Human Factors, Ergonomics, and Production Concepts

These flashcards cover key concepts, terms, and definitions related to human factors, ergonomics, commercial production, sustainability, and design principals as discussed in the lecture.

Human Factors

The study of how humans interact with products, systems, and environments.

Ergonomics

The science of designing products to optimize human well-being and overall system performance.

Anthropometric Data

Measurements of the human body, including height, weight, and limb lengths.

Primary Data

Data collected directly by the designer from the target audience.

Secondary Data

Data that is collected by others and used by designers, typically larger in scale.

Static Measurements

Fixed measurements of the human body, like height.

Dynamic Measurements

Measurements related to movement, reach, or strength.

Normal Reach

The comfortable arm extension distance of a user.

Maximal Reach

The maximum distance a user can extend their arm.

Percentiles Range

Statistical measure indicating the proportion of a population with a dimension at or below a certain value.

Clearance

The physical space between two objects.

Adjustability

The ability of a product to be changed in size to accommodate different users.

Range of Sizes

Different sizes a product is manufactured in to cater to various users.

Nominal Scale

Measurement scale used for labeling variables without any quantitative value.

Ordinal Scale

Scale that orders items by importance or significance.

Interval Scale

Scale that indicates order and the difference between values, but not absolute zero.

Ratio Scale

Scale similar to interval scale but with an absolute zero value.

Human Information Processing System (HIPS)

The system through which humans interpret information, encompassing inputs, processes, and outputs.

Perception

The process of interpreting sensory information.

Alertness

The state of being vigilant and attentive.

Comfort

The state of being physically free from discomfort or pain.

Fatigue

A state of physical or mental weariness.

Biomechanics

The study of the mechanical aspects of living organisms.

Just In Case (JIC)

A production strategy where products are made in anticipation of demand.

Inventory

A stock of goods ready for sale or distribution.

Just In Time (JIT)

A manufacturing strategy that produces goods only as they are needed.

Lean Production

Manufacturing that aims to minimize waste and maximize efficiency.

Value Stream Mapping

A tool to analyze production processes to identify waste and opportunities for improvement.

Workflow Analysis

The review of processes in a workflow.

Lead Time

The time between the initiation of a process and its completion.

Kaizen

A philosophy of continuous improvement involving all employees.

The 5 S’s of Lean

Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain.

The 7 Wastes

Overproduction, Waiting, Transporting, Wrong Process, Unnecessary Inventory, Motion, Defects.

CIM (Computer Integrated Manufacturing)

Utilizing computers to integrate manufacturing processes.

Mass Customization

Production of goods tailored to meet individual customer requirements.

Destructive Testing

Testing that destroys the product to measure physical property.

Non-Destructive Testing

Testing that does not damage the product.

Quality Control (QC)

Ensuring that products meet predefined quality standards.

Statistical Process Control (SPC)

A method of quality control using statistical methods.

Quality Assurance (QA)

Process-oriented approach to ensuring quality in production.

Cost Effectiveness

Strategy focusing on minimizing production costs.

Profit Margin

The difference between the costs of production and the sales price.

Variable Costs

Costs that change with production volume.

Fixed Costs

Costs that do not change regardless of production volume.

Break-even Point

The level of sales at which total costs equal total revenue.

Return on Investment (ROI)

A measure of the profitability of an investment.

Cradle to Grave

A design philosophy considering the entire lifecycle of a product.

Cradle to Cradle

A design philosophy aiming for products that can be reused infinitely.

Lifecycle Analysis (LCA)

Assessment of the environmental impact of a product throughout its lifecycle.

Product Cycle

The lifecycle stages of a product from introduction to withdrawal.

Conceptual Modelling

Abstract models created in the mind to understand ideas.

Graphical Model

Visualization of an idea created through drawings or software.

Physical Model

A tangible representation of an object in reduced or enlarged scale.

Virtual Model

Photorealistic interactive models created via CAD.

Projection Drawings

Accurate drawings depicting 3D objects in 2D formats.

Scale Drawings

Drawings that are proportional representations of the actual object.

Orthographic Drawings

2D views of an object showing its exact shape and dimensions.

Isometric Drawing

3D representation of objects with parallel lines at 30-degree angles.

Assembly Drawing

Illustration showing how parts fit together.

Freehand Drawing

Quick sketches made without technical tools.

Aesthetic Model

A model that resembles the visual characteristics of the final product.

Prototype

An early sample or model used to test a concept.

Fidelity

The degree to which a prototype resembles the final product.

Computer Aided Design (CAD)

The use of computers in the design process.

Surface Modelling

Creating realistic 3D models focusing on the exterior.

Solid Modelling

Detailed representation including all data about the final part.

Top Down Design

A design approach where the ultimate product is conceptualized first.

Data Modelling

Determining the structure of data in a system.

Digital Humans

Computer simulations of human biomechanics used for analysis.

Haptic Technology

Technology providing tactile feedback through touch.

Virtual Reality

Simulation of real-world environments on screen.

Motion Capture

Recording the movements of humans or animals electronically.

Rapid Prototyping

Quickly creating prototypes through various techniques.

Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)

A 3D printing process that layers plastic to create objects.

Stereolithography (SLA)

A 3D printing method using lasers to cure resin layer by layer.

Mass Production

Manufacturing large quantities of identical products.

Batch Production

Producing goods in groups or batches.

One-off Production

Producing unique items tailored to specific requirements.

Continuous Flow Production

Automated manufacturing process that operates nonstop.

Economies of Scale

Cost advantages gained from producing larger quantities.

Craft Production

Small-scale production emphasizing manual skills.

Automated Production

Production that uses machines controlled by computers.

Assembly Line Production

Production method where products move sequentially along a line.

Pioneering Strategy

Introducing an innovative product to the market first.

Imitative Strategy

Developing products similar to existing successful ones.

Hybrid Strategy

Combining both pioneering and imitative strategies.

Reverse Engineering

Analyzing a product by disassembling it to understand its workings.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

A self-regulation process where companies assess their impact on society.

Market Research

Gathering information to inform product design and strategies.

User Trials

Observing users interacting with a product to gather insights.

Qualitative Data

Data that describes the quality or category of information.

Quantitative Data

Data that is measurable and expressed numerically.

Price Strategy

Approach chosen to set prices for products or services.

Demand Pricing

Setting prices based on market demand for a product.

Cost Plus Pricing

Setting prices by adding a fixed percentage to the cost of production.

Psychological Pricing

Pricing that creates a perception of value for consumers.

Product Family

A group of related products that share common features.

Innovation

The implementation of new ideas or products that solve problems.

Invention

Creating a novel product or process not previously conceived.

Sustainable Development

Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations.