognition, socio-cultural interactions, and theoretical and design research approaches. This will enable HCI students to be independent researchers who can envision creating an interspace (a new eco-system), beyond just designing a fashionable interface.
Usability evaluation of intelligent tutoring system
Authors: Chughtai Rehman , Zhang Shasha , Craig Scotty D.
Published: October 2015

Face-to-face and one-to-one human tutoring is the best tutoring field. Human tutors are not always and everywhere available and that’s why computer based tutoring is developed. Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) is the software system developed for tutoring human subjects, when human tutor is not available. ITS performance is not as good as human tutors, but ITS domain is improving and recently gaining much popularity. An ITS development project can involve an interdisciplinary team of experts from the domains of learning sciences, cognitive sciences, software engineering, and Human-computer interaction (HCI). ITS is a software intended to be used by human user; any software development project involves designing of user interfaces. Although ITS development has improved, but most of the development has focused on learning sciences and mostly ignoring the user interfaces. This has resulted in current ITS with efficient learning modules, but less efficient interface design. Performance of a software can be measured by it usability, and one way to define quality of a software is by its “ease of use”. Software that is not easy to use by its user can be considered of lower quality. This paper reviews the literature of ITS and usability; with the intention of indicating the currant gap between ITS development and usability of the system. This article also presents a discussion which can provide future directions in ITS development with usability context.
Rural Minority Students’ Perceptions of Ms. An, The Robot Teaching Assistant, as a Social Teaching Tool
Authors: Liles Karina R. , Beer Jenay M.
Published: October 2015

We present a socially interactive robotic teaching assistant to engage 5th grade rural minority students in practicing multiplication. In this research we use a NAO humanoid robot as a robotic teaching assistant, Ms. An (Meeting Student’s Academic Needs). We have programmed this robot to ask a student multiplication questions based on the Common Core State Standards. We measured, via questionnaires, the students’ perceptions of the robot’s sociability and explored the students’ preference for using the robot as a study tool. We discovered that students perceived the robot as a sociable agent, for 8 of the 10 social ability questionnaire items. Furthermore, perceptions of social ability significantly increased between pre- and post-interaction. Students also indicated, via questionnaire, that they preferred their interaction with the robot assistant over other kinds of study support: peers, computer programs, teachers, other adults. Results from this study provide insight toward the design of a social robot teaching aid.
Human Factors Techniques in the Analysis of Low Illumination Accidents
Authors: Auflick Jack L. , Sprague James K. , Shibata Peggy , Kruger Dan
Published: October 2015

The primary goal of this paper is to present a case study and several human factors methodologies useful for investigations of accidents occurring during low light, nighttime situations. Classical vehicular accident reconstruction approaches seldom consider the potential contribution of low visibility. However, visual acuity can be enormously impacted by low ambient illumination. It is therefore important to consider visibility to fully understand the perceptual and cognitive limitations of drivers. In order for the most likely cause of an accident to be identified, appropriate human factors techniques should be applied to facilitate the determination of how and why a nighttime collision occurred. With the help of a specific case study, this paper will discuss human visual limitations at night, techniques to measure headlamp luminance and illuminance, validated photographic approaches, and how to translate the results into a format that can subsequently be used as the bases for engineering and scientific animations and demonstrative exhibits.
Air Rage
Authors: Vredenburgh Alexandra N. , Zackowitz Ilene B. , Vredenburgh Alison G.
Published: October 2015

Aggressive passengers have forced airlines to divert flights and make unscheduled landings. There have been legal consequences, both in criminal and civil courts, as well as financial costs when airplanes are forced to redirect a flight, or to provide vouchers to resolve complaints. This study investigates the extent to which current airline irritants contribute to passenger anger, which may cause conflict, redirected flights and legal ramifications. 245 passengers were questioned regarding their experience flying over the last two years and how factors including smell, noise, seat size, hunger, and unwanted touch affected their mood. These factors can all be considered an assault on the senses of passengers that would not occur in any other environment. Results indicate that confinement and physical discomfort of having strangers encroach into personal space made people most likely to be angry and take action against fellow passengers. Noise and hunger made them angry, but not take action, thus creating the potential for conflict. These human factors have implications for passenger safety, civil rights and airline operations.
The National Academies Board on Human Systems Integration Panel
Authors: Madhavan Poornima , Cooke Nancy J. , Bass Ellen J. , Meyer Joachim , Roth Emilie M.
Published: October 2015

The National Academies Board on Human-Systems Integration (BOHSI) has organized this session. An initial presentation by the director of BOHSI will provide information on recent projects and updates. Then a panel will discuss the application of human-systems integration (HSI) to the issue of cyber security. Cyber security attempts to protect devices, networks, applications, and data from unintended or unauthorized access. A cyber security solution should not only focus on technology, but also the malevolent behaviors of those wanting to exploit system weaknesses, the cognitive processes required by cyber analysts, as well as the behavior of every day users who may open the door to vulnerability. The panel will therefore address issues related to the human decision process in both defensive and offensive cybersecurity operations. The panel will present future opportunities and will engage the audience in a discussion of these issues.
Introducing Change into Complex Cognitive Work Systems
Authors: Kaste Katherine P. , Hoffman Dr. Robert , Caldwell Dr. Barrett , Kasdaglis Capt. Nicholas , Neville Dr. Kelly J.
Published: October 2015

Change in a complex system—for example, to its technology, procedures, or information flows— no matter how small, has the potential to create large effects and ripples of disruption. A complex system’s dynamics cannot be fully known, and the effects and disruptions produced by change are difficult to predict. Nonetheless, complex systems can be at least partly understood in terms of patterns in their dynamics, generalizable principles, and mechanisms of control, balance, and adaptation. This panel will focus on complex systems research and what they suggest about how to introduce change into a complex system such that the work system resilience and health are disrupted minimally. Case studies may be discussed, as well; examples of changes to established complex work systems. These changes include introducing remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS), additional automation into air traffic control, and new technology into military air combat training.
Anthropometric Evaluation of Proposed Improved Designs of the Classroom Desk for Benghazi Primary Schools
Authors: Altaboli Ahamed , Ahmida Raja , Elmgrab Mustafa , Immraga Heba , Othman Rabheen
Published: October 2015

Anthropometric evaluation of the classroom desk design that is currently being used in Benghazi pub- lic primary schools showed poor compatibility with students’ anthropometry. Several equations relating body dimensions to furniture dimensions were used to complete the evaluation. Anthropometric data used for the evaluation were gathered for a total of 360 students for the first three grades (children of age 6 to 10 years old) from eight schools. The existing design comprise a one size of a combined bench-table classroom desk, the preferred design solution would be the use of completely adjustable separated chairs and desks; however, only the more practically feasible solution of adjusting the size of the existing design was investi- gated in this study. Two alternative designs were proposed. One suggested the use of one size per each grade. The other suggested the use of one size for all three grades. Both alternatives considerably improved compatibility with students’ anthropometry.
Using 1/f Scaling to Study Variability and Dexterity in Simple Tool using Tasks
Authors: Baber Chris , Starke Sandra D.
Published: October 2015

1/ f scaling quantifies the relationship between power spectral density and frequency of a signal by fitting a linear regression model to log-transformed data. Where the fitted slope is zero, the signal is assumed to be white noise arising from a random source, but where there is a negative slope, the signal is assumed to be pink noise arising from a source with metastability. The concept of metastability provides a very useful way of thinking about variability in performance in a dynamic systems framework. In this paper, we demonstrate the application of 1/ f scaling to the study of simple tool-using tasks, with the intention of studying how activity exhibits consistency and variability across individuals and across task demands.
The Effect of Interface Type on Visual Error Checking Behavior
Authors: Wiseman Sarah , Borghouts Judith , Grgic Dora , Brumby Duncan P. , Cox Anna L.
Published: October 2015

During data entry tasks, small errors can result in catastrophe, for instance adding an extra zero to a drug dose when programming an infusion in a hospital. For this reason understanding users’ error checking behavior is highly important. One aspect that can affect error checking is the interface that a user must interact with to enter data. Often user interaction with interfaces is evaluated based on speed or error rate. In this paper, in addition to this, we also explore how different types of interface can affect a user’s error checking behavior in a multitasking environment. We show that a fast to use and familiar interface discourages users from carrying out thorough visual checking in a number transcription task. We also found that having participants perform an additional secondary task while doing the number entry task made participants less likely to check the inputted numbers for errors.
The Effect of Time Delay on Emotion, Arousal, and Satisfaction in Human-Robot Interaction
Authors: Yang Euijung , Dorneich Michael C.
Published: October 2015

This study investigates the influence of time delay on user emotion, arousal, and satisfaction in human-robot interaction (HRI). Time delay is a gap between an input from a user and the corresponding feedback response from the system, and its negative consequence on performance has been documented in various areas including psychology and HRI. On the contrary, the effects of time delay on user emotion and satisfaction have been difficult to establish due to the fluctuations in the emotional aspect of the physiological state of the user. In this study, the hypothesis of whether time delay during robot vehicle operation increases user arousal and negative emotions while lowering user satisfaction was tested. Participants were asked to remote-control a robot vehicle to navigate different mazes in a remote location. Time delay was manipulated by introducing lags into system feedback. Subjective and objective measures included emotion tracking through face recognition, and electrodermal activity (EDA). User frustration, anger, and arousal increased while user satisfaction decreased. A better understanding of how time delay influences user’s emotion and how change in emotion is expressed in physiological signals would be of crucial importance to designing an affect-aware robotic systems that have the ability to appropriately respond to user emotional state.
Structural Equation Modeling In User Experience Research
Authors: Balaji T.S. , Arumugham Jagan , Knuycky Leslie , Cavrak Sarah , Lutz Megan
Published: October 2015

The intent of this paper is to advance the use of structural equation modeling (SEM) in user experience research, adding another tool to the user experience toolkit. The resulting models help communicate the value of user experience research to business stakeholders and decision makers. SEM is a confirmatory modeling technique that allows practitioners to specify and test relationships of latent (unobserved) and manifest (observed) variables. To this end, two SEM case studies are described, where the observed variables were users’ responses and experiences with product features hypothesized to impact system usability, customer satisfaction, and customer loyalty. The models were used to identify actionable items that can lead to measurable improvements in customer experience. SEM is recommended over other modeling methods for its ability to condense large datasets into a few, theory-driven dimensions, its direct modeling of variable covariances, and its missing data management.
Inspiring Trust & Loyalty
Authors: Balaji T.S. , Arumugham Jagan , Knuycky Leslie , Sinclair Misty
Published: October 2015

As the physical and digital worlds become increasingly intertwined, seamless cross-channel experiences have become crucial to providing an excellent customer experience [5]. The customer experience is established and shaped throughout the entirety of the relationship with a company, regardless of where, when or how those interactions occur. Successful information architects and researchers now address the end-to-end experience as they design and test in a cross-channel world. The need for attention to the broader customer experience is particularly pronounced in a service-oriented company. This case study describes the efforts of one team of information architects, visual designers and researchers implementing a cross-channel design and testing model within a service-based organization. This paper is presented as an illustration of how cross-channel design principles should be applied differently within the context of a service-industry and demonstrates how the team created internal cross-channel user testing principles based on service-focused, cross-channel design principles.
A Clinical Residency in Sausage Making
Authors: Rakauskas Michael , Johnson Korey , Cozmi Ella , Fairbanks Terry , Rees Tina , Townshend Michelle , Wolf Michael
Published: October 2015

Gaining the perspective of users is an essential goal of anyone performing human factors work in product design. Within medical product design teams, engineers have the frequent opportunity to interact with medical professionals. This embarrassment of riches in access to the user experience presents unique benefits and challenges to developing a usable product interface. This panel will provide insight into situations and perspectives of when human factors engineers work with medical device users (healthcare providers such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, biomedical engineers) who were also part of the product development teams. The scope will include: what interactions are involved to work effectively on a project team; what was expected compared to what actually happened; effectively providing recommendations for designing usable products; what user experience / use testing methodologies were learned and performed by someone outside of human factors; and best practices for team interactions.
The Divide between Applied Research and Operations in Health Information Technology Advancement
Authors: Saleem Jason J. , Militello Laura G. , Russ Alissa L. , Wilck Nancy R.
Published: October 2015

This practice-oriented presentation describes several factors that contribute to the divide between applied research and operations for health information technology (HIT). Factors and corresponding recommendations were drawn from experiences working in both research and operations positions as human factors professionals within a large healthcare system, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). We offer specific recommendations for addressing each of these factors to help reduce the gap. Although our findings and recommendations were derived from our VHA experience, we expect many of the lessons learned are relevant to other major healthcare organizations. Indeed, we strongly suspect that the factors presented represent fundamental differentiators between researchers and operational-based professionals. Understanding these differences and findings ways to bridge them is essential for advancing HIT.
The Effect of Graphic Organizers on the Performance of Electronic Consenting Systems
Authors: Koikkara Reshmi , Greenstein Joel S. , Madathil Kapil Chalil
Published: October 2015

Federal regulations mandate obtaining informed consent from patients before they undergo medical procedures or clinical research trials. These documents are intended to assure respect for patient autonomy and the right to make informed decisions on whether to accept the proposed medical treatments based on knowledge of their practicality, risks, and benefits. Past research has indicated that these lengthy and complex consent forms are often not read carefully by patients, resulting in a limited understanding of the important information presented in them. This study proposes two new ways of presenting information in an electronic consent form using concept and mind maps and investigates their effects on user comprehension by comparing them to a text-based consent form. Study participants were randomly assigned to read one of the three consent forms after viewing a brief scenario explaining the condition of a patient who is about to sign an informed consent document. They then indicated their level of willingness to sign or not sign the consent form and completed a comprehension questionnaire, a NASA-TLX survey, and a usability questionnaire. Statistically significant differences among the consent forms were found for the comprehension score and consent completion time, suggesting improvement in comprehension with the consent forms using concept and mind maps.
Mind the gulfs
Authors: Mickelson Robin S. , Holden Richard J.
Published: October 2015

Medication management is a patient health-related activity characterized by poor performance in older adults with chronic disease. Interventions focus on educating and motivating the patient with limited long-term effects. Cognitive artifacts facilitate cognitive tasks by making them easier, faster, and more effective and can potentially improve medication management performance. This study examined how older adult patients with heart failure use cognitive artifacts and how representational structure and physical properties facilitated or impeded medication-related tasks and processes. Interview, observation, medical record, and photographic data of and about older patients with heart failure (N = 30) and their informal caregivers (N=14) were content analyzed for cross-cutting themes about patient goals, representations, and actions. Results illustrated patient artifacts designed from a clinical rather than patient perspective, disparate internal and external representations threatening safety, and incomplete information exchange between patients and clinicians. Implications for design were the need for bridging artifacts, automatic information transfer, and cognitive artifacts designed from the perspective of the patient.
Improving Patient Comprehension of Numeric Health Information
Authors: Azevedo Renato F. L. , Morrow Daniel , Hasegawa-Johnson Mark , Gu Kuangxiao , Soberal Dan , Huang Thomas , Schuh William , Garcia-Retamero Rocio
Published: October 2015

Our goal is to improve understanding and use of numeric information (e.g., clinical test results) provided through portals to Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems by older adults with diverse numeracy and risk literacy abilities. We help older adults understand this information by emulating in portal environments best practices from face-to-face communication. To do this, we are developing a computer-based agent (CA) that will use nonverbal cues (e.g. voice intonation, facial expressions) as well as words to convey affective and cognitive meaning of the numbers and improve patient comprehension of the clinical information. The present paper describes a pilot study designed to evaluate the appropriateness and effectiveness of audio-video messages of a physician delivering clinical test results. These messages will serve as a template for the development of the CA. Older adult pilot participants generally understood the gist of the test results presented in the video messages. Participants’ affective responses to the messages were appropriate to the message’s level of risk: as the level of risk associated with the test results increased, positive affect decreased and negative affect increased. In addition, participants also thought the physician’s delivery matched the message content, and they thought that the messages were informative. These findings will be leveraged to finalize the materials for the primary study in which the impact of video and CA-based messages on patient comprehension of numeric information will be evaluated relative to standard formats used in patient portals.
Eye Tracking in Anesthesiology
Authors: Grundgeiger T. , Wurmb T. , Happel O.
Published: October 2015

Eye tracking has become a valuable method to study performance and cognition in diverse settings. For the present paper, we reviewed the literature on eye tracking in anesthesiology and identified nine publications. We have summarized the method and results of these publications. Further, we identified and discussed several methodological issues that occur when conducting eye tracking in anesthesiology, such as sample size, large data loss, and differences in study settings. Finally, we suggest future research topics in anesthesiology, which may particularly benefit from eye tracking.