Unit 1 - Human Factors and Ergonomics

Adjustability

The ability of a product to be changed in size to suit a range of user percentiles.

Alertness

The degree of attention or vigilance an individual has in a given situation.

Anthropometrics

The study of human body measurements such as size, strength, and capacity, used in ergonomic design.

Biomechanics

The study of the mechanical functioning of biological systems, including muscles, joints, and posture in humans.

Clearance

The physical space between two objects, ensuring comfort or safety.

Cognitive ergonomics

The branch of ergonomics focused on how mental processes affect human-system interaction.

Comfort

The sense of physical or psychological ease experienced by a user.

Dynamic data

Measurements taken from the human body when it is in motion (e.g., reach, height while crawling).

Environmental factors

Psychological influences from the environment that can affect user performance.

Ergonomics

The application of scientific principles to optimize human interaction with products, systems, or environments.

Fatigue

A state of physical or mental weariness impacting performance.

Functional data

Dynamic measurements taken during task performance, used to improve workspace or product design.

Human error

Mistakes made by users which can lead to accidents or inefficiencies.

Human factors

The science of designing systems, tools, and products that account for human capabilities and limitations.

Human information processing system

A model of how humans interpret, process, and respond to information.

Interval data

Numerical data with known intervals but no true zero (e.g., temperature in Celsius).

Nominal data scale

Categorical data labeled by names without numerical significance (e.g., car types).

Ordinal data

Data ordered in a hierarchy without precise differences (e.g., rankings).

Percentile range

A statistical measure indicating the proportion of a population below a certain value.

Perception

How users interpret sensory information based on past experience and context.

Physiological factor data

Physical characteristics of users that impact design (e.g., strength, fatigue).

Primary data

Original data collected for a specific purpose.

Psychological factor data

Subjective human responses to stimuli such as color, sound, and temperature.

Qualitative data

Descriptive, non-numerical information that reveals user attitudes or feelings.

Quantitative data

Measurable data expressed numerically (e.g., height, weight).

Range of sizes

A variety of sizes produced to accommodate a majority of the target population.

Ratio data scale

Data with true zero allowing comparisons of absolute magnitude (e.g., weight).

Reach

The distance a person can extend their limbs to interact with objects.

Secondary data

Data collected by someone else, repurposed for your analysis.

Static data

Measurements taken when the body is at rest.

Structural data

Body measurements taken in a fixed position (e.g., standing height).

Workplace environmental factors

Aspects like noise, temperature, and layout that affect safety and productivity.