PROBLEMS IN DESIGN

Human Factors has been called "the discovery and application of principles concerning human behavior

and characteristics to the design, evaluation, operation, and maintenance of products and systems that are

intended for safe, effective, satisfying use by people" (Human Factors and Ergonomics Society). The

practice of Human Factors is characterized by a systems approach to design that emphasizes the role of

the user and takes as its primary concern the information needs, sensory and mental capabilities, and

physical characteristics of the user. Human Factors is a young science, and it is not difficult to find

instances where the importance of taking into consideration characteristics of the user has not been

realized or where problems related to the user have not been resolved.

List problems in design that you have encountered that you think could be solved by knowledge in

Ergonomics.

Describe why each is a problem.

A. A case where the perceptual limitations of the human were not fully considered.

B. A case where decision making is difficult, perhaps because of the way in which information is

displayed.

C. A case where the user interface design of a system brings confusion and intimidation because the

usability aspects were not fully considered.

Not all products and environments have problems. In this section, list some Ergonomics success stories

or some instances of what you believe to be good design.

A. A case where human-machine interaction has been facilitated.

B. An instance where the cognitive characteristics of the user have been considered.

C. A case where user interface of a system has intuitive, aesthetically-pleasing, informative and

interactive design.