HUMAN FACTORS AND SYSTEMS

1. HUMAN FACTORS AND SYSTEMS

HF Defined
which is more concerned with the application of the information to the design of things. Suffice it to say, not everyone would agree with such a distinction. We approach the definition of human factors in terms of its focus, objectives, and approach.

Focus of Human Factors
Human factors focuses on human beings and their interaction with products, equipment, facilities, procedures, and environments used in work and everyday living.

Objectives of Human Factors
Human factors has two major objectives. The first is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency with which work and other activities are carried out.

The second objective is to enhance certain desirable human values, including improved safety, reduced fatigue and stress, increased comfort, .greater user acceptance, increased job satisfaction, and improved quality of life.

Approach of Human Factors
The approach of human factors is the systematic application of relevant information
about human capabilities, limitations, characteristics, behavior, and
motivation to the design of things and procedures people use and the environments
in which they use them.

Human factors is not just applying checklists and guidelines.
Human factors is not using oneself as the model for designing things.
Human factors is not just common sense.

SYSTEMS
A central and fundamental concept in human factors is the system. A system is an entity that exists to carry out somepurpose (Bailey, 1982). A system is composed of humans, machines, and other
things that work together (interact) to accomplish some goal

Human-Machine Systems
We can consider a human-machine system as a combination of one or more
human beings and one or more physical components interacting to bring about,
from given inputs, some desired output.

Manual Systems A manual system consists of hand tools and other aids
which are coupled by a human operator who controls the operation.

Mechanical Systems These systems (also referred to as semiautomatic systerns)
consist of well-integrated physical parts, such as various types of
powered machine tools.

Automated Systems When a system is fully automated, it performs all
operational functions with little or no human intervention.

Characteristics of Systems
Systems Are Purposive
Systems Can Be Hierarchical
Systems Operate in an Environment

note:
summarized from book: Human Factors in engineering and design by Sanders.
anybody need the ebook? contact me okay ^_^...