| 1. |
- Bligård, Lars-Ola, 1976, et al.
(författare)
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The power of the dollhouse : Comparing the use of full-scale, 1:16-scale and virtual 3D-models for user evaluation of workstation design
- 2018
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Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier. - 0169-8141 .- 1872-8219. ; 68, s. 344-354
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The benefits of having users evaluate product or workplace design during the development process are well known. This is often achieved by letting users interact with one or more models of the design proposal, in order to elicit feedback. The issue for product developers is to choose what type(s) of models to use (from paper drawings to physical or virtual mock-ups or fully working prototypes) and when to use them in the development process, while making optimal use of resources like time, money and personnel.This paper compares three types of simple three-dimensional (3D) models (1:1 scale, 1:16 scale and CAD) representing a ship bridge workstation, examining what kind of feedback they elicit in a design evaluation with representative users. Participants were asked to assess the proposed design and to compare the models' relative merits. The study found that while all three types of 3D models elicited several types of useful design feedback, there were differences in both quantity and content of the feedback elicited by each model type. The physical models elicited more feedback than the CAD model, both regarding content richness (direct and indirect design feedback) and quantity. The tangibility of the models seems to greatly influence acceptance and credibility.
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| 2. |
- Bodin, Theo, et al.
(författare)
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Activity in neck-shoulder and lower arm muscles during computer and smartphone work
- 2019
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Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : ELSEVIER. - 0169-8141 .- 1872-8219. ; 74
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Relevance to industry: There is emerging evidence of musculoskeletal problems related to smartphone work and a rapid transition to mobile workplaces, where smartphones are key working tools. Aim: The study's aim was to compare muscle activity during computer work with smartphone work and to see what possible effects ergonomic recommendations for smartphone usage have on muscle activity. Methods: Activity was measured bilaterally from the upper trapezius muscle and from lower arm muscles on the right hand side, on twelve participants with surface electromyography who performed e-mail work on the computer using ergonomic recommendations, smartphone in a self-chosen way of working and on smartphone with ergonomic recommendations. Effects on productivity was not assessed in this study. Results: Activity in m. trapezius and m. extensor digitorum was significantly higher during computer work (p < 0.05) than during the two smartphone usages and activity in m. interossei dorsalis 1 was, vice versa, significantly higher during smartphone work fp < 0.05). Comparison of smartphone in self-chosen way of working and smartphone with ergonomic recommendations showed no significant differences. Conclusions: Previous research has highlighted the benefits of variation of work postures. This paper indicates that replacing the computer with a smartphone gives the trapezius muscle an opportunity to rest.
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| 3. |
- Brolin, Erik, et al.
(författare)
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Adaptive regression model for synthesizing anthropometric population data
- 2017
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Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier. - 0169-8141 .- 1872-8219. ; 59, s. 46-53
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper presents the development of an adaptive linear regression model for synthesizing of missing anthropometric population data based on a flexible set of known predictive data. The method is based on a conditional regression model and includes use of principal component analysis, to reduce effects of multicollinearity between selected predictive measurements, and incorporation of a stochastic component, using the partial correlation coefficients between predicted measurements. In addition, skewness of the distributions of the dependent variables is considered when incorporating the stochastic components. Results from the study show that the proposed regression models for synthesizing population data give valid results with small errors of the compared percentile values. However, higher accuracy was not achieved when the number of measurements used as independent variables was increased compared to using only stature and weight as independent variables. This indicates problems with multicollinearity that principal component regression were not able to overcome. Descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation values together with correlation coefficients is sufficient to perform the conditional regression procedure. However, to incorporate a stochastic component when using principal component regression requires raw data on an individual level.Relevance to industryWhen developing products, workplaces or systems, it is of great importance to consider the anthropometric diversity of the intended users. The proposed regression model offers a procedure that gives valid results, maintains the correlation between the measurements that are predicted and is adaptable regarding which, and number of, predictive measurements that are selected.
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| 4. |
- Falck, Ann-Christine, 1949, et al.
(författare)
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Basic complexity criteria and their impact on manual assembly quality in actual production
- 2017
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Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 1872-8219 .- 0169-8141. ; 58, s. 117-128
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Increasing design and assembly complexity are challenges facing the automotive industry today because increasing number of car variants and build options can result in immense difficulties and lead to costly assembly errors and quality losses. In order to remain on the market these conditions must nevertheless be managed by companies in hard competition with other manufacturers. The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of newly developed basic complexity criteria (CXB) on assembly quality and associated costs for corrective measures in manual assembly of cars. Data on error rate and action costs of assembly tasks of different complexity level was collected and analyzed. The inter-relationship between different complexity criteria was analyzed to see whether any criteria had a greater impact than others. The results showed that the action costs/car increased with increasing complexity level and that several complexity criteria together resulted in increased action costs. Some criteria tended to have a greater impact than others but need more research. The results further suggest that if high complexity issues are identified and replaced by low complexity solutions the assembly related action costs in manual assembly are likely to decrease.Relevance to Industry: By reduction of basic assembly complexity already in early planning stages in product development significant reduction of costly assembly related action costs in manual assembly can probably be made.
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| 5. |
- Glimne, Susanne, 1966-, et al.
(författare)
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Eye symptoms and reading abilities of computer users subjected to visually impaired direct glare
- 2019
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Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier. - 0169-8141 .- 1872-8219. ; 72, s. 173-179
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Computer work is a visually demanding task associated with adverse eye symptoms. Frequent use of digitaldisplays is known to cause a deterioration of the so-called binocular control. Direct glare further reduces thecapacity for binocular coordination during computer work, leading to reduced reading ability and increased eyesymptoms.The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different luminance levels of direct glare on binoculareye movement control and reading ability in a computer work environment.Sixteen participants with normal binocular vision performed equal reading tasks in a balanced study. Threecontrolled lighting conditions of direct glare (2000, 4000 and 6000 cd/m2) were tested, in addition to no glare.After each trial, the participants answered survey questionnaires regarding their understanding of the text, aswell as their subjective experience of workload and perceived vision. Horizontal fixation disparity (FD) wasmeasured before and after the reading tasks to evaluate binocular eye movement control.When comparing the responses of visual experience, a significant difference in reported eye symptoms wasfound between lighting conditions. Based on the variation (SD), a significant difference was found within meanvalues of repeated measurements of horizontal FD and a significantly higher variation in a comparison of initialFD values measured during lighting conditions of no glare, to final measured values in all three glare conditions.Reading ability was found to be significantly negative affected with the adversity of lighting conditions.This study supports the contention that binocular eye movement control is reduced caused by direct glare.Even lower degree of disability glare caused eye symptoms. The results establish the argument that working withflat screens raises visual demands.
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| 6. |
- Hanson, Robin, 1981, et al.
(författare)
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Manual picking from flat and tilted pallet containers
- 2018
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Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 1872-8219 .- 0169-8141. ; 64, s. 199-212
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Manual picking operations commonly occur both in distribution settings and within manufacturing industry and may consume large proportions of the working day for operators, with associated potential problems of poor postural ergonomics and low time efficiency. As a remedy to such problems, alternative material layouts like tilted material pallets may be an attractive solution. This study provides quantitative empirical evidence comparing the relative merits and drawbacks of flat and tilted pallet configurations, with regard to physical ergonomic loading and time consumption. This was explored with an experimental setup at the site of an industrial company, where various representative picking operators were observed while emptying flat and tilted pallets. The observation was video recorded and subjected to a time study and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). Results showed that there are differences in picking time and physical workload depending on where in the pallet the picking action takes place, and that flat and tilted pallets bring different postural opportunities and challenges for different operator percentiles in the working population. An overview of postural ergonomics consequences and their associated risk levels are shown, and the results serve to further increase the understanding of which factors are affected by choosing between a tilted or flat component presentation. This understanding is highly relevant to industry, where it can contribute to the design of both efficient and ergonomically sound processes for manual picking operations.
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| 7. |
- Heiden, Marina, 1974-, et al.
(författare)
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Validity of a computer-based risk assessment method for visual ergonomics
- 2019
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Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0169-8141 .- 1872-8219. ; 72, s. 180-187
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- ObjectiveTo describe the development of a computer-based risk assessment method for visual ergonomics, and assess its face validity, content validity, and internal consistency.MethodsThe risk assessment method contained a questionnaire for the worker, an evaluation form for the evaluator, a section of follow-up questions based on the worker's responses, and a section for recommended changes, including an overall risk assessment with respect to daylight, lighting, illuminance, glare, flicker, work space, work object and work postures, respectively. Forty-eight trained evaluators used the method to perform 224 workplace evaluations. Content validity of the method was assessed by the completeness and distribution of responses, and internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's alpha, Spearman's rank correlation between items and indices, and exploratory factor analysis.ResultsThe proportion of missing values in items was generally low (questionnaire: 0–2.3%; evaluation form: 1.4–4.1%). In the questionnaire, items about double vision, migraine and corrective lenses had limited information content. Cronbach's alpha and item-index correlations for the indices frequency of eyestrain, intensity of eyestrain, visual symptoms, lighting conditions, frequency of musculoskeletal discomfort and intensity of musculoskeletal discomfort were satisfactory. Based on the factor analysis, suggestions for improving some of the indices were made.ConclusionOur findings suggest that this computer-based method is a valid instrument for assessing risks in the visual work environment. By incorporating subjective ratings by the worker as well as objective measurements of the work environment, it provides a good basis for recommendations with respect to daylight, lighting, work surfaces/material, and work object.Relevance to industryVisual environment factors, such as glare, can cause eyestrain, headache and musculoskeletal discomfort. This method satisfies the need of a valid tool for determining risks associated with the visual work environment. It contains both worker's ratings and objective measurements, and is designed to be used in different types of work.
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| 8. |
- Illankoon, Prasanna, 1977-, et al.
(författare)
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A prospective study of maintenance deviations using HFACS-ME
- 2019
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Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier. - 0169-8141 .- 1872-8219. ; 74
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The factors initiating aviation accidents are usually hidden behind various steps, systems, and tasks, and systematic root-cause analysis is required to uncover the initial factor(s). To reduce the risk of unfavourable events, it is more appropriate to study their causal factors. We argue that an in-depth study on maintenance process deviations could assist in uncovering hidden causal factors. We therefore analyse reported maintenance deviations from an aviation organisation using the Human Factor Analysis and Classification System-Maintenance Extension (HFACS-ME) taxonomy to aggregate and map hidden causal factors. We find attention and memory errors and inadequacy of processes and documentation are major causal factors. We argue a well-run organisation can capture hidden causal factors and reduce the risk of incidents and accidents. More specifically, we show how situation awareness (SA) interventions can assist in the mitigation of maintenance deviations and capture hidden causal factors.
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| 9. |
- King, Thomas S., et al.
(författare)
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How does load and impulse influence the success of jettisoning a simulated S-92 push-out window?
- 2018
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Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 1872-8219 .- 0169-8141. ; 68, s. 205-210
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- To address a gap in the collective knowledge base related to Helicopter Underwater Egress Training, this study examined the effectiveness of two typical strike techniques used to jettison a simulated Sikorsky S92 push-out window. Previous research has indicated that the jettison task may not be as straight forward as suggested by the “strike any corner” decals placed in corners of the push-out windows of the actual S92 helicopter. This study analyzed data provided from a larger study on the jettison task to determine how striking the simulated window with either the hand or elbow influenced the load and impulse which were generated as well as the likelihood of jettison success. Testing occurred in wet and dry conditions. Analysis of the data suggested that an elbow strike is highly successful while inverted underwater. The data also suggest that despite the difference between the hand and elbow strike success rate, the production of load between the wet and dry conditions for this type of strike was non-significant.
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| 10. |
- Lima, Tânia M., et al.
(författare)
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Ergonomic and psychosocial factors and musculoskeletal complaints in public sector administration – A joint monitoring approach with analysis of association
- 2018
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Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier. - 0169-8141 .- 1872-8219. ; 66, s. 85-94
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Administration entails a high level of computerization with multiple risk factors (including psychosocial and of ergonomic nature), affecting worker health and well-being. An ergonomics researcher supported by a senior ergonomist and guided by a domain specific checklist assessed physical ergonomics of an organization, including 96 administrative workers in the assessment. Unstructured observations and interviews to the workers were also done. Socio-demographic, musculoskeletal health and psychosocial job data was collected from a composite questionnaire including the versions validated for the Portuguese population of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ). This paper demonstrates an approach to jointly monitor multiple factors to support controlling work system efficiency, safeguarding health. Even though postural issues, especially static posture, have previously been identified as risk factors contributing to the onset of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), the results of correlation analysis did not unveil a salient association between musculoskeletal complaints and ergonomic mismatches. The analysis did unveil statistically significant associations between exposure to psychosocial job factors and ergonomic risk factors. The pairs of variables actually associated were different according to gender confirming the need for future studies aiming the gendered study of MSD causality.Relevance to industry: Computerized offices expose workers to multiple risk factors (including of psychosocial and ergonomic nature), and possibly influence their health and well-being. The paper demonstrates an approach to jointly monitor multiple factors to support controlling work system efficiency and negative outcomes.
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| 11. |
- Liu, Hongyi, et al.
(författare)
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Gesture recognition for human-robot collaboration : A review
- 2018
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Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier. - 0169-8141 .- 1872-8219. ; 68, s. 355-367
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Recently, the concept of human-robot collaboration has raised many research interests. Instead of robots replacing human workers in workplaces, human-robot collaboration allows human workers and robots working together in a shared manufacturing environment. Human-robot collaboration can release human workers from heavy tasks with assistive robots if effective communication channels between humans and robots are established. Although the communication channels between human workers and robots are still limited, gesture recognition has been effectively applied as the interface between humans and computers for long time. Covering some of the most important technologies and algorithms of gesture recognition, this paper is intended to provide an overview of the gesture recognition research and explore the possibility to apply gesture recognition in human-robot collaborative manufacturing. In this paper, an overall model of gesture recognition for human-robot collaboration is also proposed. There are four essential technical components in the model of gesture recognition for human-robot collaboration: sensor technologies, gesture identification, gesture tracking and gesture classification. Reviewed approaches are classified according to the four essential technical components. Statistical analysis is also presented after technical analysis. Towards the end of this paper, future research trends are outlined.
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
- Mallam, Steven, 1987, et al.
(författare)
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Integrating Human Factors & Ergonomics in large-scale engineering projects: Investigating a practical approach for ship design
- 2015
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Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 1872-8219 .- 0169-8141. ; 50, s. 62-72
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The human element is a critical component of safe and efficient shipping operations but has struggled to gain comprehensive acceptance across the industry. This investigation explores a practical approach to introduce Human Factors and Ergonomics knowledge early in ship design by utilizing general arrangement drawings as a common platform for stakeholder input throughout ship development. An onboard data collection was completed using a cargo ship and its crew as a case study. A comparative analysis between the ship's two-dimensional general arrangement drawings from which the structure was built, and the constructed onboard work environment was performed. Additionally, the engine crew was job-shadowed and interviewed to gain insight into their work demands and movement within the space. General arrangement drawings were found to be incomplete and when directly compared to a finalized product indicated inaccuracies in design and work environment characteristics, making comprehensive human element evaluations difficult. However, general arrangement drawings were found advantageous in mapping and visualizing logistical routing which can be evaluated early in ship development, positively contributing to crew operations once a ship is constructed. Solving the rudimentary design concerns engine crew struggle with earlier in ship design will provide a better foundation for increasingly detailed development. Relevance to industry: This research investigates a design approach which integrates Human Factors and Ergonomics knowledge in a pragmatic, resource-efficient manner which can positively impact onboard crew operations. An integrative design approach is necessary for widespread acceptance and adoption of human element considerations within naval architecture design and construction methodologies.
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| 14. |
- Man, Yemao, 1987, et al.
(författare)
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Human factor issues during remote ship monitoring tasks: An ecological lesson for system design in a distributed context
- 2018
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Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 1872-8219 .- 0169-8141. ; 68:2018, s. 231-244
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In recent years there has been increasing research and commercial activities regarding the development of remotely monitored and controlled unmanned ships. Much of this focus is related to the intended migration of operators from ship to shore and the integration of a decision support system to maintain safety of navigation. For this reason, the centralized context onboard could shift to a distributed context characterized as a ¨ship-shore system¨. Although there is substantial research on situation awareness (SA), most tend to view operators as both physically and cognitively situated in the field in a centralized system. Few are paying attention to how SA might be influenced in distributed working domains and their implications on interface design, particularly possible adaptation of those technologies used in a centralized system. In this paper, we developed a remote supervisory control prototype on top of a fully-fledged ship bridge system to support monitoring and controlling of remote simulated unmanned cargo vessels. Six participants were invited to conduct scenario-based simulation trials as proposed shore based operators. Their objective performance and subjective SA assessment was collected and analyzed. The results suggest human factor issues could remain in systems assembled by assumed reliable technological components. Prominent challenges include psychophysical and perceptual limitation for the operators, decision making latencies and automation bias which is applicable to usability issues of interfaces, deprivation of ship sense and lack of current regulatory oversight. The results have important relevance to socio-technical system and interface design that the design also needs to take the context and work domain constraints into account via an ecological approach. As socio-technical systems become less centralized and more globalized, our study suggest the necessity to incorporate the ecological concerns in design to shape the technological artefacts in a way that can truly support the operators to deal with complexity in the field.
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| 15. |
- Richter, Hans, 1961-, et al.
(författare)
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Visually deficient working conditions and reduced work performance in office workers : Is it mediated by visual well-being and health?
- 2019
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Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier. - 0169-8141 .- 1872-8219. ; 72, s. 128-136
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: The main purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate whether visual well-being and health act as a mediating factor between perceived visual ergonomic working conditions and self-rated visual performance among office workers who perform administrative tasks and computer-based work at the Swedish Tax Agency.Methods: A questionnaire was sent to 94 office workers addressing: 1) perceived visual quality of the visual display units; 2) prevalence of eye symptoms; and 3) self-rated visual performance. Eighty-six persons (54 women (63 %), 31 men (36 %), and 1 of unspecified sex) answered the questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis investigated the association between visual ergonomic working conditions and visual performance, with and without visual well-being and health as a mediator.Results: The group mean of the Indexed survey questions indicated reasonably good quality visual ergonomic working conditions, a relative absence of eye symptoms, and acceptable self-rated visual performance. Results from multiple regression analysis showed a significant association between perceived visual ergonomic working conditions and self-rated visual performance (r2 = 0.30, β = 0.327, p < 0.01). When visual well-being and health was used as a mediator, the association between perceived visual ergonomic working conditions and self-rated visual performance remained the same (r2 = 0.32, β = 0.315, p < 0.01).Discussion: It was surprising to discover that self-rated visual performance was independent of visual health and well-being. Possible explanations include exposure factors not included in the current study, such as dry air and sensory irritation in eyes, psychosocial stress, time spent performing near work activities or time exposed to visually deficient working conditions. The strong connection between satisfaction with visual ergonomics work conditions and productivity found in this study has implications for workplace profitability and staff satisfaction. If productivity of office workers is improved by better visual ergonomics work conditions, then managers within workplaces may be able to improve work outcomes by optimizing the physical work environment.
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| 16. |
- Vihlborg, Per, 1978-, et al.
(författare)
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Association between vibration exposure and hand-arm vibration symptoms in a Swedish mechanical industry
- 2017
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Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier. - 0169-8141 .- 1872-8219. ; 62, s. 77-81
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Work with vibrating tools is common in many industries. Exposure to hand-arm vibrations is associated with a risk of hand injury in the form of: Vascular disorders, nerve malfunction, and effects on the musculoskeletal system. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hand-arm vibration symptoms among employees at a mechanical company, as well as to follow-up with patients presenting symptoms and evaluate the effects of certain proposed measures. We found that 21% of the employees were judged to have vibration-related problems even though the exposure to vibrations was judged to be relatively low. There seems to be an over-representation of Carpal tunnel syndrome among participants; this may suggest that ergonomic conditions at the investigated company, such as grinding with flexed wrists, are unfavorable.Relevance to industry: Regular screening for early signs of vibration-related damage, even if workers are subject to only moderate vibration exposure, is an important part of preventing the aggravation of health problems.
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| 17. |
- Zetterberg, Camilla, PhD, 1970-, et al.
(författare)
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Reliability of a new risk assessment method for visual ergonomics
- 2019
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Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0169-8141 .- 1872-8219. ; 72, s. 71-79
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- IntroductionThe Visual Ergonomics Risk Assessment Method (VERAM) is a newly developed and validated method to assess visual ergonomics at workplaces. VERAM consists of a questionnaire and an objective evaluation.ObjectiveTo evaluate reliability of VERAM by assessing test-retest reliability of the questionnaire, and intra- and inter-rater reliability of the objective evaluation.MethodsForty-eight trained evaluators used VERAM to evaluate visual ergonomics at 174 workstations. The time interval for test-retest and intra-rater evaluations was 2–3 weeks, and the time interval for inter-rater evaluations was 0–2 days. Test-retest reliability was assessed by intraclass correlation (ICC), the standard error of measurement (SEM) and the smallest detectable change (SDC). Intra- and inter-rater reliability were assessed with weighted kappa coefficients and absolute agreement. Systematic changes were analysed with repeated measures analyses of variance and Wilcoxon sign rank test.ResultsThe ICC of the questionnaire indices ranged from 0.69 to 0.87, while SEM ranged from 7.21 to 10.19 on a scale from 1 to 100, and SDC from 14.42 to 20.37. Intra-rater reliability of objective evaluations ranged from 0.57 to 0.85 (kappa coefficients) and the agreement from 69 to 91%. Inter-rater reliability of objective evaluations ranged from 0.37 to 0.72 (kappa coefficients) and the agreement from 52 to 87%.ConclusionVERAM is a reliable instrument for assessing risks in visual work environments. However, the reliability might increase further by improving the quality of training for evaluators. Complementary evaluations of VERAM's sensitivity to changes in the visual environment are needed.Relevance to industryIt is advantageous to set up a work environment for maximal visual comfort to avoid negative effects on work postures and movements and thus prevent visual- and musculoskeletal symptoms. This method, VERAM, satisfies the need of a valid and reliable tool for determining risks associated with the visual work environment.
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| 18. |
- Österman, Cecilia, 1971-, et al.
(författare)
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Involving users in a ship bridge re-design process using scenarios and mock-up models
- 2016
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Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier. - 0169-8141 .- 1872-8219. ; 53, s. 236-244
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The context for this study is the maritime domain and the design of shipboard workspaces. Due to the globalized nature of shipping, the traditional approach to a participative ergonomics process can be a logistical challenge since stakeholders like designers, manufacturers and operators are often scattered both geographically and organizationally.The participative design study presented in this paper addresses this challenge by exploring the ability of three types of simple three-dimensional (3D) models to act as mediating objects for representative users in order to elicit design feedback in a use scenario workshop format. The study found that all three types of 3D models, when coupled with a scenario description, elicited several types of useful design feedback that served not only as direct input to changing proposed design parameters, but also as an unprompted long-term learning opportunity for the design team to gain insight into the lives and challenges of their users, who both work and live on board.Relevance to industry: The paper presents a procedure for a participatory design process in the maritime domain where the involved stakeholders are geographically and organizationally dispersed. Mock-up models coupled with use scenario descriptions elicited useful design feedback and an unprompted long-term learning opportunity for the design team.
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| 19. |
- Bogerd, Cornelis P., et al.
(författare)
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A review on ergonomics of headgear: Thermal effects
- 2015
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Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0169-8141. ; 45:February, s. 1-12
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- The thermal effects related to wearing headgear are complex and different studies have investigated single parts of this topic. This review aims at summarizing the different findings to give a complete overview on this topic as well as to suggest new perspectives. Headgear increases head insulation and therefore is mainly problematic under warm conditions, which is the focus of this review. Helmets do not affect physiological parameters other than the local skin temperature and sweat rate. However, the head is among the most sensitive body parts related to thermal comfort, thereby directly affecting the willingness to wear headgear. Several methods have been used to study thermal aspects of headgear, which could be categorized as (i) numerical, (ii) biophysical, (iii) combined numerical and biophysical, and (iv) user trials. The application of these methods established that heat transfer mainly takes place through radiation and convection. Headgear parameters relevant to these heat transfer pathways, are reviewed and suggestions are provided for improving existing headgear concepts and developing new concepts, ultimately leading to more accepted headgear. Relevance to industry: This review provides a sound basis for improving existing headgear concepts. Firstly, a concise overview of headgear research related to thermal effects is given, leading to empirically based improvement suggestions and identification of research fields with a high potential. Finally, relevant research methods are described facilitating evaluation in R&D processes.
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| 20. |
- Kearney, Peter, et al.
(författare)
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The impact of alerting design on air traffic controllers’ response to conflict detection and resolution
- 2016
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Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0169-8141. ; 56, s. 51-58
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose s: The research aim is to develop a better design of auditory alerts that can improve air traffic controllers’ situation awareness. Method Participants are seventy-seven qualified Air Traffic Controllers. The experiment was conducted in the Air Traffic Control operational rooms of the Irish Aviation Authority at Shannon and Dublin. Participants were advised that the trials were in relation to the Operational Air Traffic Control system. ANOVA with two between-subject factors (alerting designs and experience levels) were conducted to analyze the ATCO's response time for three critical events. Bonferroni test was performed for post-hoc analysis on mean differences of response time. Results There is a significant difference in ATCO's response time between acoustic alert and semantic alert across STCA, APW and MSAW. No significant main effect of controllers’ experience on ATCO's response time for STCA and APW. Also, there is no significant interaction between alerting design and experience level on ATCO's response time across STCA, APW and MSAW. Conclusion The results demonstrated that the acoustic alert deployed within the ATM system provides level-1 Situational Awareness to ATCO's compared with an semantic alert which provides not only level-1 of situational awareness for perceived alerts, but also level-2 and level-3 of situational awareness to assist ATCO understanding of critical events and therefore develop more suitable solutions. Consequently, human-centered design of a semantic alert can significantly speed up ATCO's response to STCA, and APW. Furthermore, the semantic alert could alleviate expertise differences by promoting quicker response times for both novice and experienced air traffic controllers.
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| 21. |
- Locks, Francisco, et al.
(författare)
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Biomechanical exposure of industrial workers – Influence of automation process
- 2018
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Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0169-8141. ; 67, s. 41-52
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Automated processes in industry have been implemented in order to get higher production rates, but our knowledge about their effects on physical exposure of the workers is still limited. Muscular load, postures, and movements of the head, neck/shoulders, upper arms, and wrists were recorded in 19 operators from two different car clutch disc production lines (manual and semi-automated). Higher angular velocities of the head, upper back, and upper arms were found on the manual production line (on average 20% higher than the semi-automated). Upper trapezius, and forearm extensor rest (% time), as well as hand kept still (% time) were also higher on the manual production line. No difference was found regarding posture, muscular activities, and repetitiveness. The manual line had more rest, but more vigorous movements considering angular velocities. The semi-automated line, therefore, implied a higher production rate with lower angular velocities but fewer opportunities for rest than the manual line. While different physical exposures were found when comparing these two production lines with different levels of automation, the health effects derived from industrial automation ought to be investigated with a larger sample size. Relevance to industry: The reduction of rest opportunities observed on a semi-automated production line requires the attention of ergonomists when planning or redesigning tasks in such production lines. Lack of rest is considered a risk factor for the development of musculoskeletal disorders.
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| 22. |
- Wærsted, Morten, et al.
(författare)
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Hairdressers’ shoulder load when blow-drying – Studying the effect of a new blow dryer design on arm inclination angle and muscle pain
- 2019
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Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0169-8141. ; 74
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- During nine months, nineteen hairdressers every second/third month switched the use between a blow dryer with traditional design and one with a new design. The new blow dryer had the possibility to change between two opposite directed air flows. Every second/third month arm inclination angle and upper trapezius muscle activity were measured a whole workday, and during blow-drying in the laboratory. Pronounced upper arm elevation was reduced with the new blow dryer. The muscle activity of the upper trapezius was only reduced in the laboratory, and daily pain reports were not significantly influenced at all. The subjective rating of time use, functionality and heaviness was less favourable for the new blow dryer, with only three out of nineteen preferring the new dryer at the end of the study period. However, the design of the new dryer demanded a change of work technique that might have been conceived as problematic by the experienced hairdressers. Relevance to industry: We studied a new professional handheld blow dryer designed to allow less postures with elevated arms, addressing an import risk factor for work-related musculoskeletal problems. Hairdressers using this new dryer had less time with upper arm in pronounced elevation during blow-drying.
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