Bridger - Introduction to Human Factors and Ergonomics

Introduction to Human Factors and Ergonomics

Fourth Edition

Introduction to Human Factors and Ergonomics

Fourth Edition

R. S. Bridger

CRC Press

Taylor & Francis Group

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2018 by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Bridger, R. S., author.

Title: Introduction to human factors and ergonomics / Robert Bridger.

Other titles: Introduction to ergonomics

Description: Fourth edition. | Boca Raton : Taylor & Francis, CRC Press, 2018. | Earlier editions published under title: Introduction to ergonomics. | Includes bibliographical references.

Identifiers: LCCN 2017023573| ISBN 9781498795944 (hardback) | ISBN 9781498796118 (ebook)

Subjects: LCSH: Human engineering. | Work environment.

Classification: LCC TA166 .B72 2018 | DDC 620.8/2--dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2017023573

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Contents

My main objective in writing this new edition has been to put Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) into a bigger box : to provide first-time students with a greater awareness of the systems context in which HFE is used; systems lifecycle concepts such as the CADMID cycle and to make this book more usable than it was by project teams. To this end, I have added a new Prologue dealing with system concepts and included more material on general aspects of systems design and evaluation throughout this book. Some key concepts in systems thinking are introduced early on and are illustrated using HFE examples including gathering and writing requirements; functional design and allocation of function; and the use of HFE in quality assurance. These ideas have been carried forward into all of the subsequent chapters, such that the reader can learn how to write specific requirements in particular domains and carry out acceptance testing to check whether the requirements have been met.

HFE Works Best in a Bigger Box

A human-centered approach has been taken to organize the sequence of chapters in this book, as is illustrated in the model below. This way of presenting the information reflects the maturity of the underlying disciplines as reflected in international standards, where our knowledge within a particular domain is much more developed than our knowledge of the interactions between different domains. The model also serves to organize the chapters in relation to core scientific concepts and their basic applications.

A HumanMachine Model (adapted from prEN 14386: 2002(E)

In accordance with the model, there are chapters on body mechanics and dimensions, the senses, human information processing, and so on. The interactions between these elements of the human subsystem and the corresponding controls, displays, and other elements of the technical subsystem are described. Requirements for optimal design of systems are derived from an understanding of the human/technical subsystem interactions between the different elements.

Each chapter begins with a list of general human requirements that must be met when a system is designed. These requirements will help HFE specialists put HFE on the table early in the design cycle.

Within each chapter, the knowledge is organized using the standard model below in order to make it easier for readers to navigate HFE across the core disciplines.

Standard Model for the Organization of HFE Material in Every Chapter

Each chapter begins with a review of the core knowledge concerning the particular human elements, the scientific terminology, definitions, units and descriptions, and discussions of human physical and psychological subsystems. Some basic applications of this knowledge are then described followed by the tools and processes and a discussion of some of the wider issues of systems integration, including cost effectiveness and considerations of how the basic concepts of HFE can interact with each other when systems are put together. From the core knowledge and basic applications, requirements can be derived and developed and examples are given throughout this book. The tools and processes can be used for assurance purposes at any point in the system lifecycle, but preferably before the system is accepted for use. Cost-effectiveness arguments can be used during the design process and afterward to promote proper integration of HFE into the system and counter the arguments that inevitably arise when requirements are traded-off against each other.

In revising a textbook such as this, a compromise has to be made between presenting the latest research, without knowing how long it will be relevant and preserving the best research of the past without turning this book into a museum. Readers of previous editions will find much that is familiar: a focus on core knowledge across HFE; citations of classic research; examples of statistical; and other methods such as risk assessment toolsall of which are essential and widely used today. As core application areas mature and as tools are better validated, the need for lengthy discussions of supportive research diminishes and the need for explanation and validation of methods increases. Similarly, changing content reflects a changing world as the need for material on information technology is superseded by the need for more discussion of the Internet and issues such as sustainability; similarly, the traditional emphasis on physically demanding work gives way to the problems of occupational inactivity and associated problems such as obesity.