bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Superposition on Oculomotor Guidance and Target Recognition
Authors: Zhu Biyun , Sun Xianghong
Published: October 2012

Searching for targets in complex scenes like X-ray baggage screening is demanding. One cause of impaired search performance is the superimposed objects of X-ray images. In this study, we compared searching for threat items in a superimposed display and a sparse display. Using both behavioral and eye movement measures, we explored the effects of superposition on search course. As expected, superposition affected accuracy rates and response times. Results showed searching in the superimposed display caused longer fixation durations, and the effect was pronounced throughout the search trial. We also found longer search initiation time and target verification time in superposition, suggesting that the initial planning of oculomotor guidance and target recognition was influenced.
An Assessment of Spatial Context on Eye Movement During a Visual Search Task
Authors: Liechty Molly , Madhavan Poornima
Published: October 2012

Contextual cueing is the implicit association of objects (or ‘cues’) in a visual scene due to repeated exposure, either spatially or semantically. These associations can aid people in detecting a specific target. The goal of this study was to investigate whether, and how, people utilize “distractors” as contextual cues during a visual target search and how spatial location of objects affects that association. Forty undergraduate participants performed a luggage-screening task in which spatial context was manipulated. First, participants were trained using 25 luggage images, each of which contained a target (i.e., knife) and a specific distractor (i.e., iPod). During the post-training session, participants screened 100 bags with a target base rate set at 50%. The bags contained either the distractor and the target (25 bags), the target only (25 bags), the distractor only (25 bags), or neither the distractor nor the target (25 bags). Participants’ fixation durations, dwell times, saccade counts, and scan paths were assessed. It was found that when the spatial context of the distractor and target were relatively close, participants appeared to encode the objects together, thereby improving search efficiency. By moving the distractor across the image from the target, eye movement patterns changed. The results suggest a higher activation threshold of the distractor when it was present adjacent to the target as compared to when it was moved farther away.
The Effect of Simulation Style on Performance
Authors: Phillips Rachel R. , Madhavan Poornima
Published: October 2012

Despite the fact that luggage screening occurs with the dynamic presentation of images, most luggage screening research is conducted with static images. Although some research has suggested that performance with static and dynamic images is equivalent, this has not been addressed in the context of complex visual search tasks such as luggage screening. Participants completed a luggage screening task under either static or dynamic conditions to test the hypothesis that performance would vary by condition. A series of 2 (block) x 3 (condition) mixed ANOVAs revealed that sensitivity was higher in the scrolling condition than in the 3 second condition and that this effect may have been due to presentation time. Results also revealed that performance workload was lower in the 9 second condition than in the scrolling or 3 second condition. Luggage screening simulation styles may be an important consideration when designing research to test the effectiveness of different performance enhancement devices or the impact of different conditions.
One Work Analysis, Two Domains: A Display Information Requirements Case Study
Authors: Cummings M.L. , Tappan Jackie , Mikkelsen Christine
Published: October 2012

Work domain analyses can be time consuming, requiring extensive interviews, documentation review, and observations, among other techniques. Given the time and resources required, we examine how to generalize a work domain analysis technique, namely the hybrid Cognitive Task Analysis (hCTA) method across two domains in order to generate a common set of display information requirements. The two domains of interest are field workers troubleshooting low voltage distribution networks and telecommunication problems. Results show that there is a high degree of similarity between the two domains due to their service call nature, particularly in tasking and decision-making. While the primary differences were due to communication protocols and equipment requirements, the basic overall mission goals, functions, phases of operation, decision processes, and situation requirements were very similar. A final design for both domains is proposed based on the joint requirements.
What are they doing: testing a structured cognitive work analysis-based approach for identifying different road user strategies
Authors: Cornelissen Miranda , Salmon Paul M. , McClure Roderick , Stanton Neville A.
Published: October 2012

Cognitive Work Analysis has been widely applied within Human Factors to develop and evaluate complex sociotechnical systems. To date, however research has focused primarily on the first two phases of the framework – Work Domain Analysis and Control Task Analysis. Recently, a new approach, the Strategies Analysis Diagram, has been proposed as a structured approach to the third phase - Strategies Analysis. This paper evaluates the Strategies Analysis Diagram with a complex sociotechnical system, road transport. The results suggest the Strategies Analysis Diagram is capable of describing the range of potential strategies employed when different road users (e.g. drivers, motorcycle riders, cyclists and pedestrians) execute a right hand turn at an intersection. The strategies identified provide what appears to be a comprehensive overview of those employed by different road users. The analysis also identified differences in strategies for a particular function as well as differences in strategies between road user groups.
From work analysis to work design: A review of cognitive work analysis design applications
Authors: Read Gemma J. M. , Salmon Paul M. , Lenné Michael G.
Published: October 2012

Cognitive work analysis is a framework for analysis to inform the design of complex cognitive systems. However, the framework has been criticized for failing to directly inform design. This paper describes a review of CWA design applications and analyses the way in which CWA-based designs have been developed. The review reveals that the majority of CWA-based design applications are associated with interface design. Further, when designing for causal, compared to intentional domains, CWA has more commonly been applied directly, with little use of further supplemental design methods or processes. In closing, the implications for augmenting CWA to support system design are discussed.
Developing and evaluating the Organizational Constraints Analysis (OCA) approach to analysing work coordination via resource allocation case studies
Authors: Xiao Tania , Sanderson Penelope M.
Published: October 2012

In this paper, we introduce an Organizational Constraints Analysis (OCA) approach to work analysis that focuses on how organizational rules constrain coordination work possibilities. OCA is guided by ideas from Cognitive Work Analysis and by organizational theory. First, using nurse rostering and rail controller rostering case studies, we discuss the development of two analytical tools: the Organizational Constraints model and Work Possibilities template. Second, we conduct an initial test of the generalizability of the analytical tools in a hospital bed management domain. Overall, the findings suggest that the OCA approach has the potential to help researchers and analysts develop a richer understanding of the organizational processes that constrain the coordination of work.
Applying Work Domain Analysis to Scope Micro- or Scaled World Simulator Design: A Petrochemical Domain Case Study.
Authors: Hilliard Antony
Published: October 2012

Interactive human-in-the-loop simulators are widely recognized as a cost-effective and safe way to train workers in challenging work situations, and to more tractably research human performance. However, developing lower-fidelity microworld or scaled world simulators remains a challenge, as there are no systematic methods to guide simulator design. This article presents how the modeling distinctions used in Work Domain Analysis (WDA) can be applied to support designers in making and explaining decisions on simulator scope. Three examples are demonstrated in a petrochemical case study.
Team Displays Work, Particularly with Communication Breakdown: Performance and Situation Awareness in a Simulated Forest Fire
Authors: Parush Avi , Ma Chunyun
Published: October 2012

A team display provides integrated information required by teams performing command and control tasks in complex situations. This study assessed the impact of such an information display using the C3Fire micro-world simulation of command and control tasks when managing forest fire incidents. The study focused on the impact of the team display when teamwork was interrupted by communication breakdown. The findings show that performance was significantly better with the team display, in terms of a lower mean number of lost houses, particularly when there was a communication breakdown. In addition, the presence of the team display was associated with better situation awareness. In practical terms, the study shows that a team display facilitates performance and situation awareness. In theoretical terms, there may be other cognitive processes and contributing factors to the benefit of the team display in addition to facilitating situation awareness.
Effects of Integrated and Differentiated Team Knowledge Structures on Distributed Team Cognition
Authors: Mancuso Vincent F. , McNeese Michael D.
Published: October 2012

This paper describes an experiment to study the effects of varying knowledge structures on distributed team cognition. Using the teamNETS simulation, integrated and differentiated knowledge structures were manipulated by varying the reference materials the participants received during training. While the two knowledge structures had no direct effects on team performance, other results were found for their collaborative processes and team perceptions. Specifically the results showed that teams with differentiated structures worked more independently of each other, simply coordinated their actions and minimal communication, while teams with integrated structures worked more interdependently with a much tighter collaboration and frequent communication.
Improving the Management of Interruption through the Working Awareness Interruption Tool: WAIT
Authors: Alqahtani Meshael , Histon Jonathan M.
Published: October 2012

Interruptions in time-critical, dynamic and collaborative environments, such as Air Traffic Control (ATC), can provide valuable, task-relevant information. However, they also negatively impact task performance by distracting the operator from on-going tasks and consuming “attention resources”. It is hypothesized that operators in these environments could better manage when interruptions occur if there were indications of the availability of a collaborator and the priority of an interruption. The Working Awareness Interruption Tool (WAIT) is being developed to support more efficient and appropriate interruption timing in the context of complex, real-time, distributed, human operator interactions. Prototypes for application in operational ATC displays are presented as well as techniques used to develop the design requirements. Feedback on the initial prototypes was solicited through a Participatory Design (PD) interview process with air traffic controllers. The implications of the findings for the feasibility of an interruption awareness tool in real ATC environments are discussed.
The Effects of Vehicle Number and Function on Performance and Workload in Human-Robot Teaming
Authors: Fouse Shannon , Champion Michael , Cooke Nancy J.
Published: October 2012

In the context of a synthetic task environment, human-robot interactions were observed with unmanned underwater vehicles during a mine-mapping scenario. Two-person teams (i.e, dyads) completed four missions, with either heterogeneous or homogeneous vehicle distribution between team members, and either four or eight vehicles per dyad. Based on performance and workload measures, we found performance deficits for dyads with large numbers of vehicles to control and for vehicles of a single vs. multifunctional task distribution.
“Why should I share what I know?” -Antecedents for enhancing knowledge-sharing behavior and its impact on shared mental models in steel production
Authors: Gross Nina , Kluge Annette
Published: October 2012

Shared Mental Models, with respect to the cognitive architecture of teams, are believed to be important for team functioning and performance. One influencing factor for building and optimizing shared mental models in teams is knowledge-sharing behavior, which is assumed to be affected by individual factors. These factors include attitude, subjective norms, self-efficacy and intention. Additionally, there are five organizational factors: social ties, organizational communication, team communication, perceived appraisal and organizational support. One hundred and twenty-three shop floor workers took part in our study to investigate the importance of individual and organizational factors for knowledge-sharing behavior and its impact on shared mental models. The results indicate that taken together, the assumed predictors, especially subjective norms, organizational communication and social ties, explained 31% of the variance in knowledge-sharing behavior. In turn, knowledge-sharing behavior had a significant impact on all four types of shared mental models. We discuss the implications of our findings in terms of supporting interventions in organizations and of further shared mental model research in production settings.
Guided Attention For Autonomous System Supervision
Authors: Cook Maia B. , Smallman Harvey S. , Lacson Frank C. , Manes Daniel I.
Published: October 2012

Significant increases in automation and vehicle autonomy are expected to transform today’s operators of single unmanned vehicles performing single missions into tomorrow’s supervisors of multiple autonomous systems performing multiple missions. What displays and tools will those future supervisors require, given that they will manage automation that is deterministic and brittle in the dynamic and unpredictable battlespaces of the future? To help mitigate the shortfalls of automation for the future supervisor, we focus on how to make the scope of the events handled by automation explicit to the supervisor. Here, we explore the highlighting of different event attributes, including scope, to guide attention during supervision, and we investigate aspects of geospatial integration and tradeoffs in how the highlighting is applied. These concepts are developed and applied in the domain of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) guided by path planning automation-mediated routes. In a study, participants monitored multiple concurrent missions, and triaged events varying in severity and automation scope, to decide when to intervene. Four different methods of guiding attention were contrasted. Events were (1) in a callout separated from a map, (2) integrated into the map, (3) map-integrated and categorized by priority but not task-tailorable, or (4) map-integrated, categorized, and task- tailorable. Monitoring was fastest and most accurate for categorized and tailorable events, validating the utility of the attentional guidance. These two conditions traded off in the support they provided, however. Monitoring was significantly faster for tailorable vs. categorized events; however, a significant time cost for correctly configuring the tailorable guidance reduced its advantage. This study validates a novel approach for conveying automation scope, and elucidates the need to design and validate new concepts for the specific task needs of the future autonomous systems supervisor.
A Cognitive Work Analysis to Identify Human-Machine Interface Design Challenges Unique to Uninhabited Aircraft Systems
Authors: Neville Kelly , Blickensderfer Beth , Archer Julian , Kaste Katherine , Luxion Stephen P.
Published: October 2012

As part of evaluating whether and under what terms uninhabited aircraft systems (UASs) will fly in controlled airspace, the applicability of existing FAA regulations and guidance to UAS certification must be determined. We performed a cognitive work analysis (CWA) to identify human-machine interface (HMI) requirements for safe UAS control so they could be compared with relevant regulations and guidance. Data included pilots’ accounts of past critical events supplemented with observations of UAS operations, mishap report summaries, and subject matter expert critiques. Data were used to identify inadequacies in information, feedback, planning support, resource access, and controls across ten flight events. Recurrent, cross-cutting inadequacies were identified as systemic HMI design risks to safe UAS control. Six HMI design risks are described in this paper. All six relate to constraints imposed by characteristics of UAS operations. Risk mitigation may call for new HMI frameworks, strategies, and concepts.
Adaptable and Adaptive Automation for Supervisory Control of Multiple Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Kidwell Brian , Calhoun Gloria L. , Ruff Heath A. , Parasuraman Raja
Published: October 2012

Supervisory control of multiple autonomous vehicles raises many issues concerning the balance of system autonomy with human interaction for optimal operator situation awareness and system performance. An unmanned vehicle simulation designed to manipulate the application of automation was used to evaluate participants’ performance on image analysis tasks under two automation control schemes: adaptable (level of automation directly manipulated by participant throughout trials) and adaptive (level of automation adapted as a function of participants’ performance on four types of tasks). The results showed that while adaptable automation increased workload, it also improved change detection, as well as operator confidence in task-related decision-making.
Defining and Measuring Military Cognitive Readiness
Authors: Grier Rebecca A. , Fletcher J. D. , Morrison John E.
Published: October 2012

Over the past ten years, we have been examining the construct of military cognitive readiness. This investigation began by tentatively defining what is meant by the term. This definition included identifying the component constructs of military cognitive readiness. The next steps are to develop measurement operations that can be used to further the research and definition of the construct as well as its application in measuring military readiness. This paper reviews the work we have done thus far and documents the questions that still need to be addressed.
Promoting Individual and Team Cognitive Readiness in Complex Domains
Authors: Strater Laura D. , Cuevas Haydee M. , Bolstad Cheryl , Costello Anthony , Scielzo Sandro
Published: October 2012

In the complex operational environments that prevail in many organizations, successful operations depend more on the ability to adapt to novel, emerging situations, rather than repeating a learned, proscribed task sequence. In these situations, the cognitive readiness of the individuals and teams involved is critical to insuring mission success. Our understanding of the factors underlying cognitive readiness, the interaction among those factors, and their impact on performance outcomes, however, is still developing. The current paper describes several recent research projects aimed at improving our understanding of cognitive readiness. It details the significant findings of these research efforts and suggests directions for future research needed to fully capitalize on the potential for cognitive readiness measures to predict performance.
Cognitive Readiness: The Need for a Multi-Modal Measurement Approach
Authors: Walker Alexander D. , Horn Zachary N. J. , Knott Camilla C.
Published: October 2012

Cognitive readiness is the fit of cognitive state to a task or mission. High cognitive readiness enables successful execution of tasks and missions and supports good decision-making under the complex and dynamic conditions common to military operations. In these environments, where the consequences of poor performance can be catastrophic, cognitive readiness assessment could enable leaders to ensure that individuals and teams are ready to maintain safety and attain mission success. The current paper summarizes Aptima Inc.’s work with individual cognitive readiness, including the development of a revised definition and model of individual cognitive readiness, and the proposal of a multi-modal measurement approach for its assessment.
Where’s the Beef: How Pervasive Is Cognitive Engineering in Military Research & Development Today?
Authors: Dominguez Cynthia O. , McDermott Patricia , Shattuck Lawrence , Savage-Knepshield Pamela , Nemeth Christopher , Draper Mark , Moore Kristin
Published: October 2012

Cognitive Engineering methods were developed to enable human factors practitioners to understand and systematically support the cognitive work of people working “at the sharp end of the spear.” Military members for whom DoD acquisition organizations develop systems are the quintessential “sharp end of the spear.” This panel is proposed to share present-day experience from military and industry reflecting how pervasively Cognitive Engineering is contributing to research and development for the highly complex military systems being operated under conditions of stress, time pressure, and uncertainty today. The implications for human factors practitioners will be highlighted, both in terms of practices to continue and areas for improvement.
Relating Perceived Web Page Complexity to Emotional Valence and Eye Movement Metrics
Authors: Goldberg Joseph H.
Published: October 2012

Initial impression of visual complexity has major significance for both consumer and enterprise web page designs. Research is still needed, however, before complexity assessment methods can become part of the usability tool arsenal. In this regard, a study was conducted to compare subjective ratings, eye tracking, JPEG-compressed file size, and emotional valence measures. Professional enterprise users conducted search tasks, then judged the complexity of web pages. Multivariate factor analysis was followed by ordinal logistic regressions on subjective ratings. Subjective ratings of page complexity were driven in part by self-perception of search difficulty, and in part by page density. Fixation durations increased and search area decreased with lower complexity ratings. Aggregated emotional valence, from facial analysis, also increased with higher ratings of page clarity. Overall, both pre-attentive eye tracking and emotional valence measures were related to conscious subjective judgments of complexity. Further research is recommended to be able to ascribe complexity-inducing features to measurable qualities.
The Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of a Pointing Device For a Wearable Computer
Authors: Calvo Andres , Burnett Gregory , Finomore Victor , Perugini Saverio
Published: October 2012

U.S. Air Force special tactics operators at times use small wearable computers (SWCs) for mission objectives. The primary pointing device of a SWC is either a touchpad or trackpoint, which is embedded into the chassis of the SWC. In situations where the user cannot directly interact with these pointing devices, the utility of the SWC is decreased. We developed a pointing device called the G3 that can be used for SWCs used by operators. The device utilizes gyroscopic sensors attached to the user’s index ﬁnger to move the computer cursor according to the angular velocity of his ﬁnger. We showed that, as measured by Fitts’ law, the overall performance and accuracy of the G3 was better than that of the touchpad and trackpoint. These ﬁndings suggest that the G3 can adequately be used with SWCs. Additionally, we investigated the G3 ’s utility as a control device for operating micro remotely piloted aircrafts
Innovative Systems for Human Supervisory Control of Unmanned Vehicles
Authors: Clare Andrew S. , Ryan Jason C. , Jackson Kimberly F. , Cummings M. L.
Published: October 2012

The development of Unmanned Vehicles (UVs) with increasing autonomy has enabled a transition from teleoperation to Human Supervisory Control (HSC). In this demonstration, participants can test three innovative operator interfaces for HSC of UVs. The first system allows users to control a Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) via a hand-held device, such as an iPhone®, through high-level waypoint commands and fine-grained nudge controls. The second system enables a single operator to collaborate with an automated planner to control multiple heterogeneous UVs from a laptop-sized display for searching for, tracking and engaging moving ground targets. The third system is designed to aid in planning on naval aircraft carrier decks, serving as a decision support tool for a supervisor overseeing and scheduling the activity of people, vehicles and unmanned vehicles working in this complex and uncertain environment.
A Closed-Loop Feedback System for a Context-Aware Tunable Architectural Lighting Application
Authors: Nawyn Jason , Thompson Maria , Chen Nancy , Larson Kent
Published: October 2012

In this demonstration, we present a closed-loop feedback system for evaluating and improving the human factors performance of a lighting system based on tunable LED technology. We investigate the ways in which closed-loop feedback can enhance the ability for lighting to automatically respond to changes in the user’s ongoing activities. A sensing platform uses multimodal wireless sensors and computer vision to detect an individual’s presence and uses computational reasoning to make inferences about his or her activities. A “recognition engine” provides access to the inferred activities, which the LED system uses to make contextually relevant lighting changes according to the various operational states within the space. A human factors experiment makes use of a mobile phone based context-aware experience sampling application that responds to changes in the activities, delivering questions to the user to help improve the activity classifier and refine the lighting application. During the demonstration, participants will experience lighting changes automatically applied to a workspace in order to fulfill the visual requirements of the detected activities and to maximize energy savings.
Online Education: Best Practices to Promote Learning
Authors: Finch Denise , Jacobs Karen
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this paper is to discuss best practices and the evidence literature related to online education. High quality educational experiences in human factors and ergonomics (HFE) are of interest to the global ergonomics community in order to promote the development of the profession, enhance the skill set of HFE practitioners, and facilitate the translation of knowledge into practice (Dul et al., 2012). Online education provides a potentially powerful tool to connect HFE practitioners and students at a global level and is an effective educational method that produces equal or superior learning outcomes as compared to more traditional face-to-face learning environments (Allen & Seaman, 2010). In addition, new technology makes online education attractive to both learners and instructors as multiple methods of delivery and design are available to enhance communication (Rovai, Ponton & Baker, 2008) and meet the educational goals and the needs of the learner (Trujillo, 2007; Shearer, 2007). However, the quality of the education experience and careful attention to course design and delivery is necessary to achieve the desired learning outcomes and meet needs of adult learners in the online learning environment.
A Cognitive Load Approach To Learner-Centered Design Of Digital Instructional Media And Supporting Accessibility Tools
Authors: Russell Ashley , Hannon Daniel
Published: October 2012

Instructional material provided through digital media and various types of educational technology may be able to support students with a wide range of learning abilities, providing better educational opportunities for a greater number of students. Technology-based instructional design, however, often does not take into consideration variation in student abilities. Research on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) promotes the idea of providing students with a variety of means of representation and expression. Investigations into cognitive load note the impact of the complexity of information content (intrinsic cognitive load) and the type of information presentation (extraneous cognitive load) on student learning. The work provided here is part of a larger effort to understand the influence of a student-centered approach to technology-based, instructional design in the field of high school chemistry. In the present study, results from a study by Carlson, Chandler, and Sweller (2003) of cognitive load were replicated in a digital media learning environment to determine whether the elements of cognitive load theory can be extended into design requirements for technology-based instructional materials. In a two-by-two experimental design, participants were required to learn contents in organic chemistry that was designed with either high or low intrinsic load and high or low extraneous load. Results were congruent with Carlson et al. (2003) and further support the following claims: (1) when compared to low element interactivity, high intrinsic load leads to decreased performance and higher subjective workload, (2) extraneous load reduction can promote performance gains and reduction in workload for tasks with high element interactivity.
Fitts Education Award Winners: Teaching Human Factors and Ergonomics
Authors: Blickensderfer Beth , Boehm-Davis Deborah A. , Hancock Peter , Parasuraman Raja , Rogers Wendy A. , Smith Michael J.
Published: October 2012

Every day, current Human Factors & Ergonomics (HF/E) professionals work to foster the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for their students to be future HF/E professionals. Experienced HF/E educators possess a wealth of knowledge of what works in regards to teaching their particular topics. Unfortunately, this valuable in-domain teaching knowledge and expertise often does not get disseminated to other HF/E educators. The purpose of the current panel is to provide a forum for professionals, who have been recognized for teaching excellence, to share their ideas and approaches with other educators. The panelists are recent winners of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society’s Paul M. Fitts Education Award, an award that recognizes individuals for outstanding contributions to HF/E education. The discussion will focus on three themes: strategies to integrate practical problems into the education process, suggestions for improving instructional effectiveness via mentoring skills, and HF/E teaching challenges.
Incorporating industry goals into academic programs: A case study of a successful effort
Authors: Bartha Michael C. , Peres S. Camille , Harper Christy , Holden Kritina , Meingast Melissa , Muddimer Andrew , Smith Danielle
Published: October 2012

The need for trained Human Factors and Ergonomics (HF/E) professionals has increased remarkably over the last few years. The skill sets these professionals need to have vary by industry and changes over time. However, current employers of HF/E new-hires have repeatedly indicated that students are not getting sufficient training and preparation for their positions. This panel will present a case study of how a newly developed program integrated the needs of industry into the academic requirements of the program. Further, the question and discussion part of the panel session will focus on developing a guideline for other programs to utilize to integrate the needs of industry into their academic programs.
Employers’ Expectations for Education and Skills of New Human Factors/Ergonomics Professionals
Authors: Rantanen Esa M. , Moroney William F.
Published: October 2012

This paper reports the results from a survey administered to individuals in several companies whose responsibilities included either hiring or supervision of new human factors/ergonomics professionals. The survey asked about the knowledge and skills expected from new professionals entering the workplace. It was based on the survey previously administered to new professionals about their experiences in their first human factors jobs. The results both replicate and complement the findings of the previous survey. Many critical skills, such as communication skills, are not specific to the discipline. However, in over half of the Ergonomist Formation Model subdomains the respondents rated new professionals’ preparedness as only adequate. The open-ended questions allowed for a review of specific challenges and the responses echoed those of the new professionals’ responses last year. Application of the knowledge gained in college to practical design tasks was reported lacking in the new professionals’ skill set. Skills to effectively interact in multi-disciplinary and cross-functional teams were found wanting in both surveys. Results from both surveys offer a useful and cross-validated review of the current demands new professionals are facing, and a mandate to educators to develop human factors curricula in response to them.
Guidelines for a Successful Student Chapter
Authors: Emfield Adam
Published: October 2012

Many professional organizations have local student chapters that allow students to become involved in varying aspects of professional and academic life. While many schools have successful student chapters that field the needs of students successfully, other student chapters have struggled to accommodate their students to the best of their ability. In this paper, I present a series of anecdotal guidelines for the leadership of student chapters to consider in order to get the most out of each and every year. Although the focus of these guidelines are for improving existing student chapters, these guidelines can be used in the creation of new student chapters and in reviving student chapters that have become less active.
Teaching Human Factors to Graduate and Undergraduate Computer Science Students
Authors: Pastel Robert , Brown Christopher , Woller-Carter Margo , Kumar Shreya
Published: October 2012

Human factors (HF) is not a subject traditionally taught in the Computer Science (CS) curriculum. The traditional CS curriculum focuses on the computer (the machine) and the programs for the machine. Because the faculty was not introduced to HF in their education, studying users has no role in their discipline. Undergraduate CS students are more receptive to new ideas and consequently do not define their discipline as rigidly. Nevertheless, they typically chose to study CS because of their interest in the technology and the machines. Another challenge to introducing HF to the CS curriculum is that there is no space in the program for another course. Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is an existing course in most CS curricula that can be leveraged to expose CS undergraduates to HF concepts. The traditional HCI course focused primarily on the technology and implementation of graphical user interfaces. Only recently has design, specifically user centered design, been taught in CS HCI courses.

This paper describes combining undergraduate and graduate HCI courses that expose CS students to HF. Students in the undergraduate HCI course design and implements group projects, consisting of smart phone applications (apps), and the graduate students evaluate and test the apps. The challenges of introducing HF to CS students and principles for overcoming them are explained, along with the interactions between the undergraduate and graduate students.
Expanding the Usability Toolkit: Using PowerPoint™ to Perform Website Analysis and Testing
Authors: Saqer Haneen , Kidwell Brian , Stoudt Craig , Youmans Robert J.
Published: October 2012

Many usability software packages exist to serve the needs of user experience practitioners. However, these options are often expensive and possess steep learning curves. The purpose of this paper is to provide novice practitioners a usability toolkit that is easy to use, versatile, and affordable. Using basic presentation software, PowerPoint™, graduate students in a usability and redesign course performed card sorting tasks with several users and used the results to create website prototypes for usability testing. The detailed methods for deploying these usability techniques via PowerPoint™, as well as the benefits of these methods, will be explored.
Studying the Novice’s Perception of Visual Vs. Command Line Programming Tools in CS1
Authors: Dillon Edward , Anderson-Herzog Monica , Brown Marcus
Published: October 2012

Determining appropriate practices for novice programming has been an important research topic for some time. Programming tools and their effect on novices has been one research area. When learning to program, novices can be exposed to either visual or command line tools. The variation of feature sets between both tool schemes could influence how a novice perceives programming. Visual tools tend to possess features that are familiar, assistive, and user-friendly for novices. Command line tools, on the other hand, usually provide basic essential features for programming.

Prior studies have shown the effects of programming tools on novices while learning to program. However, most of these studies primarily focus on visual tools. This article explores visual and command line programming and their effect on novices. Our findings show that visual tools could provide a lower learning curve for novices, while command line tools could broaden their understanding of programming.
Research and Design of a Cultural Product: Inclusive Design of a Squat Latrine
Authors: Mullick Abir , Kumar Ashok
Published: October 2012

This paper presents a research and development project, the research generated user needs and design transformed research information into inclusive squat latrine concepts. The new latrine design is for all users safe and it allows equitable use by everyone. The latrine responds to age-old defecation practice grounded in habit and cultural practice and it offers an ergonomic solution that helps maintaining comfortable squat posture throughout the defecation process. Since latrine use is difficult for most users and many experience difficulties over time, the ergonomic design and better buttock support minimizes strain on the joints and helps everyone prolong latrine use.
Developing a Unique Research Opportunity in Control Room Alarm Sonification
Authors: Viraldo Jacob , Caldwell Barrett
Published: October 2012

Alarm flooding occurs because of systemic overreliance on alarms and recurrent manpower shortage in control environments due to the relative unpredictability and scarcity of emergency states. As alarm technology has become cheaper, digitized, and more effective, its pervasiveness has increased. Organizations trying to reduce costs, human error, and manpower have taken to using more automated systems, more alarms and fewer operators. Such approaches are logical using a strict cost basis, but can lead to significant problems in cognitive loading and sensemaking when emergency states are triggered and alarm flooding occurs in any quintessential safety-critical system. The result of these trends has been a tendency towards more frequent alarm flooding. In this context, the primary author has a unique opportunity to develop a dissertation research project to address a once-in-a-generation challenge: addressing system design and implementation criteria for improved alarm designs for emerging technologies, including nuclear power plant control environments. This paper addresses technical and student development issues in developing a novel, unprecedented doctoral dissertation with significant application potential.
Wall Outlet Height Recommendations: Contrasting Ambulatory and Wheelchair Users’ Data
Authors: Wang Wenjiao , Liu Siwen , Valenziano Steven , Joines Sharon
Published: October 2012

Design choices made for built environments, such as wall outlet height, should address human factors and ergonomic considerations to provide a comfortable and convenient environment for everyone, regardless of their capabilities. Previous research, focuing on ambulatory individuals (only one participant was a wheel chair user), indicated that the majority of participants benefited from raising the wall outlet height. Similarly, this paper addresses the intersection of ergonomics and the built environment by exploring one aspect of the built environment (wall outlet height) on the user extending the sample user population from ambulatory individuals (n=34) in the previous investigation to include wheelchair users (n=25). This study aims to provide guidance on how to improve the interpretation of existing building codes for the built environment regarding wall outlet height. The results showed that for ambulatory individuals, wall outlet heights located between 91 cm - 101 cm are recommended. For wheelchair users, lower heights (71 cm) may be better design choices. For all participants, a mid-height location (81 cm) is recommended.
Evaluation of Desirability Assessment Techniques for Tunable Solid State Lighting Applications
Authors: Spaulding Jeremy M.
Published: October 2012

Tunable Solid State Lighting (SSL) systems based on Light-Emitting Diode (LED) technology allow us to supply customizable lighting for both colored and white light applications. This means that lighting can now be tailored to meet user preferences and expectations for practically any environment or application. The ability to measure difficult-to-quantify emotional impressions is necessary to better understand how people will likely respond to lighting applications and may be useful in providing practical, easily discussable results to designers, and development teams creating such systems. Borrowing from techniques developed by user experience researchers in the software industry, this study provides an examination of different methodologies used to assess highly subjective responses for residential lighting applications. Overall, the two new word selection methods yielded results that were consistent with the classical methods. The word selection exercises provided a rich data set useful for deeper insight understanding general differences in the overall impression.
An Exploration into Framing Effects and User Preferences: Implications for the Design of Energy Feedback Interfaces
Authors: Taylor-Brown Peter , Hannon Daniel
Published: October 2012

A recent topic in the energy industry is promoting behavioral change in the individual energy consumer. Interfaces provide people with more useful energy feedback. The goal is to prompt the motivation and ability to adopt less wasteful energy consumption behaviors. Skillful HCI design will include attention to informational preferences, and framing effects due to presentation choices. A questionnaire study explored this domain, and the results were used to guide the design of test interfaces. An online survey yielded results from 36 male and 49 female United States residents. Cost ($) was perceived as the most useful metric and kW as the least useful. Further, a test of framings effects showed a higher likelihood to change behavior to save 100 dollars per year than 2 per week (U=1248.5, p=0.001). Respondent preference was expressed for lower levels of automation, which was not attributable to distrust of automation to effectively control energy consumption. A 2x2x2 factorial design was used to compare goal-type (specific vs. open-ended), metric use ($ vs. kWh), and visualization (graphical vs. text-only) in prototype displays. Goal-type and metric use independently affect perceived utility of a feedback interface, and visualization affects perceived comfort sacrifice from changing consumption behaviors.
Case Study: Evaluating the Design and Warnings of a Tanning Bed
Authors: Vredenburgh Alison G. , Zackowitz Ilene B.
Published: October 2012

When human factors professionals are retained to evaluate a product and its labeling after an injury, other relevant information must be considered to determine if additional warnings may have led to a different outcome. This case study evaluates an incident where a woman alleged that a tanning bed had inadequate warnings. When evaluating the case, the product design, user interface, and relevant communication system standards were considered along with the plaintiff’s personal knowledge and behavior. The warnings were also evaluated in the context of the tanning establishment and its trained employees. This case illustrates the circumstances when manufacturer’s product design and labeling was not a causation factor of an incident.
Human Factors Related to Programmable Thermostats: Consumers Knowledge and Perceptions Related to Product Use and Hazards.
Authors: Vigilante William J. , Reeves Patrick
Published: October 2012

This study sought to identify consumers’ knowledge and practice with respect to residential thermostats and the hazard associated with their use and potential misuse. The study was a result of a forensic assignment involving a defective thermostat that allowed a furnace to continue running unchecked after its batteries died causing an extreme temperature elevation within the home resulting in damage to the interior of the home. Home owners in the development of the incident property were surveyed via telephone with regards to their use, understanding, and appreciation of the risks associated with their thermostats. The majority of the respondents had the same brand and model thermostat as the incident home. The results indicate that a majority of the respondents did not understand how their thermostats worked and were not aware that their thermostats were battery powered or that there was a need to change the batteries on a regular basis. Respondents did not appreciate the risk of property damage that could occur if the batteries in the thermostat ran low or died. Most of the respondents indicated giving little or no thought to their thermostats. The consequences of user’s reliance on everyday household products to work as they are supposed to are discussed with respect to product safety and design.
Walking Backwards Without Looking: An Observational Study
Authors: Nemire Kenneth
Published: October 2012

Litigation stemming from an incident in which a middle-aged woman tripped while stepping backward to take a photograph, and without first looking in her direction of travel, led to an observational study of the frequency with which people taking photographs step back without first looking where they were stepping. Prior research on looking before stepping backward did not exist. Research assistants asked a convenience sample of middle-aged women to take a photograph of the assistants standing in front of a building. The task required the participants to step away from the building. The study found that 87% of the participants looked back at least once before or during a backward step, and that 83% of the steps away from the building were preceded by or accompanied by a look in the direction of travel. Suggestions for future research are provided.