bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Discomfort Perception and Biomechanical Criteria during a Reaching Task
Authors: Santos Raquel , Verriest Jean Pierre , Silva Kelo
Published: January 2012

The use of 3D graphic mannequins in design processes has increased significantly in the last years. However, besides the beautiful images they provide, it is necessary to develop criteria that allow to estimate the degree of discomfort felt by an operator when he executes a task, in order to perform an ergonomic analysis of a virtual work situation. One of the methods used to reach this objective is the comparison of the discomfort level felt by real subjects during the performance of a given task, with biomechanical indices calculated through an analysis of the posture and movements involved in that task.
An Ergonomic Field Comparison of a Traditional Computer Mouse and a Vertical Computer Mouse in Uninjured Office Workers
Authors: Straker Leon , Pollock Clare , Frosh Anthony , Aarås Arne , Dainoff Marvin
Published: January 2012

27 office workers participated in a controlled field trial of a novel computer mouse design. Usability, performance and discomfort measures were taken prior to, during and post a 2 week trial period. Usability was assessed using rating scales based on Davis's Perceived Ease of Use Scale and ISO/DIS 9241-9 draft standard. Performance was measured as time to complete a series of standardised word processing tasks. Body parts discomfort was measured by visual analogue discomfort scales. Workers tended to find the vertical mouse less easy to use, especially in ease of movement. Performance with the vertical mouse tended to be slightly slower. Discomfort tended to be slightly lower for some workers during vertical mouse use.
User Centred Revision of En-Route Air Traffic Control
Authors: David Hugh
Published: January 2012

Contemporary Air Traffic Control has evolved through the incorporation of technical innovations, in the absence of any systematic design. It now incorporates 1930's communication systems and 1990's computer data processing. A preliminary systematic analysis of ‘en route' control suggests a re-allocation of activities to provide a satisfying task for the human controller. Displays (and controls) should be designed for these tasks. This demonstration shows how the controllers' interface can be re-modeled using existing display/control principles to produce a control system with greatly enhanced capacity.
User Involvement in International Standardization
Authors: Delleman Nico , Itani Toru , Parsons Ken , Scheuermann Klaus , Stewart Tom
Published: January 2012

This paper describes international standardization on ergonomics, and the role of user involvement in particular.
Analysis of Some Aspects of Use of Standards to Verify Ergonomic Qualities of Industrial Products
Authors: Bucich Clovis
Published: January 2012

This paper describes an assessment of some aspects of a Brazilian standard that presents definitions and range of acceptable values to variables related to office chairs. Some of these variables, and the values assumed by them in a specific chair, affect directly the performance of the object, especially when ergonomics criteria are to be emphasized. This analysis is focused to the height of the seating surface, and it was based on a comparison among the standard accepted range of values for this variable, the prescriptions found in literature and data from Brazilian anthropometrical studies. A conclusion to this study points to some aspects of use of standards as a way to assure a required level of quality or ergonomic adequacy to industrial products, and the reliability of the certification process based on compliance to standards, as a pledge for such accomplishments.
Problems in Evaluation Heat Stress Risk of Women Workers Using the WBGT Index
Authors: Konarska Maria , Soltyñski Krzysztof , Marszalek Anna
Published: January 2012

Screening evaluation of heat stress in industrial workers, made according to ISO 7243: 1989 standard, showed the misclassification of the workload in case of women.

The metabolic rate evaluation of women working at several work stations in the heavy metal industry showed a high level of physical workload, even exceeding the permissible values according to Polish occupational safety regulations — 3.7 kcal/min which means 258W (1600 kcal/shift).

In spite of that, the classification of workload based on the WBGT standards indicated the metabolic rate of these women at a moderate level. The consequence of this classification are the unproper (to high) reference values of WBGT index chosen from the standard.

The reason of this misclassification in the case of workload in women is probably caused by the fact that WBGT standard was developed on the men's physical performance as the basis, while the physical capacity of women is lower.
Economic Benefits of Task Centered Design
Authors: Steinberg Richard , Armstrong Stephen D.
Published: January 2012

A comparison of the data-centered and the task-centered user interface design processes is made for software developed to support two ongoing missile defense projects. The evaluation includes discussions of the software development costs associated with each design method and the impact of human factors engineering expertise on development costs. Two separate experiments were conducted using 16 participants with prior military experience in missile defense and warning missions. Participants performed specific command and control duties during battle scenarios that simulated a missile defense mission. Participants were supplied software command and control tools designed according to either a task-centered or data-centered design process. Measures of accuracy and time to complete task were collected. Also, the costs associated with each design approach were considered. [This paper presents additional analyses of data originally reported in Gateway (Armstrong & Steinberg, 1999).]
MTO Contingency Model for the Transferability of Socio-Technical Methods - The Swiss Kompass Method Applied to the Design and Implementation of Advanced Manufacturing Systems in Australia
Authors: Kirsch Christina
Published: January 2012

Over the last decade the call for new socio-technical tools has resulted in the development of a number of new design methodologies and techniques. Their diffusion has generated increasing interest in their effectiveness and use in different organisational, industrial and cultural contexts. What theoretical and cultural assumptions are built into the methods? How easily can a method be transferred across organisations, industries, cultures ? This paper uses the experience of applying the Swiss KOMPASS method in an Australian company for technological design projects as a basis for discussing the transferability of socio-technical methods.
An Improved Operational Sequence Diagram Methodology for Use in System Development
Authors: Wallace Daniel F. , Winters John J. , Lackie John H.
Published: January 2012

Operational sequence diagrams (OSDs) have been used to support human engineering in system development for decades (Kurke, 1961); however, due to variations in application domains, OSDs have had varying degrees of success in defining the critical aspects of system operation necessary for human-centered designs. One of the more significant evolutions to this method in recent years was a tailoring of the technique to be more easily used and interpreted by subject matter experts (SMEs) and engineers (Wallace, Bohan, and Perry, 1997). This format also emphasized a tighter coupling of “information requirements” as a design determinant to be tracked. Since then, this particular OSD methodology has been applied to a variety of programs and been used to support early system requirements reviews. Understandably, the wider use of this methodology has enabled its users to learn of shortcomings in different applications. This paper discusses additional enhancements to the visual representation of OSD methodology currently employed. This effort included the generation of requirements for an OSD method, interviews with previous and current generators and consumers of the OSDs, and evaluation of proposed improvements. Revised symbology and definitions required to use this improved methodology are discussed.
The State of Art in the Science of Usability Evaluation Methods: A Kuhnian Perspective
Authors: Jacobsen Niels Ebbe , Jørgensen Anker Helms
Published: January 2012

In the 1980's researchers and practitioners developed usability evaluation methods (UEMs) that aimed at identifying usability problems in technological artifacts. Among the most known UEMs are Usability Test, Heuristic Evaluation and Cognitive Walkthrough. The development of UEMs was followed by research activities aiming at evaluating and further developing these UEMs. As the methods in addition have gained wide acceptance in design practice, the field of UEMs seems to have matured considerably. However, closer inspection reveals that there is still considerable lack of coherence and agreement. The publication of a controversial paper by Gray & Salzman (1998) underscored this point in that they questioned the methodological validity of five previously published experimental UEM studies. In addition, ten distinguished UEM researchers' very different opinions based on the Gray & Salzman paper left the impression that research in the field of UEM is far from being coherent. In order to throw light upon the current state of art of science in the field of UEMs, this paper analyzes the maturity of the field based on Thomas Kuhn's theory of scientific revolutions. We find that the field is currently in the first of three stages, the pre-paradigmatic stage, as it is lacking a general conceptual framework, as basic terms are ill-defined, and as researchers “facts-gather” almost randomly in the absence of a reason for seeking some particular form of more recondite information.
Effect of Type of Information on Real Time Usability Evaluation: Implications for Remote Usability Testing
Authors: Lesaigle Erin M. , Biers David W.
Published: January 2012

Fifteen usability professionals participated in a usability test under one of three simulated real time viewing conditions: (1) Screen data (S) where the evaluators saw only the image of the user's computer screen; (2) Screen plus Audio data (SA) where the user's verbalizations could be heard in addition to viewing the screen image; and (3) Screen plus Audio plus Video data (SAV) where the evaluator's additionally saw an image of the user's face in real time. Results indicated no significant differences in the total number of problems found under the three viewing conditions although there was some evidence that the problem space differed particularly from the subjective questionnaire data collected directly from the users. In rating the severity of the problems encountered, the agreement among the usability professionals was low and did not vary as a function of the number of years of the usability professional's experience. More importantly, however, ratings of severity varied as a function of viewing condition with those usability professionals in the face condition perceiving the same problems to be more severe. When considering only the most severe problems (on which there was agreement in severity ratings), the number of severe problems uncovered was less with the questionnaires than under the three real-time viewing conditions. The results are discussed in terms of real time usability evaluation and terms of the implications for remote usability testing.
Effect of Noise on Automatic Speech Recognition System Error Rate
Authors: Chen Fang , Masi Cristiano
Published: January 2012

Many studies have indicted that stress and workload can effect the recognition accuracy of the speech recognition system. This can include noise, vibration, G-force, information overload, vocal quality in noise, vocal quality and psychological stress, concurrent task performance and vocal fatigue.

The commercially available speech recognition system has not yet reached the perfect design to recognize natural human speech. The military application of automatic speech recognition systems has been studied in a wide arrangement. Verbex’ Voice Master was recommended in its instruction book as especially suited well for use in a noisy environment. This system was selected as a candidate system for use in cockpits. Before implementing it in the cockpit, its strengths and weaknesses for special utterances need to be tested in a laboratory environment. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of noise on recognition accuracy in dual-task performance. The experiment was carried out in a noise-insulated room. The Verbex’ Voice Master speech recognition system was installed into the computer. Eleven male Swedish students were the subjects. Two noise levels were set up with a combination of mental workload and physical workload.

The results showed that without noise and mental workload, the recognition accuracy could be as good as 99.4%. With noise and mental workload, the recognition accuracy could be reduced to 95%. The results indicated that noise had significant effects on the computer error while mental workload had significant effects on both subject error and computer error.
Developing Miniature Force-Sensing Technologies for Measuring the Forces Applied to a Computer Mouse
Authors: Johnson Peter , McLoone Hugh , Arms Steve
Published: January 2012

Force-sensing technologies, 1.4 − 2.5 mm thick, were developed to measure the forces applied to the button and sides of a computer mouse. A force-sensing computer mouse was developed, built and tested for force measurement accuracy. The force-sensing technology could accurately measure the forces applied to the sides of a mouse and identify the location of force application. The force-sensing technology also accurately measured the forces applied to the mouse button with slight measurement errors at low forces. The force-sensing technologies developed in this study were made from commercially available materials, were relatively low cost and will be readily exportable to different mouse designs. These force-sensing technologies should assist manufacturers, designers and researchers in better understanding how various hand held devices and tools are gripped and operated.
Test and Evaluation of Work Places and Products with WIN EDS 2000 (A First Bilingual Database System of Ergonomics)
Authors: Jastrzebska-Fraczek Iwona , Schmidtke Heinz
Published: January 2012

Even though a large amount of ergonomic data and recommendations are available, tools, equipment and products are quite frequently subject to considerable ergonomic deficiencies. The reason for this is that knowledge of ergonomics is not as widespread as the expert would like it. The designer of work places and equipment usually has a rather small background of ergonomics. In many cases it is difficult even for the ergonomist to compress the available knowledge into tables and charts. A computerised assistance system could be of great help
The Establishment of Anthropometric Database in Taiwan
Authors: Wang M. J. , Wang E. M. Y. , Lin Y. C.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this study was to construct a static and dynamic anthropometric database for domestic population in Taiwan. This anthropometric database is divided into static body dimensions and dynamic ranges of motion. A direct measurement method was applied to measure static body dimensions and an optical method was employed for dynamic range measurement. The static body dimensions include three parts furthermore. The first part is to measure the space coordinates of landmarks of body surface and calculate the meaningful related distances between any two landmarks. The equipment to take the space coordinates of surface landmarks is a 3-D coordination measuring probe. Ninety four surface landmarks are measured and 141 items are calculated in this part. The second part is to measure the length and thickness dimensions of human body with a digital caliper and 27 items are measured. The third part is to measure the circumference and length of the curve with a digital tape measure. Ninety eight items are measured here. The dynamic ranges of motion contain 42 angles of motion of major body joints. The equipment used to measure the ranges of motion is a 3-D motion analyzer. A total of 10019 subjects were measured, i.e. 1200 workers, 610 Army soldiers, 502 university students, 1200 senior high school students, 3207 junior high school students and 3300 elementary school students. The age ranges from 12 to 64 years old. The data are presented in a computerized query system. It is expected that the data can be used by designers, engineers or any other people for developing ergonomic designs of equipment, product and workplace environment, and standard legislation. Ultimately, a healthy and comfortable living environment and a high quality of working life can be achieved in the near future.
Automated Anthropometric Measuring Devices for Use in Mass-Screening
Authors: Moroney William F.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this paper is to describe the state of the art in anthropometric measuring devices used for mass screening. In addition, technologies which could be used for automated mass screening are identified and described. A review of the literature identified only two operational anthropometric measurement devices currently used for mass screening. A variety of potentially applicable measurement techniques including acoustic, light, electro-magnetic, potentiometric/electro-optical (including digitizing arms) technologies were identified and described. Data describing the capabilities and limitations of these systems are also provided.
Back Seat Drivers? Ergonomists in Car Design
Authors: Herriotts Paul , Inch David
Published: January 2012

BMW Group has a UK based design studio designing Mini, MG, and Rover cars as well as Land Rover 4times4 vehicles. The corporate philosophy is that ergonomics is fundamental to the overall design process and must be integral to it from day one. Ergonomists therefore work closely with other design professionals through an established working process, to ensure the success of the ensuing vehicle designs.
Improvement of Digital Human Models
Authors: Delleman Nico J. , Hin Andrea J.S.
Published: January 2012

In a design process major decisions are often taken at an early phase, i.e. at the CAD screen. In order to consider ergonomics in a proper way, a designer then needs a valid human model (digital manikin). The paper describes several experiments that were done to improve human models.
Human Modeling in the Context of the Digital Factory
Authors: Linner S. , Rossgoderer U. , Wunsch A.
Published: January 2012

Manufacturers are forced to reduce the time-to-market for their products. A short and effective engineering process requires the support of concurrent engineering, a common database for all planning-relevant data and a compatible systems landscape. This is our vision of the Digital Factory.

One important aspect of manufacturing is the optimal use of a human workforce. Digital Factory applications with 3D human models enable engineers to plan and optimize human tasks. These tools are used to design workplaces, perform ergonomic and time studies and document the results. Manufacturers achieve better productivity of human tasks, and the workers gain from ergonomically designed working environments.
ANNIE: Standard Bio-Mechanics and Cognitive Models for Computer Aided Ergonomics
Authors: Bellan Y. , Gaia E. , Rizzuto F.
Published: January 2012

Realistic simulation of the human behaviour plays a primary role in modern industrial ergonomics. The approaches commonly used in movement modelling, are based on traditional bioinspired strategies, that do not involve the intrinsic variability, due to subjective perception of the contextual quantities. For these purposes, a data driven approach based on a collection of physical experiment, capable of grasping the natural essence of the human movements, has been developed and it is herewith presented Motion analysers, artificial neural networks and open CAD environments have been involved to produce a toolset to perform virtual experiment through the human motion simulation, fully integrated with a methodology Results carried out investigating specific industrial scenarios are also presented.
Load Evaluation by Digital Man Models - A Radical New 3 D-Approach Realized by Ramsis
Authors: Schaefer P. , Rudolph H. , Schwarz W.
Published: January 2012

A radical new approach was realized to integrate load evaluation into digital man models. The idea is to envelop articular strength-vectors by spacial bodies suggesting potatoes. A total of 244 articular “Moment-Potatoes” was recorded at 34 body joints. “M-Potatoes” allow not only efficient “virtual load evaluation” but possibly provide also a base for autonomously moving manikins.
Ergonomics in the United Kingdom
Authors: Sell Reg
Published: January 2012

The Ergonomics Society has just celebrated its 50th anniversary but we still face some major issues. Whilst we have had some success ergonomics has not penetrated in to general life as much as we would have expected. We have always been active in publicising the subject; we have lobbied government departments; we have pushed industry; why have we not achieved more? We have problems as a multidisciplinary applied subject within the academic environment when assessments of performance are being made. We do we not have as many members as we would expect? How do we cope with competition from competing groups such as HCI specialists? We cover a very wide field but need to get a good balance between a small professionally based core and the much wider group of those who have an interest in parts of the subject.
Inclusive Design through Individual Insight
Authors: Suri Jane Fulton
Published: January 2012

Today's human factors designers are faced with the challenge to accommodate more diversity in people and their relationships with technology than ever before. Technology is available to people at work, home and play. People encounter technology ranging from simple mechanical tools and systems to those that are complex, sometimes virtual and invisible. Users range from the very young to the very old, from the fit to the infirm, all with different physical, cognitive, lifestyle and cultural needs and desires. Such a range of issues forces human factors designers to take a more holistic view of people and to consider a more complete range of human factors. This paper considers some ways that human factors designers can help to create design responses that are inclusive of this diversity. The emphasis is on using empathic design methods that connect designers with real people to take them beyond their own experience and culture.
Empirical Evaluations of Pilot Planning Behavior in Emergency Situations
Authors: Pritchett Amy R. , Nix Damon C. , Ockerman Jennifer J.
Published: January 2012

Faced with an emergency aboard an aircraft, pilots must generate a flight-plan to effectively and safely guide the plane to touchdown. However, forming a safe flight-plan is a complex and difficult task. An initial experiment hypothesized that an in-flight planning tool would aid the pilot in forming and verifying flight-plans. Results identified problems with the planner's interface, highlighted the myriad concerns that pilots must address in creating an emergency flight plan, and identified potential benefits with having the system provide a safe plan. Two further studies are discussed in this paper. The first examined whether the pilots' difficulties came from specific features in the interface or from the inherent difficulty of the task. The second study evaluated pilots' ability to quickly judge the accuracy of an automatically-generated plan.
Current Perspectives on Cognition and Decision Making in Aviation
Authors: Mosier Kathleen , Lyall Beth , Smith Phil , Beatty Roger , Billings Charles , Chapman Roger J. , McCoy C. Elaine , Orasanu Judith , Fischer Ute , Endsley Mica , Jones Debra
Published: January 2012

The intent of this symposium is to discuss the most recent research trends with respect to cognition and decision-making in aviation. Participants in the symposium will present several different perspectives on current issues being investigated. Phil Smith will discuss issues involving information management to support collaborative decision making in the national airspace system. Judith Orasanu will present ongoing NASA work looking at pilot risk assessment. Mica Endsley will discuss a recent model developed to examine the effect of disruptions on Situation Awareness and decision making in Air Traffic Control as well as in the cockpit. Kathleen Mosier will present Coherence/Correspondence, Intuition -< Analysis as theoretical frameworks within which to discuss cognition in the automated cockpit. Together, these presentations will provide an overview of the most current developments and perspectives on cognitive processes and decision making in the aviation domain.
From Perception to Knowledge Management: Next-Generation Human Factors for Aerospace Systems
Authors: Jones Patricia M. , Caldwell John , Kanki Barbara , McCandless Jeffrey , Orasanu Judith , Rehling John
Published: January 2012

This panel includes participants from a variety of backgrounds who have each made aerospace human factors contributions ranging from fundamental research on perceptual or physiological factors to cognitive modeling, display design, automation and decision support tools, training, and knowledge management. The goal of this panel is to explore “gaps” between some of these areas and discuss how the field of human factors should progress to fill them.
Localization of Aircraft on an Electronic Navigation Display Using Verbal Communication
Authors: Peterson Douglas A. , Maas Pamela J.
Published: January 2012

The present study examined the use of a track-up aircraft navigation display in localizing the position of a second aircraft given only verbal communication information of its position. Two experiments examined the role of map rotation, number of available fixed reference points, and the relative position between two aircraft on the ability to localize the position of the target aircraft. Both experiments confirmed that performance declined with map rotations other than north-up, with the poorest performance at 90° of rotation. The number of reference points available increased the response time for localization but did not improve accuracy. The relative position of the two aircraft also affected performance, finding that aircraft located on opposite sides of a reference point or aligned with one of the 4 cardinal compass directions resulting in the fastest and most accurate localization.
Qualitative Evaluation of Aircrew Helmet Passive Noise Reduction and the Communications Earplug for Tactical Aviation
Authors: Best P. Scot
Published: January 2012

The U.S. Navy's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet operational evaluation reported excessive cockpit noise while receiving fuel from an F/A-18E/F tanker. In response, a plan was developed by Navy Aircrew Systems (AIR-4.6) and the F/A-18E/F Integrated Test Team to perform a qualitative assessment of available aircrew helmet passive noise reduction (PNR) systems. The noise levels when behind an E/F have been described to be loud enough to allow aircrew to miss aural tones and/or radio/intercommunications system transmissions during in-flight refueling and close-in formations. This effort gathered fixed-wing tactical aviation aircrew qualitative flight test data on two PNR systems (Oregon Aero SoftSeals and the Communications Earplug [CEP]), using the current, unmodified, helmet configuration as a baseline of comparison. All data collected was in the form of aircrew comments, solicited via questionnaires, on each system. Comments from the flight tests were very favorable for the CEP system. Aircrew reported increased noise attenuation, enhanced communications, and improved situational awareness with the CEP configuration over the unmodified and SoftSeals-modified helmet configurations.
The Relationship between Working Conditions and Commercial Pilot Fatigue Development
Authors: Harris Wayne C. , Sachau Daniel , Harris Scot C. , Allen Robert
Published: January 2012

Fatigue is an important factor in aviation accidents, and effective fatigue management requires understanding the relationship between working conditions and fatigue. Two studies were conducted to clarify the relationship between working conditions and fatigue. In the first study, 59 airline pilots completed a workload questionnaire and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) in the morning and at the completion of their final flight of the day. In the second study, 133 pilots completed a revised questionnaire and the POMS. In both samples, fatigue increased and vigor levels decreased. Regression of fatigue increase upon working conditions indicated that the number of takeoffs and landings during the day were related to fatigue development. Correlation of incident level with both weather and airport difficulty suggest that incident level is a function of weather conditions and airport difficulty. These results argue that fatigue management should be founded upon the demands of working conditions, not merely the simplistic assessment of hours of work.
Development of Accessible Kiosk User Interface Solutions for the Public Sector: A Panel Summary
Authors: Hoffman Mark , Law Chris , Psihogios Jennie , Vanderheiden Gregg , Ziebarth Beth
Published: January 2012

This panel discussed the challenges of developing an accessible kiosk through a multi-disciplinary and organization team. Speakers from each organization presented the challenges and solutions achieved from their viewpoints, industry, academic researchers, and the museum. During the development of the kiosk content and navigation design, the collaborative efforts of the kiosk development team resulted in adopting a new User Centered Design (UCD) process that is somewhat unique to the museum industry. Findings from the usability study conducted on the kiosks and applications for the EZ Access navigation technique were also presented. A demonstration of the prototype Smithsonian kiosk and other kiosks with accessible interfaces was included during this session.
Adaptive Automation: From Theory to Practice
Authors: Parasuraman Raja
Published: January 2012

Adaptive automation (AA) refers to human-computer systems in which the “division of labor” and/or the interface between human and machine agents is not fixed but dynamic. Flexible computer aiding of the human operator, dynamic task allocation between the operator and computer systems, or context-dependent information management systems constitute variants of AA. Despite several successful simulations of AA, there are concerns regarding the efficacy of adaptive systems. Most work to date, with a few exceptions, has been conducted on relatively low-fidelity simulations of real-world systems. There is also a need for translating the theoretical promise of AA into practical reality. This panel examined these issues and discussed whether AA systems can be fielded effectively. In particular, the panelists considered how theory-based research on AA can be translated into effective design recommendations for the development of AA systems in the real world.
Supporting Timesharing and Interruption Management Through Multimodal Information Presentation
Authors: Ho Chih-Yuan , Nikolic Mark I. , Sarter Nadine B.
Published: January 2012

Operators in complex event-driven domains often need to perform multiple concurrent tasks and handle competing attentional demands, such as interruptions by other human or machine agents. This study examined the effectiveness of distributing tasks across various sensory channels and presenting information on the nature of an interruption task to support timesharing and attention management. Participants performed a visually demanding simulated Air Traffic Control (ATC) task involving Data Link communication. At times, an interruption task was introduced, which consisted of counting subsets of signals that were presented in visual, auditory, or tactile form. Half of the subjects automatically received information on the modality and urgency of these pending interruption tasks whereas the other participants had the option to request this information. Within-subject variables in this study included ATC-related workload and the frequency and priority of interruption tasks. High-priority tasks had to be performed immediately whereas low-priority tasks could be delayed for up to two minutes. The results show that information about the nature of pending tasks supported participants in scheduling and timesharing more effectively. They were able to avoid intramodal interference and scanning costs associated with performing the ATC task concurrently with a visual interruption task. Crossmodal interference was lowest for auditory interruption tasks. Overall, these findings illustrate the benefits of multimodal information presentation and more informative interruption signals.
New Arctic Air Crash Aftermath Role-Play Simulation™: Orchestrating a Fundamental Surprise
Authors: Patterson Emily S. , Woods David D. , Cook Richard I. , Render Marta L.
Published: January 2012

We describe an aviation scenario-based role-play simulation used to teach healthcare practitioners about barriers to learning from accidents. Participants searched for the causes of the crash in a scenario that encouraged a “garden path” explanation that the root cause was a risky decision to take off despite visible ice on the wings. During a debriefing session, the actual structure of how the system failed is revealed, including over 100 active and latent contributors to the failure with a multitude of potential lessons to improve safety. The dissonance between lessons learned during the role-play and the potential lessons creates a “fundamental surprise” situation that allows oversimplified assumptions of how complex systems fail to be challenged.
Measurement and Feedback Strategies for Distributed Team Training Using the Internet
Authors: Miles Donald E. , Gordon Thomas R. , Coovert Michael D. , Riddle Dawn , Ho Priscilla
Published: January 2012

This paper describes a methodology related to measurement and feedback for distributed team training. Levels of analysis, levels of measurement, specific measures, and feedback strategies are addressed. A Web-based system was developed which permitted gathering and manipulating performance data and providing rapid feedback to participants. Pending modifications and improvements, the system is expected to permit generating and identifying important boundary conditions, especially those that mediate learning and performance.
A Task Analysis of the First Weeks of Training of Novice Anesthesiologists
Authors: Weinger Matthew B. , Slagle Jason M. , Kim Robin S. , Gonzales David C.
Published: January 2012

The training of novice anesthesiologists by more experienced clinicians occurs via an apprenticeship model taking place during actual patient care in a hands-on, one-on-one method that has not been well studied. Two skilled observers recorded the activities of the trainee and the instructor independently during thirty-one surgical cases conducted during the first three weeks of anesthesia training. The results indicate that the training of novice anesthesiologists initially emphasizes manual task performance during which time the more experienced clinicians perform many critical cognitive tasks (i.e., partial task training). Trainees' workload was high, particularly in the initial portion of the case (“putting the patient to sleep”). Teaching consumed most of the middle of the case when the clinical workload was lower. Behavioral and cognitive task analysis may be used to evaluate the efficiency and safety of current or proposed training strategies.
Scenario Mapping with Work Domain Analysis
Authors: Burns Catherine M. , Bryant David J. , Chalmers Bruce A.
Published: January 2012

Work domain analysis is an approach that is moving from research to practical usage. Being highly analytical and time-intensive in its early stages, clients will search for early indications that the analysis is on track and relevant. This paper presents one approach for validating a work domain analysis by mapping the action patterns of operators against the work domain space developed by the analysis. This approach provides some validation the analysis, shows the use of the work domain over time in three dimensions, and provides a substantial link between the work analysis approach and traditional task-based approaches.
The Chameleon Project for Adaptable Commanders and Teams
Authors: Pierce Linda , Pomranky Regina
Published: January 2012

How do military commanders and teams trained and equipped to fight and destroy the enemy, adapt their warfighting skills to perform peacekeeping missions? To understand current practices in commander and team deployment preparation, a research team supported by the Army Research Laboratory, Human Research and Engineering Directorate (ARL, HRED) interviewed training developers and observed unit preparation for operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina (B-H). Thirty days after deployment, we observed and interviewed unit personnel to assess their perceptions of mission preparation and determined the knowledge, skills and abilities, and information technology required for commanders and teams to operate and make decisions as part of a multi-national peacekeeping force. Training was influenced by a warfighting mindset that did not provide an adequate opportunity for the unit to practice fundamental peacekeeping tasks, build multi-functional teams, or adapt their information technology. Researchers are using cognitive models in learning, decision-making, and teamwork to develop methods and tools for training, assessment, and collaboration.
Cognitive Systems Engineering Analyses for Army Tactical Operations
Authors: Martinez Silas G. , Talcott Christopher , Bennett Kevin B. , Stansifer Craig , Shattuck Lawrence
Published: January 2012

The Cognitive Systems Engineering (CSE) approach has been applied successfully for domains in which the interaction is primarily driven by either the laws of nature or by user intentions. We have initiated a research program to apply the CSE approach to a domain that is driven by both. We describe the preliminary results of our initial efforts, primarily a work domain analysis using the abstraction hierarchy analytical tool. Overall, the CSE approach has proven to be very useful for analysis and design. The adversarial nature of the domain poses certain challenges. For example, information regarding both friendly and enemy forces is critical to decision making. However, the representations that have been developed for friendly forces cannot be used to represent enemy forces, due to a lack of critical information. We view these as inherent challenges associated with this type of domain, rather than as a shortcoming of the CSE approach.
Automation Reliance on a Combat Identification System
Authors: Dzindolet Mary T. , Pierce Linda , Pomranky Regina , Peterson Scott , Beck Hall
Published: January 2012

Several combat identification systems have been designed to reduce fratricide by providing soldiers the ability to “interrogate” a potential target by sending a signal that, if returned, identifies the target as a “friend.” Ideally soldiers will appropriately rely on these automated decision aids. However, research has found human operators often under-utilize (disuse) or overly rely on (misuse) automated systems (cf. Parasuraman & Riley, 1997). The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which experience and training would lead participants to appropriately rely on an automated decision aid. Participants provided with the automated aid were unable to adjust their reliance strategy to the reliability of the automated aid; results indicated aided participants made more errors than unaided participants did. Future studies should examine the processes underlying the automation reliance decision.
Using the Customer-Centric Approach to Design Interactive Voice Response Systems
Authors: Bushey Robert R. , Martin John M. , Joseph Kurt M.
Published: January 2012

This paper introduces and illustrates the practical application of the Customer-Centric approach to designing Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems, illustrated here as an auto-attendant function. This five-step approach to IVR menu design produces menu options that match the tasks customers are trying to accomplish. In addition, the options are grouped and ordered by the frequency of customers' tasks, and they are worded in the language of the customer. Consequently, customers make the correct selection and reach the correct service entity without additional assistance. Results indicate that the Customer-Centric approach, relative to more traditional IVR design approaches, is associated with measurable improvements in call-routing accuracy and customer satisfaction. Such improvements significantly reduce the volume of misdirected calls and enhance a company's relationship with its customers.
A Social Network Study of Online Communication among Elementary Students and Teachers with Home Internet Access
Authors: McCreary Faith , Ehrich Roger , Lisanti Melissa
Published: January 2012

This paper presents preliminary results from a social network study of an after-school, online community among 24 fifth grade students and two teachers from the PCs for Families Project. The project provided students and teachers with free home network technology and Internet access. A proxy server recorded home Internet usage so that student communication patterns could be determined. All recorded instances of after-school communication took place via email or project chat rooms. Teachers and students made greater use of email than chat to communicate outside the classroom. Students were more likely to communicate with students of the same gender using the Internet, with female students more likely than male students to email the female teaching staff. Further, once the physical classroom community ceased to exist, the Internet-enabled community virtually disappeared. Study results have implications for both research (e.g., how student characteristics relate to a student's role in Internet communication networks) and design (e.g., what means of Internet communication are must successful at promoting after-school interaction).
Shortening the Human Computer Interface Design Cycle: A Parallel Design Process Based on the Genetic Algorithm
Authors: McGrew John F.
Published: January 2012

The software design community considers human factors engineering to be a source of bottlenecks in the computer interface design cycle. This paper suggests a way to shorten and improve the typically linear design process, without skimping on human factors engineering. It proposes a parallel design process based on the genetic algorithm of natural biological evolution. Although the genetic algorithm design process can take place within a facilitated group, it differs significantly from facilitation techniques in several ways: It is a parallel process, each design generation is evaluated against a usability fitness function, successive generations must include components from the previous generation, and evolution continues until convergence (consensus regarding the best design) is reached. The process is demonstrated here by a case study of the interface design for a corporate software program. Participants considered 40 designs and reached consensus on a final design in eight hours, thereby shortening the design cycle from two weeks to one day.
Metaphors as Tools for Restructuring Knowledge: Metaphor-Based Learning about Computer Systems
Authors: Gilman Elaine M. , Gillan Douglas J.
Published: January 2012

We hypothesize that metaphor-based training provides a mechanism for creating knowledge structures (schemas) in declarative memory which permit learners to acquire information rapidly. An experiment to test this hypothesis involved: (1) pre-training, in which subjects' schematic knowledge structures were assessed using the Pathfinder algorithm; (2) metaphor-based training, in which one of five common domains served as the vehicle and the user interface for a computer served as the tenor; and (3) post-training that reassessed the schematic structures and tested user knowledge. The similarity of Pathfinder networks for the vehicle and tenor predicted performance during training, (2) performance during training predicted post-training similarity of the vehicle and tenor networks, and (3) post-training similarity of vehicle and tenor networks predicted aspects of post-training metaphor knowledge. The results support metaphor-based restructuring as a mechanism for rapid learning about computer systems.
The Effects of Search Environment and Task Realism on Search Behavior
Authors: Niu Xioyan , Bisantz Ann M.
Published: January 2012

This paper presents a study which compared user search behavior across an open search environment (the World Wide Web) and a closed search environment (an on-line library card catalog). Users performed a structured search task, where they were given topics to search for, and a self-directed search task, where they could choose their own topics. Search tasks were defined based on a qualitative, three-stage model of search behavior. Results showed that overall, search behavior tended to be very similar across search environments, indicating that empirical results and models of search behavior could generalize across these two environments.***

Differences were due primarily to characteristics of the particular search environments chosen (e.g., the Internet vs. a library catalog) and the searching mechanisms and interfaces available for searching these environments. Additionally, behavior was also similar across the structured vs. self defined search tasks, suggesting that aspects of search engines and user search behavior can be tested in a controlled setting and that the results can be applied to less controlled, more natural search tasks.
Computer Text Shading Algorithm Based on Perception of Luminance
Authors: Hah Sehchang , Hickey Thomas
Published: January 2012

With raster display systems, images on a monitor show jaggedness, because they are defined by integer coordinates of the monitor. This jaggedness is called an aliasing effect. To reduce this, engineers developed algorithms. One well-known algorithm is supersampling. This is accomplished by sampling at a higher resolution and reducing the sampled data to a lower resolution. We overlaid arrays of a 3times3 matrix on a text (supersampling) and reduced each array to a pixel on a monitor. In this process, engineers determined the level of the pixel luminance-intensity linearly to the number of elements painted in each array. Instead of using such direct, linear transformation, we determined the level of brightness, not the level of the pixel intensity, to produce better shading. Brightness, not luminance, is subjective. We created nine sets of gray levels based on this algorithm. We ran two experiments to choose the optimal gray-level set. In Experiment 1, participants chose the more legible of two letters shaded with different gray-level sets. In Experiment 2, participants counted target-letters in a string of letters as fast as they could. The experimental results did not favor gray-level sets that were close to the traditional linear transformation from the number of painted elements in arrays to pixel luminance-intensity. The best set was actually the third brightest as identified with this procedure using human participants. This perceptual algorithm can be used for any monitor to reduce aliasing effect.