IB Design Technology Topic 1
Psychological factor data
- Human factor data related to mental and emotional state of person. ( involves brain) - interpretations caused by light, smell, sound, taste, temperature and texture.
Percentiles and Percentile ranges
- Percentiles are shown in anthropometry tables - Tell you whether the measurement given in the tables relates to the 'average' person, or someone who is above or below average in a certain measurement.
Breakdown of Human information processing system
- inputs are incompatible with sensory receptors : not everybody sees the same color (color blind) - ex. stop lights - age: too young/old to perform - strength: too weak to perform output - health: a physical condition could affect the user's ability to perform and process. - skill level: too optimistic for users - ex. interface of software too complicated to use.
Comfort
A person's sense of physical or psychological ease.
Human information processing system
An automatic system that a person uses to interpret information and react. Input - Sensory processes (senses: sight, smell, touch, hear, taste) - central processes (memory) - motor processes (central nervous system: nerve to muscle) - output {the last 2 are physiological factors} - ex. dark - can't see - switch on the light - nerve to muscle - finger goes to switch: not dark in room anymore
Anthropometric data
Measurement of body parts. Known as Static and Dynamic data.
Environmental factors
Noise, temp, humidity and vibrations can affects the hearing, vision, health and comfort of the user. They affect the alertness of an individual
Primary Data vs. Secondary Data
Primary: Data collected by user for a specific reason. Secondary: Data collected from someone other than the user.
Range of Sizes vs. Adjustability
Range of sizes: - Selection of sizes that cater to the majority of the market. - ex. shoe sizes, clothing sizes Adjustability: - when a product is able to change in size. This increases ranges of percentiles that the product can be appropriate for. - ex. ironing tables, seatbelts...
Dynamic data
Refers to measurements taken while doing physical activities. - ex. range of upper body measurements, overhead reach, crawling height... - people carry out tasks in different ways. - Even if static data is more reliable, dynamic data is more useful.
Static data
Refers to measurements taken while subject is in still position - ex. arm length, height... - easy to gather
Perception
The way something is interpreted - for design: the human mind sees the whole of the product instead of the sum of its parts.
Reach
Workspace envelope: - 3D space where you can carry out your work activities, when you are at fixed location - designed for the 5th percentile of the user population (95% of the users)
Alertness
how aware an individual is about what is happening around him.
Biomechanics
looks at the operation of our muscles, joints, tendons... measure the amount of force put on muscles and joints in certain positions... determines person's muscular strength. The criteria: - force, repetition, duration and posture
Physiological factor data
regards the tolerance of different bodies ( how much they can resist/ withstand) when users interact with the product, they might put stress on their body
Psychological factors
taste, texture, light, smell, sound, temp.
Fatigue
temporary diminishment of performance can be physical or mental can inform design decision and affect users
Clearance
the physical distance between 2 objects
Human factors
used in the combination of ERGONOMICS and ANTHROPOMETRICS. aims: - reduce stress and fatigue: will be able to do things quicker, easier with fewer mistakes. - Increase safety; ease to use - enhance comfort (operational) - improve reliability, maintenance, and system performance.
