bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Levels of Automation on Supervisory Performance in a Multi-Task Environment
Authors: Harris Wayne C. , Goernert Phillip N.
Published: January 2012

Supervisors of highly automated systems monitor the performance of numerous sub-systems and intervene only when a sub-system fails. Such intervention, or fault management, requires the collection of information from multiple, dispersed, data sources. Fault management is supported by automated data monitoring, data location, and response recommendations following sub-system failure. The present study compared fault management across various levels of automated information management in a multi-task environment. In Experiment 1, participants presented simple problems and relatively ineffective assistance, continued to consult the primary data displays with little performance improvement and no automation bias. In Experiment 2, when required to manage more complex data with an apparently reliable decision aid, performance was not improved by the decision aid but responses to false alarms increased. Workload assessed by performance on concurrent tasks did not decrease in either experiment.
The Safety of Elderly Pedestrians at Five Urban Intersections in Miami
Authors: Guerrier José H. , Jolibois Sylvan C.
Published: January 2012

A study of five intersections was conducted in the city of Miami Beach to identify the problems encountered by young, middle-aged, and old pedestrians. Data were collected using questionnaires and videotapes. Both the survey and the videotape data support pedestrian difficulties at the intersections studied. Highlights of these findings are as follows: Pedestrians generally found the time available for pedestrians to cross the street too short. The data show that for the 15th percentile older pedestrian three of the four signalized intersections studied provided insufficient crossing time. A major cause of the difficulties of older pedestrians can be attributed to physical limitations. There was a substantive number of pedestrian-vehicle conflicts and in the majority of these conflicts the pedestrians were at fault. The results of this study underscore the need for countermeasures that include engineering design considerations and educational campaigns for drivers and pedestrians.
Patterns in Cooperative Cognition
Authors: Patterson Emily S , Watts-Perotti Jennifer , Smith Philip J. , Woods David D. , Shattuck Lawrence , Klein Gary , Jones Patricia M.
Published: January 2012

The goal of this panel is to discuss and begin to converge on what constitutes generalizable patterns in cooperative cognition. The premise is that by pulling together findings and observations that hold across different research perspectives, domains, and methodologies, we will further our understanding of the fundamentally cooperative nature of cognition. This understanding is central to the mission of human factors research, which is to provide design guidance and insight for new classes of innovative support tools.
Cognitive Models in User Interface Design
Authors: Coury Bruce G. , Strauss Richard A.
Published: January 2012

Modeling user decision making and problem solving tasks has become a basic requirement for identifying user needs and task requirements and the prerequisite step to developing user interface technologies. In our work in developing new user interface concepts for naval command centers, we have been using cognitive modeling techniques to capture the goals and actions of users, represent those goals and actions as cognitive models, and use those models to assess the utility of user interface options. The purpose of this paper is to show how cognitive modeling has becoming a fundamental component of our design process, and is being used to assess user interface options before actual prototype development commences.
The Cognitive Function Model
Authors: Thordsen Marvin , Hutton Robert , Anastasi Donna
Published: January 2012

This paper describes a recent Phase I effort to identify methods that could be used to help better define, for designers and engineers, the role of the human in complex system design. This methodology is referred to as Cognitive Function Modeling (CFM). The effort was driven largely by the need to “reduce manning” on complex systems being designed for the military such as the Navy's next generation aircraft carrier (CVX) and cruiser (SC-21). The methodology presented here combines two existing tools, the Operator Function Model and Cognitive Task Analysis, and introduces a new technique to aid the designers and engineers in identifying the components of the new systems that have varying degrees of “cognitive complexity.” By combining these techniques, the overall operator functions and tasks can be identified, they can be examined for cognitive complexity, and then, where needed, detailed cognitive task analyses can be applied. The goal of CFM is to provide the engineers and designers with four products: an overview of all of the tasks and functions associated with the operators; a clear indication of which of these tasks/functions are cognitively complex; a detailed cognitive analysis of these cognitively complex tasks/functions; and recommendations and cautions regarding designing for these specific tasks and functions. CFM provides the engineers and designers an overview of the areas where the roles and functions of the humans and computers need to be examined closely. It also highlights and describes the critical decisions, judgments, cues, challenges, and difficulties associated with these cognitively complex areas so the designers can better understand what their designs must address. Areas for future work are also briefly described.
Categorization is Difficult: Use of an Electronic Notebook for Organizing Design Meeting Notes
Authors: Gwizdka Jacek
Published: January 2012

The electronic engineering notebook is a pen-based computer tool designed to capture engineering notes and to assist in structuring them to facilitate subsequent information access. Experiments were conducted in which free-form and fixed-form note-taking interfaces were compared with respect to capturing and structuring notes from a design meeting. Suitability of domain-based and user-defined terminologies for semantic structuring was also tested. Results from the experiment confirmed that a free-form interface was easier to use for note-taking and structuring notes than were forms with fixed structure. However, difficulties with applying semantic categorizations were observed in both types of interface. The results indicated that terminology should be chosen appropriately to a task, and that experienced users have less problems with applying it. The experiment also demonstrated high diversity in note-taking styles, thus highlighting the need to accommodate individual preferences in electronic notebooks.
A Comparative Evaluation of Display Technologies for Reading
Authors: Gujar Anuj U. , Harrison Beverly L. , Fishkin Kenneth P.
Published: January 2012

This paper describes experiments investigating factors that contribute to the readability of computer displays. We present two experiments that focus on reading text from various display technologies, ranging from paper to novel, high-resolution, flat panel displays. This work represents a sequence of controlled experiments and field studies aimed at better understanding the affordances of paper and corresponding design requirements for portable reading devices. Our efforts update previous studies and consider new factors afforded by advances in display technology. Although our findings indicate no statistically significant performance differences between reading from paper and reading from electronic displays for intensive, short proofreading tasks, users nonetheless indicate a strong subjective preference for paper. Evidence from a second experiment indicate that the previously unexamined factors of weight, flexibility and thickness are significant factors behind this.
Barriers, Incentives and Facilitators for Adoption of Universal Design Practices by Consumer Product Manufacturers
Authors: Vanderheiden Gregg , Tobias Jim
Published: January 2012

As electronic technologies become more integrated into education and employment, the ability to access and use these new technologies becomes critical to people with disabilities (40 million people in the U.S. alone) if they are to be able to participate in these environments. A key strategy for ensuring access to these emerging technologies is the practice of universal design - designing products so that they can be directly used by as many people as possible. Universal design is a practice that depends on the standard, mass-market product manufacturers for its implementation. Although there are key examples of universal design practices in the electronic and communication industries, they do not represent the majority of current practice. Little is known or documented about the reasons why universal design is, or is not, practiced. This paper reports on the first phase of a three-year project to explore the practice of universal design of products, including key factors, motivators, disincentives, and barriers to its practice, as well as what activities external to the company would facilitate (or hinder) practice within companies.
Enhancing Learning of Human Factors with Web-Based Technology Applications
Authors: Hickox Joseph C. , Turner Stuart L. , Aretz Anthony J.
Published: January 2012

This paper describes a case study of two senior-level undergraduate courses in the Human Factors Engineering curriculum at the United States Air Force Academy. These courses were modified extensively to employ World Wide Web (WWW) and internet technologies as an assist to standard pedagogies. The modifications were made in response to multiple institutional goals and student needs. Descriptive survey data were collected to gauge student receptivity to these changes. Results suggest initial resistance, followed by a bimodal response of either strongly embracing the technology, or mildly rejecting it. Additional survey results are discussed along with instructor impressions of effectiveness.
This Pin I Wear: Telling the Story of the Human Factors/Ergonomics Profession
Authors: Sind-Prunier Paula
Published: January 2012

Professional outreach is an important responsibility of every member of the Human Factors & Ergonomics Society (HFES). By communicating information about our profession to outsiders, we increase visibility of the field, foster better understanding and hence increased cooperation from allied disciplines, promote sensitivity to user concerns, educate users to demand effectively designed products and services, and also, provide for continued recruitment of new generations into this discipline. This presentation focuses on the latter purpose, presentations intended to increase awareness of our profession among middle-, high school, and undergraduate college students. It uses a simple three-point framework to guide human factors professionals in preparing a clear, dynamic, relevant, and convincing presentation that can be delivered extemporaneously. The template is customized by the presenter who integrates his/her own experiences, and tailors it to the age group of the audience. This approach capitalizes upon the presenter's experience-based credibility and familiarity with personal examples, to ensure a presentation that is well received by young adult audiences.
Undergraduate Human Factors Curriculum and Introductory Human Factors Course Content
Authors: Gibb Randall W. , Caldwell Barrett S. , Garland Daniel J. , Goldberg Joseph H. , Hickox Joseph C. , Payne David G. , Wogalter Michael S.
Published: January 2012

This panel provided a discussion format for six academic institutions to share their Human Factors (HF) curriculum and more specifically, to educate others on how they teach their introductory HF course. Each panelist addressed the following topics regarding their HF curriculum: foundation courses of the department's degree and specific HF courses offered. Then the panelists focused their discussions to their specific introductory HF course: philosophy; text book(s) used; course objectives; course syllabus flow; grading practices; and specific lesson exercises/labs.
The Need Fora Standardized Set of Usability Metrics
Authors: Lund Arnold M.
Published: January 2012

A critical problem for the advancement of our discipline is the lack of consensus about metrics for measuring the dimensions of usability. What matters to users and to those who want users to adopt a system or product is usability from the users' perspective, and what should matter to designers and researchers is the question of what influences that perspective. Solving this problem would add structure to research on user interface methodologies and new design techniques. It would allow the research to be integrated more effectively. It would provide a way for industry to assess when the benefits of applying the results from the lab are justified by the cost, and it would support the creation of more useful guidance for the practitioner on when to apply new methodologies and techniques.
Effective Use of the World Wide Web (WWW) for HF/E Consultants
Authors: Andre Anthony D.
Published: January 2012

This paper provides an overview of the various human factors and ergonomics (HF/E) resources on the World Wide Web (WWW). A list of the most popular and useful HF/E sites will be provided, along with several critical guidelines relevant to using the WWW. The reader will gain a clear understanding of how to find HF/E information on the Web and how to successfully use the Web towards various HF/E professional consulting activities. Finally, we consider the ergonomic implications of surfing the Web.
Ergonomic Provisions of the Shelter's Safety at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Zhuravlyov Gennady E.
Published: January 2012

This paper outlines the main Human Factors/Ergonomic tasks to be solved to enhance the safety of the Shelter (Sarcophagus) of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plants's destroyed Unit #4 during current maintanance and forthcoming reconstruction as were observed during our visit to this site.

The convential Human Factors problems are connected to personnel activities such as: traffic organization, radiation cartography, communications, monitoring of the personnel activity inside the Shelter, protective clothes, instruments, illumination, and ventilation.

Macroergonomic problems include: uncertainty, risk to health, and high technical level of instruments and equipment used. Shelter workers have to assimilate many different professions and the scope of their training needs to be very large. Both situational and spatial uncertainties of the Shelter set special training problems. Three dimensional models and virtual reality tools are needed to help in solve these problems. Psychological training should also be conducted.

The investigation was performed within the framework of cooperation between Russian an American ergonomists (Parsons et al. 1992).
The Role of Individual Differences in Accident Involvement
Authors: Sweeney Margaret M.
Published: January 2012

Many research studies have focused on identifying how individual differences are linked to accident involvement. Results have indicated that such factors as external locus of control, anti-authority, delinquency, and low emotional stability are predictive of accident involvement (see Hansen, 1988 and Arthur, Barrett and Alexander, 1991). However, many studies have been limited to examining a few individual difference measures and determining the bivariate correlation between the construct and the criterion measure of accidents (i.e. number of accidents involved in). Typically, a concurrent research design is used, possibly confounding the measures of individual differences. This paper examines the influence of individual differences on accident involvement using a longitudinal research design. Individual difference measures were collected on soldiers in FY 86/87 and measures of job performance and accident involvement were collected for these soldiers for the following 3 years. Overall, the results are weak linking temperament or intelligence to accident involvement. One possible reason for the findings is the low frequency of accidents. Suggestions for additional research such as using incidents rather than accidents are presented.
Individual Differences in Perceived Importance of SWAT Workload Dimensions: Effects on Judgment and Performance in a Virtual High Workload Environment
Authors: Nygren Thomas E. , Schnipke Susan , Reid Gary
Published: January 2012

The Subjective Workload Assessment Technique (SWAT) is a numerical conjoint scaling procedure that is often used to construct estimates of overall perceived workload and the importance of component dimensions of time, effort, and stress load demands in evaluating workload. In this study initial SWAT scales were first constructed for 124 individuals who were then classified into one of six “workload prototype” groups based on a cluster analysis of their derived SWAT dimension weights. Individuals were then placed into three different virtual environment scenarios for which the task had either a high time, high mental effort, or high stress load component, respectively. Workload judgments and performance scores were obtained for each scenario. Results indicated that how individuals weighted the SWAT dimensions influenced both their judged workload for the scenarios and their performance measures in each scenario.
The Effects of VDT Location on User Posture and Comfort: A Field Study
Authors: Psihogios Jennie P. , Sommerich Carolyn M. , Mirka Gary A. , Moon Sam D.
Published: January 2012

A month-long field study was conducted to determine effects of large-screen VDT placement on user posture, comfort, and preference and to assess recommendations from a laboratory study. Viewing angles of 0 deg and -17.5 deg to center of screen were tested. Results showed effects of monitor placement on head tilt, but not on trunk postures. Total discomfort was greater at 0 deg. At the conclusion of the study, 8 participants elected to work with their monitors in the 0 deg location, 5 chose −17.5 deg, and one preferred a location midway between. For most subjects, these selections did not coincide with total reported discomfort. Together, findings from the laboratory and field studies suggest that computer users, whose primary focus is the monitor, be provided the flexibility to place the VDT in locations of their own choosing, within a viewing angle envelope of 0 to −17.5 deg.
Effect of Maximum Acceptable vs. Maximum Capacity Instructions for Three Lifting Tasks
Authors: Rice Valerie J. , Murphy Michelle , Sharp Marilyn , Mello Bob , Bills Randal
Published: January 2012

Psychophysical techniques for establishing lifting guidelines are used by industry and the military. The instructions used during industrial research refer to maximum acceptable lifts (MAL), while the military uses maximum capacity lifts (MCL). The purpose of this study was to determine male and female soldiers' load selections using two sets of instructions (MAL and MCL) and two lift heights (floor-knuckle and knuckle-shoulder) for three lifting tasks (one-repetition maximum, 1-hr and 8-hr repetitive lifting). Thirteen male and 13 female soldiers participated in this study. A repeated measures analysis of variance identified main effects. Newman-Keuls Comparison of Means were used to examine significant interactions. Results revealed no difference due to instructions. Men selected a greater load than women, and greater loads were selected for floor-knuckle versus knuckle-shoulder (p < 0.05). Although slight differences were seen between loads selected by industrial workers vs. soldiers, the research results appear comparable for repetitive lifting but not for single lifts.
Comprehensive Ergonomics Evaluation of Retail Ice Cream Shops
Authors: Dempsey Patrick G. , McGorry Raymond W. , Cotnam John , Braun Theodore K.
Published: January 2012

A comprehensive ergonomics evaluation of retail ice cream shop operations was performed. Although the analysis was initiated by interest in examining the ergonomics of scooping ice cream, a broad systems-based analysis of shop operations was recommended so that the overall health, safety and productivity of employees could be enhanced. The analyses performed included manual materials handling analysis (using psychophysical data), passive and active surveillance, quantification of forces required to scoop ice cream, and anthropometry and workplace design assessments. Walk-through hazard identification, informal employee interviews and industry-wide passive surveillance provided direction for the selection of analyses. Both laboratory and field data collection were conducted. The primary ergonomic deficiencies uncovered included poor postures and high muscular forces associated with scooping ice cream. Recommendations were made in each of these areas, as well as in the area of work practices, workplace design, and manual materials handling.
Measurement of Ergonomic Program in a Workplace: A Proposed Framework
Authors: Iridiastadi Hardianto
Published: January 2012

It is a widely known fact that implementing ergonomic programs in a workplace is not always an easy task. Part of the difficulty is due to the inability to measure performance associated with the ergonomic interventions. Consequently, it is also difficult to justify investments required for introducing such interventions. This paper will discuss several financial measures that can be used to justify expenses associated with ergonomic interventions. In addition, the paper will introduce the use of balanced measures. This approach takes into account non-financial and indirect performance resulting from ergonomic interventions in a workplace. This paper will also propose the concept of Ergonomic Performance Index (EPI), an aggregated figure that tells management the magnitude of performance improvements achieved within a specified time frame. This framework is proposed to help ergonomic practitioners market ergonomics.
Longitudinal Observations of Low Back Pain Recovery
Authors: Ferguson Sue A.
Published: January 2012

Most low back pain recovery studies evaluate one outcome measure at one point in time. Return to work, symptoms, activities of daily living and functional performance have been commonly used outcome measures. The goal of this project was to evaluate all four previously used outcome measures at several points in time. The second goal of the project was to predict outcome as a function of time and recovery measure. The outcome measures of working status, symptoms, and activities of daily living were measured using questionnaires. Functional performance outcome was evaluated using the lumbar motion monitor. These outcome measures were evaluated every two weeks for three months. Psychological factors, psychosocial factors, physical job demands and personal factors that may influence recovery were also evaluated. Discriminant function analysis was used to predict outcome at a specific visit given the confounding factors and any previous conditions. The cross-validation error rate for the discriminant function results ranged from 0–15%. The results showed discrepancies among the four outcome measures in there indication of recovery. This is the first study to compare multiple outcome measures at several point in time after an LBP episode.
Determining the Preferred Order of Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS): A User-Centered Approach
Authors: Smith-Jackson Tonya , Wogalter Michael S.
Published: January 2012

Although the Hazard Communication Standard (OSHA, 1994) provides recommendations for the type of information contained in materials safety data sheets (MSDSs), there are no regulations for the order in which information should be presented. Research and theory suggest that information displays that are constructed to match the user's mental model facilitate visual search efficiency and accuracy. The present research was designed to determine whether there is a preferred ordering of MSDS information that novices expect, presumably based on their cognitive expectations. Sixty participants were given MSDS section information on separate sheets and asked to arrange them in an order they considered most usable. The results showed differences in the placement of certain components within different MSDSs and the consistent placement of other components (e.g., Health Hazards Data, Physical Data) at the beginning or the end. Results showed support for common mental models among novices relating to the order in which safety information should be displayed. Implications for the design of MSDSs and safety material are discussed.
Evaluation of Mining Activities Using a Scenario Interview Approach
Authors: Turin Fred , Steiner Lisa , Cornelius Kim
Published: January 2012

NIOSH researchers have been examining underground coal mining activities in order to evaluate work crew hazards. In 1994 a continuous mining machine operator was killed by falling roof during extended cut mining. Many aspects of the incident were used by NIOSH researchers to develop a scenario interview. The goal was to provide a realistic framework for acquiring frank and detailed insights. The interview consists of two sections. The first describes the underground mining conditions. The second recounts the fatal incident. Each section is supplemented by a diagram and a set of questions addressing relevant safety issues. The interview was administered at three mines that actively take extended cuts. Researchers found the scenario approach to be an effective interview tool as well as an effective hazard awareness and safe work practices training platform.
Inspection in Process Control
Authors: Thepvongs Somchart , Kleiner Brian M.
Published: January 2012

Consistent with the precepts of total quality control and total quality management, there has been a resource shift from incoming and outgoing inspection processes to statistical quality control of processes. Furthermore, process control operators are responsible for their own quality, necessitating the in-process inspection of components. This study treated the statistical process control task of “searching” control charts for out-of-control conditions as an inspection task and applied the Theory of Signal Detection to better understand this behavior and improve performance. Twelve subjects participated in a research study to examine how the portrayal of control chart information affected signal detection theory measures. The type of display did not have a significant effect on the sensitivity and response criterion of subjects. These results are discussed in terms of the applicability of Signal Detection Theory in control chart decision making as well as implications on display design.
Can Human Factors Technologies Fill the Gaps when there are Fewer People to do the Job?
Authors: Lilienthal Michael G. , Smillie Robert J.
Published: January 2012

In the government, as well as, other industries, economic pressures are forcing organizations to operate with less money. With an organization such as the military where advanced technologies for equipment capture a significant portion of available funds, the only alternative is to reduce personnel costs, i.e., can fewer people do the work without compromising operational capability. In addition to budget considerations, the problem becomes exacerbated when population trends are examined. The objective of this panel is to address personnel reduction by focusing on the U.S. Navy's stated goal of major cut-backs in crew size while maintaining the same level of operational capability and assessing the capability of available human factors technologies to support this shift.
The Effectiveness of Educating Pedestrians about their own Nighttime Visibility
Authors: Tyrrell Richard A. , Patton Chad W.
Published: January 2012

Pedestrians consistently overestimate their visibility at night. This experiment examined the effectiveness of several strategies of educating pedestrians about their own nighttime visibility. Forty-eight undergraduates were assigned to one of four groups: Lecture, Demo, Combo, or Control. Several weeks prior to data collection, participants in the Lecture and Combo groups had heard a lecture on applied visual physiology in their Introductory Psychology course. Immediately before data collection, participants in the Demo and Combo groups sat in a car and watched a nighttime pedestrian visibility demonstration. Under various clothing and illumination configurations, all participants walked towards a stationary car until they believed they were recognizable as a pedestrian. The lecture significantly reduced estimated visibility distances. This result is encouraging since it suggests public education efforts may be useful. The demonstration did not produce significant changes when participants wore either white or black clothing, but significantly increased estimates when wearing retroreflective strips.
The Driving Habits of Older Adults with Visual Impairment
Authors: Chaparro Alex , McGregor Loretta , Stumpfhauser Laszlo
Published: January 2012

It is estimated that there are 3 million Americans with visual impairment (best corrected acuity of 20/40). How many persons with visual impairment drive and how their driving habits differ from elderly drivers without visual impairment is not known. To address this issue a driving survey was administered to a group of elderly (mean age = 78.69, SD=10.73) recruited from a retirement home community and an agency providing services to persons with visual impairment. The survey solicited demographic information (age, sex, education level), information about driving habits (miles driven yearly, frequency of driving at night, during rush-hour etc.), and ratings of either the level or frequency of difficulty experienced with different driving tasks (seeing the instrument panel, difficulty is glare produced by headlights, judging speed, reading signs etc.). We found that ∼50% and 83% of elderly, respectively with and without visual impairment continue to drive. The low vision drivers report significantly greater difficulty with glare caused by headlights, reading street signs, seeing past a dirty windshield and seeing their instrument panel clearly. Analysis of the driving habits revealed that the drivers with and without visual impairment reported similar levels of rush-hour driving, and drove approximately the same number of miles a year. However, visually impaired elderly drivers were significantly less likely to drive at night than their elderly counterparts with normal vision.
When Soft Controls get Slippery: User Interfaces and Human Error
Authors: Stubler William F. , O'Hara John M.
Published: January 2012

Many types of products and systems that have traditionally featured physical control devices are now being designed with soft controls - input formats appearing on computer-based display devices and operated by a variety of input devices. A review of complex human-machine systems found that soft controls are particularly prone to some types of errors and may affect overall system performance and safety. This paper discusses the application of design approaches for reducing the likelihood of these errors and for enhancing usability, user satisfaction, and system performance and safety.
Reducing Cannon Plug Connector Pin Selection Time and Errors Through Enhanced Data Presentation Methods
Authors: Kancler David E. , Quill Laurie L. , Revels Allen R. , Webb Robert R. , Masquelier Barbara L.
Published: January 2012

This research investigated the effects of data presentation formats on technician performance when maintenance procedures are presented on a monocular, head-mounted display (HMD). The maintenance task was a continuity check performed by identifying, selecting, and testing pairs of cannon plug connector pins. Two formats were used to present task procedure information to the subject: a format that mimicked the standard technical procedure manual, including the textual and graphical characteristics; a format which provided the same information as the first, while adding visual cues to the graphical portion of the technical information. Two types of cannon plugs were used: ‘few-pin’ plugs (12 and 13 pins) and ‘many-pin’ plugs (55 and 79 pins).

United States Air Force (USAF) avionics maintenance technicians stationed atBarksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana served as subjects. Dependent measures were: task completion time, task error rate, and subjective reports on the usability of the information presentation structure and the HMD. Results indicate that in general, technicians perform tasks more quickly and commit fewer errors when using enhanced graphical data presentation methods. Technicians indicated via post test questionnaire that such data formats, and HMDs in general, could be a useful tool in the performance of their maintenance duties.
An Empirical Study of Perspective-Based Usability Inspection
Authors: Zhang Zhijun , Basili Victor , Shneiderman Ben
Published: January 2012

Inspection is a fundamental means of achieving software usability. Past research showed that during usability inspection the success rate (percentage of problems detected) of each individual inspector was rather low. We developed perspective-based usability inspection, which divides the large variety of usability issues along different perspectives and focuses each inspection session on one perspective. We conducted a controlled experiment to study its effectiveness, using a post-test only control group experimental design, with 24 professionals as subjects. The control group used heuristic evaluation, which is the most popular technique for usability inspection. The experimental results are that 1) for usability problems covered by each perspective, the inspectors using that perspective had higher success rate than others; 2) for all usability problems, perspective inspectors had higher average success rate than heuristic inspectors; 3) for all usability problems, the union of three perspective inspectors (with one from each perspective) had higher average success rate than the union of three heuristic inspectors.
Design and Presentation of a CD-ROM Driving Program (Driver-ZED)
Authors: Blank Deborah , McCord Rob
Published: January 2012

The AAA program known as ‘driver-ZED’ (Zero Errors Driving) addresses the issue of hazard recognition and risk-taking during driving. Via CD-ROM, teens are presented with a multitude of real world driving situations that would otherwise take many hours behind the wheel to experience. The program employs myriad short driving sequences of varying level of difficulty and focus. In each sequence the user is presented with a realistic view of the road ahead including the concurrent views from the rear and left side mirror. Each sequence is precisely arranged and shot from a vehicle that has been specially rigged with multiple motion cameras. These multiple real worldviews are then digitally combined with a photorealistic graphic showing the view of the dash and windshield from the driver's seat. In this way a realistic view of the road from the driver's seat is created while at the same time allowing computer control of items on the dash such as the speedometer and other gauges. As the driving situation warrants, the users can also look right or left or over their shoulder and passengers can even be dad to provide further distractions or deliver feedback.
Application of Hand-Held PC Technology to Support Evaluation of Tactical Decision Making Performance
Authors: Reeves Darian , Burns John , Paris Carol , Johnston Joan , Lyons Denise
Published: January 2012

High performance activities as firefighting, tactical command and control, and trauma victim rescues routinely require teams to perform complex and difficult tasks that are ambiguous, rapidly evolving, time pressed, physically risky, and that require multi-component decisions. Training high performance teams requires scenarios that are realistic; therefore, developing effective training requires specifying and designing adequate measurement and diagnostic tools for tracking the complex team interactions that underlie team performance. However, the paper-based nature of these training tools is labor intensive and costly, and severely limits the ability to provide team feedback in a timely manner. The Shipboard Mobile Aid for Training and Evaluation (ShipMATE) has been successfully engineered for automating assessment of team process measures. In this paper we describe a similar approach for automating assessment, diagnosis, and performance feedback on team tactical decision making (TDM) behaviors. First, we review lessons learned from the design of ShipMATE for teamwork skills and describe a prototype ShipMATE interface for evaluating team TDM. Implications for application to tactical team training are also discussed.
To Ve or not to Ve? A Comparison of two Ve Technologies for Training
Authors: Kass Steven J. , Ahlers Robert H.
Published: January 2012

This paper summarizes the training value of two types of desk top virtual environment (VE) technologies. The advantages and disadvantages of a model-based and a digital image-based approach are described. The engine room spaces of a naval destroyer were modeled using each of these approaches to train Navy engineering students to conduct material readiness inspections. The impact of the technologies on dynamics, and the learning of systems knowledge and spatial orientation are discussed. This paper provides the practitioner with some issues and guidance to aid in deciding how to employ virtual environment technology for training.
A Comparison of Sickness Symptoms between Dropout and Finishing Participants in Virtual Environment Studies
Authors: Ehrlich Jennifer A. , Kolasinski Eugenia M.
Published: January 2012

Virtual environment (VE) users often experience varying levels of Nausea, Oculomotor Discomfort, and Disorientation after VE exposure. Is there a difference in symptoms for people who end their VE exposure prematurely compared to those who, though suffering discomfort, do not? Sickness data from 29 participants who dropped out of their experimental study (dropouts) and 29 of the most severely sick of those who completed their study (finishers) were compared. Though there was insufficient evidence to conclude that the two groups differed in terms of Total Severity, dropouts experienced significantly more Nausea than did finishers. Relative subscale rankings indicate the most severe symptom for dropouts was primarily Disorientation followed by Nausea. For finishers the most severe symptom was also Disorientation but followed essentially equally by either Nausea or Oculomotor Discomfort. Ramifications of these findings are discussed.
Three-Dimensional Auditory Localization of Nearby Sources
Authors: Brungart Douglas S.
Published: January 2012

Although the head-related transfer function (HRTF) is known to change substantially with distance when a source is located within 1 m of the listener's head, very little is known about auditory localization performance in this region. In this experiment, an acoustic point source was used to measure auditory localization accuracy in azimuth, elevation and distance. The overall directional error (16.5°) was similar to that measured in previous localization experiments with more distant sources, although the number of front-back reversals increased when the source was near the head. Distance localization was relatively accurate for lateral sources (stimulus-response correlation r>0.80) and relatively inaccurate for sources near the median plane, indicating that binaural difference cues are important to auditory distance perception for nearby sources. These results suggest that distance-dependent HRTFs measured for nearby sources could be used to provide robust binaural distance information in a virtual audio display.
Use of Global Optical Flow Rate and Discontinuity Rate Depends on Their Validity as Determinants of Egospeed
Authors: Ballard Terry G. , Roach Tony , Dyre Brian P.
Published: January 2012

Previous research found both discontinuity rate and global optical flow rate contribute to the perception of egospeed but differed in estimates of which source of information dominated. This research examined two methodological differences that may explain the conflicting results: frame rate, and the relative validity of discontinuity rate and flow rate as determinants of egospeed. Observers estimated egospeed perceived during simulations of self-motion. Discontinuity rate and flow rate were manipulated independently by varying velocity and altitude. Frame rates were consistent with Dyre (1997) and the validity of discontinuity rate and flow rate as determinants of egospeed was varied. We found the relative use of discontinuity rate and flow rate was related to the validity of these sources of information. Frame rate was not an important factor. These results suggest the visual system is sensitive to multiple sources of information for perceiving egospeed and adapts to the most optimal source.
Emergent Features, Spatial Arithmetic, and Visual Scanning Behavior
Authors: Hurts Karel M. , van Leeuwen Theo H.
Published: January 2012

In this study the relationship between spatial arithmetic and emergent features was investigated in a study requiring subjects to perform integrated tasks (tasks that require the integration of various data values shown in a graph) with one type of configural graph and one type of non-configural (separable) graph. Among other things, the question was addressed to what extent separable graphs have emergent features (perceptual qualities arising from the way the values are plotted) that can invoke spatial arithmetic (arithmetic using visual strategies) and thereby can facilitate task performance. To this end tasks were defined that were expected to invoke either spatial or mental (non-spatial) arithmetic. The subjects' visual scanning behavior was also recorded to see if it can supplement performance indices as a means for comparing spatial and mental arithmetic and for assessing the relative effectiveness by which graphical information is processed. The results of an experiment show that, as expected, spatial arithmetic can be invoked in both configural graphs and separable graphs. In addition, spatial arithmetic and mental arithmetic could be experimentally distinguished in terms of global characteristics of the visual scanning behavior. However, configural graphs did not result in better performance than separable graphs. These findings are discussed, the focus of the discussion being on the multitude of features that are often present in both configural and separable graphs and that allow for various degrees of spatial processing.
Examination of Part 135 Controlled Flight into Terrain Accidents as a Basis for Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning Systems
Authors: Mortimer Rudolf G. , von Thaden Terry L
Published: January 2012

In 1998 the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposed the installation of Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning devices (EGPWS) in all turbine powered aircraft with six or more passenger seats, operating under Federal Aviation Regulation Part 135, to reduce “Controlled Flight Into Terrain” (CFIT). CFIT accident experience of Part 135 operations has not been evaluated by the FAA. We analyzed all commuter and charter aircraft crashes of this type using NTSB aviation accident data from 1983 to 1998. There were 15 crashes with CFIT criteria. We asked 15 experienced pilots to examine the narratives of the crashes and to estimate the probability that EGPWS would have allowed the crew to avoid these crashes. Based on the ratings, the median probability that Part 135 crashes would be avoided using EGPWS is 58%. Human factors issues associated with EGPWS are discussed.
Checklists for Human-Robot Collaboration during Space Operations
Authors: Schreckenghost Debra Keirn
Published: January 2012

We have developed a user interface that assists a human and a robot in maintaining a shared understanding of situation while performing tasks jointly. This interface is based on the checklist artifact. Just as human teams use such artifacts to coordinate and remind themselves of ongoing activities and to document what was done for later inspection, we propose that humans and robots benefit from jointly manipulating a computer-based checklist during traded control. To evaluate this proposal, we developed user interface software for an intelligent robotic control architecture. We use this software to interact with an automated robot during traded control tasks for experimentation and maintenance operations during space exploration. The results of our evaluation are reported in this paper.
Effects of Camera Configurations on Target Observation that is Performed from an Uninhabited Air Vehicle
Authors: Ruddle Roy A. , Savage Justin C. , Jones Dylan M
Published: January 2012

Participants acted as observers for flights of an uninhabited air vehicle (UAV) that were simulated using a desk-top virtual environment (VE). Observations were made using either one, two, or three on-board cameras which provided an integrated field of view (FOV) of up to 40° X 90° (the FOV of each camera was 40° X 30°). During each flight, participants had to detect and recognize targets, and after each flight participants had to recall targets' positions on a plan view. As more cameras were added, participants were able to detect and recognize the targets from further away. The additional cameras (and, hence, display area) had no effect on the accuracy of participants' recall. However, participants' recall accuracy was 60% worse in the direction of the UAV's flight path than perpendicular to the flight path.
Over-The-Counter (OTC) Drug Labeling: Format Preferences
Authors: Vigilante William J. , Wogalter Michael S.
Published: January 2012

The present research examines two different consumer groups' perceptions of the readability of OTC medication labels. Twelve labels depicting an OTC medication with a fictitious name were constructed and attached to bottles. The labels varied in (a) print size (4 point, 7 point, 10 point), (b) amount of white space between lines or sections of text (no spacing; label section spacing; and line spacing), and (c) label design (standard vs. extended/pull-out). Ninety-nine older adults and 102 undergraduates rank-ordered the labels according to overall ease of reading. In general, participants preferred the labels printed with larger type and line spacing. White space appeared to have less influence over the rankings than print size for older adults. However, the use of both a larger print size and increased white spacing appeared to influence the undergraduates' ratings. Also, there was no clear preference between the extended and standard label designs but their evaluation was only conducted with for the small print conditions. The implications of these results for the design of OTC medication labels and other consumer products are discussed.
Traffic Sign Conspicuity: The Effects of Clutter, Luminance, and Age
Authors: Scialfa C. T. , Ho G. , Caird J. K. , Graw T.
Published: January 2012

The effects of visual clutter, luminance, and aging on traffic sign conspicuity were examined in two experiments. Experiment 1a evaluated clutter using subjective judgments from 28 older and younger observers. Participants categorized daytime and nighttime traffic scenes into high or low clutter. Using these categorized scenes, in Experiment 1b a new sample of 28 younger and older participants visually searched for traffic signs. Reaction time and eye movement data were analyzed. Results suggested that aging and clutter affect con-spicuity. Moreover, older adults had poorer performance on target-absent trials. No luminance effect or any age by clutter interactions were obtained. Expertise gained through many years of driving may dampen clutter effects experienced by older adults. The nonlinear relationship between fixation frequency and fixation duration is discussed in relation to similar findings in experimental visual search. Results suggest that age differences found in processing simple visual stimuli may not generalize to more naturalistic scenes.