Human Factors, research methods, design and evaluation methods, human information processing (perception, cognition, action), displays and controls, anthropometry, decision making, automation, interface and cognitive engineering
Project: Written report, e.g. analyse a technical system or product with appropriate methods and suggest improvements on Human Factor aspects using design methods.
Tutorials 1: Visit to Alba Nova nuclear power plant simulator.
Tutorials 2: Based on examples of accidents, discussion in class on resolution of problems and tasks of the operator in a human-machine system.
Laboratory work: Illustrations of various aspects of human information processing as well as human capabilities and limitations. Simple experimental psychology, computer tests on cognition, memory and perception.
After completing the course the student should be able to:
- Describe the main areas within the subject human factors/ergonomics/human-machine system.
- Describe the relation between these and safety, efficiency and work satisfaction within technical systems applied to examples from industry.
- Discuss how it is possible to enhance human abilities and reduce human limitations by technical solutions and system design based on theories about human mental and physical capabilities.
- Explain a user oriented design process and front-end analysis and the answers expected for the different steps in the process for design of a new system, product or interface and improvements of an existing system.
- Present and discuss the work in a written report and an oral presentation as well as judge and structurally critique other students work.
- Plan and conduct an analysis of a human-machine system with regards of system design, automation level and work content as well as suggest improvements, make recommendations and argue for tradeoffs in the design.
