HFE UNIT 3 : Human Error

Human Factors Ergonomic

Human Error

A deviation from correct or appropriate behavior, including both unintentional mistakes and deliberate violations.

Error of Omission

Failure to perform a required action.

Error of Commission

Performing an incorrect or additional action beyond what is required.

Deliberate Violation

Intentional non-compliance with rules or procedures, often due to poor design or impractical regulations.

Cognitive Stages of Error (Reason’s Theory)

Three stages: Planning, Storage, and Execution.

Slip

Execution error: correct plan, but wrong action is performed.

Lapse

Storage error: forgetting a step or losing place in a task.

Mistake

Planning error: the goal or intended action is wrong.

Generic Error Modeling System (GEMS)

Classifies errors into skill-based, rule-based, and knowledge-based levels.

Skill-Based Error

Routine actions gone wrong; includes slips and lapses.

Rule-Based Error

Misapplication or failure to apply known rules correctly.

Knowledge-Based Error

Errors due to a lack of rules; requires reasoning and problem-solving.

Capture Slip

A more frequent or habitual action overrides the intended one.

Description-Similarity Slip

Correct action performed on the wrong object due to similarity.

Memory-Lapse Slip

Forgetting to perform or complete a step.

Mode Error

Performing a valid action in the wrong system mode.

Rule-Based Mistake

Using the wrong rule or applying a correct rule in the wrong context.

Knowledge-Based Mistake

Choosing incorrect actions based on faulty reasoning or lack of knowledge.

Memory-Lapse Mistake

Forgetting goals or plans, often due to distractions or interruptions.

Automation Irony

The idea that automation designed to reduce human error may actually shift error responsibility to designers and increase complexity for users.

Error Tolerance

System design approach that focuses on minimizing consequences and enabling recovery from human error.

Error Recovery

Ability of users to detect and correct errors after they occur.

Natural Mapping

Designing controls to intuitively match their effects.

Conceptual Model

A clear explanation of how a system works, aiding user understanding and reducing errors.

System Visibility

The degree to which users can perceive the system state and understand what actions are possible.

Undo Function

A design feature that allows users to reverse actions, enhancing error recovery.

Standardization

Ensuring consistent design across systems to reduce cognitive load and confusion.