HUMAN FACTORS IN

ENGINEERING
UNIT-3
 UNIT 3 - SYLLABUS
MACHINE CONTROLS:
Improvement of human work place through controls,
Displays and Controls, Shapes and sizes of various
controls and displays, Multiple display and control
situations, Design of major controls in automobiles and
machine tools, Principles of hand tool design.

WORK PLACE AND SEATING DESIGN:

Design of office furniture, Redesign of instruments, Work
process: Duration of rest periods, Design of visual
displays, Design for shift work.
 MACHINE CONTROLS
• Most machines require human control, they must
include control devices such as wheels, pushbuttons, or
levers.

• It is through these control devices that people make

their presence known to machines-that is, in addition to
kicking the side of a candy machine.
 MACHINE CONTROLS
• Computers are becoming part and parcel of our
everyday lives, both on and off the job.

• Fortunately, computers cannot yet read our minds. In

order to "communicate" with computers we have to use
various devices to input commands and data.
 MACHINE CONTROLS
• Machine controls are the
components that allow
operators to control the
operation of machinery,
equipment, and automated
systems.
• Effective machine controls are
critical for ensuring safe and
efficient operation of machinery
and minimizing the risk of
accidents and injuries.
• Most modern day machines uses
combination of manual controls,
computerized controls, displays,
and safety controls to run them
 MACHINE CONTROLS
FUNCTIONS OF CONTROLS:

The primary function of a control is to transmit control

information to some device, mechanism, or system.

The type of information so transmitted can be divided into

two broad classes: discrete and continuous information.
 MACHINE CONTROLS
Discrete information is information that can represent
only one of a limited number of conditions such as on-off;
high-medium-Iow; boiler 1, boiler 2, boiler 3; or
alphanumeric such as A, B, and C or 1, 2, and 3.
 MACHINE CONTROLS
Continuous information, on the other hand, can assume
any value on a continuum, such as speed (as 0 to 60
km/h), pressure [as 1 to 100 Ib/in2 (0.07 to 7.03 kg/cm2)],
position of a valve (as fully closed to fully open), or
amount of electric current (as 0 to 10 A).
 MACHINE CONTROLS
GENERIC TYPES OF CONTROL:

There are numerous types of control devices available

today. Certain types of controls are best suited for certain
applications.

One simple way to classify controls is based on the type

of information they can most effectively transmit
(discrete versus continuous) and the force normally
required to manipulate them (large versus small).
 MACHINE CONTROLS
The amount of force required to manipulate a control is a
function of the device being controlled, the mechanism
of control, and the design of the control itself.

Electric and hydraulic systems typically require small

forces to actuate controls, whereas direct mechanical
linkage systems may require large forces.
MACHINE CONTROLS
Examples of some types of control devices classified by
the type of information they best transmit and the
force required to activate them.
 Selection of an appropriate control device

1 is most suitable , 4 is least suitable

 PRINCIPLES IN DESIGN OF CONTROLS
• Principles of controls pertaining to member
movements:
1. When a control requires the use of muscle bundles
that are antagonistic to each other, the control
actions are more accurate, but usually slower
Example: steering wheel of an automobile
2. The control should fit the body member that actuates
it and the actuations should be performed in a natural
movement of that member
• Principles of controls pertaining to feedback:
[Link] should provide feedback to the activating
person showing which control was touched and
activated, when the activation occurred, and what
control command was activated

• Principles of controls pertaining to effort:

[Link] should not require continued effort to be
held in a null position or in the position of the last
setting
• Principles of controls pertaining to
arrangement :
[Link] controls are usually activated in a definite sequence,
arrange them to follow that sequence

[Link] the controls to fit the operator’s mental model

of the process being controlled

Example: startup controls, process-operation

controls & shutdown controls
[Link] controls consistently from panel to panel, using
identical or similar controls when the action is the same.
When the action is different but the function is similar,
arrange the same but use a different control as seen by
the operator

It is important to tell the operator when things are the

same, and when they are not the same but are similar

8. Keep control arrangements confined but not crowded

• PRINCLES OF CONTROLS PERTAINING TO TYPE AND
ORIENTATION
[Link] should have labels that identify each switch
action briefly but unambiguously (no abbreviations), and
which show automatic control changes.

10. Select and orient controls to avoid accidental

activations.
Principles of controls pertaining to control layout :
11. Operators should be able to actuate controls from any
reasonable posture during the task without loss of stability
• Principles of controls pertaining to
work methods :
[Link] one needs quick, fine-control
adjustments, select those controls that
employ body members of minimum
mass.
[Link] controls that move in two and
three dimensions are better than two or
three single dimension controllers in terms
of both speed and accuracy.
[Link] control actions with a
mechanical stop. Use auditory feedback to
indicate a change in control activation state.
 DISPLAYS
• Displays are devices designed to communicate
messages to people.
• In most cases, displays perform a supportive role,
in which they supplement other sources of
information that might be available to the person
using the particular device
 TYPES OF DISPLAYS
• Visual displays can be classified in several different ways

1. Static displays, such as signs, labels, or books always present the

same information
2. Dynamic displays, on the other hand, such as speedometers, fuel
gauges, oil pressure or temperature indicators on automobiles
display values that change in response to conditions

Analogue displays
Dynamic displays
Digital displays
 Analog DC Analogue
Static Displays A dynamic display
voltmeter Speedometer

Auditory Spatial Old Digital

Displays: Sirens, Displays Compass Speedometer
Bells , Horns Etc
Modern display on CNC machine Displays on future cars

Virtual Displays Virtual Screens

 PRINCIPLES IN DESIGN OF DISPLAYS
• Principles of Displays pertaining to Sensory
Modality
[Link] most appropriate sensory modality of a display
depends on its intended function, sensory demands of
the background task, and sensory capabilities of its
intended audience.
• Sensory modalities refer to the different ways in which we
sense and perceive the world around us through our senses
 Vision- Status displays, warning lights, signs, or labels
 Hearing- tactile buzzers, Beep sounds
 Touch- vibrating phone
 Taste
 Smell
 proprioception (the sense of body position and movement)
 vestibular sensation (the sense of balance and spatial orientation)
2. Displays that combine sensory modalities can
be particularly effective when tasks are
performed under changing conditions.
• Example : If an auditory alarm goes off when some
display reaches a critical value, it therefore becomes
more likely that people will react quickly before the
problem becomes serious

Beep response During abnormal

conditions
• Principles on Display Location & Layout
3. Locate visual displays where they can be seen
and put more important visual displays in more
central locations.
• A common guideline is that displays should be located
within 30 degrees of the operator’s typical line of sight.
Clearly, displays that are not seen are not read.
4. Displays should provide their information at the time it
needs to be used.
• Providing information at the time it is relevant reduces
the need for people to remember it, and consequently
can help eliminate errors due to forgetting, and is
especially important if the display is providing warning or
alerting information
5. Displays and display elements should be grouped
consistently with the sequences in which they are used by
the operators
• Operators must move their eyes from display to
display in certain tasks.
• The amount of eye movement required can be reduced
by placing displays that are normally viewed in
sequence closer together
 Cont
6. Tasks requiring information
integration are better served
by more integral object- like
displays
• Color coding is one commonly
used strategy to help group
related items in a display
7. Objects that are placed close
together will be more likely to be
viewed as being related.
Thus, two adjacent displays may
be assumed to be in some sense
related
8. Position displays or display elements so they
have obvious spatial referents.
• Legibility of Display Elements
The size of a display or display element is the
most basic issue addressed in legibility standards
9. The minimum size of a critical detail should be 5
minutes of visual arc for novice observers and not less
than 2 minutes of visual arc for experienced operators
Design
recommendations for
alphanumeric
characters vary
anywhere from 10 to
30 minutes of arc,
depending on the
conditions addressed.
 Cont
[Link] and alphanumeric characters should
subtend a visual angle of at least 12 minutes of arc.
When legibility is a primary concern, both should
subtend visual angles of at least 16 to 25 minutes of arc.
Characters should be in sans serif fonts, with character
width-to-height ratios of 0.6:1 to 1:1.

[Link] should provide an adequate contrast

between visual elements and their background.
12. Avoid crowding of display elements.
Cont
[Link] steps to deal with the effects of degraded
legibility due to aging and adverse environmental
conditions.
• Principles related to Information Content
and Coding
[Link] instructions should whenever possible be
stated in a positive manner
It is better to say, “Do this,” rather than, “Don’t Do That!”

15. Be selective.
• Providing excessive amounts of information on a display
increases the time and effort needed to find what is
relevant. If the provided information is difficult to read
quickly, many people will ignore most or all of it
 Cont
16. Let the user control the amount and detail of
information presented.

[Link] about the current or desired state or

condition of a system, item, or environment is more
likely to be useful if the state or condition is (a) unusual,
(b) has recently changed, (c) is likely to change,
(d) is expected not to be known by the user of the
display, or (e) is not easily observed.

[Link] that make derivative information easily

available make it easier for people to predict what will
happen.
[Link] as realistic as possible in describing the variable
you are trying to communicate.
 Cont
[Link] direction of movement of an indicator on a
display should be compatible with the direction of
movement in the operator’s mental model of the
variable whose change is indicated.

[Link] coding is a good tool for conveying relationships

between display elements. Color also conveys a limited
set of meanings in certain contexts.

[Link] coding schemes other than color,

including shape, size, texturing, shading, and
intensity can be effective.

[Link] and numerical codes tend to be better

understood and require less learning than symbols
or other coding methods.
 Cont
24. The use of analogies and metaphors often can
greatly improve the learnability and
understandability of display elements.

25. In most cases, line graphs are preferred slightly

over vertical bar graphs and preferred strongly over
horizontal bar graphs.
 Cont
[Link] lines on a single graph are preferred
over multiple single-line graphs in point reading
and trend comparing tasks

[Link] in pitch, amplitude, and modulation can

be used to specify easily distinguished sounds. Some
of these sounds convey stereotypical levels of
perceived urgency.
ROLE OF DISPLAYS AND MACHINE CONTROLS
Displays and machine controls can play a critical role in human factors
engineering by improving the efficiency, safety, and comfort of workers
in a variety of settings.

Here are some specific examples of how displays and machine controls
can enhance human factors engineering:

• User-friendly interfaces: Displays and machine controls can be

designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, minimizing the need for
extensive training and reducing the risk of errors.

• Feedback and alerts: Displays and machine controls can provide

workers with real-time feedback and alerts, enabling them to make
faster and more informed decisions and reducing the risk of accidents
and errors.
• Customizable settings: Displays and machine controls can be
designed to allow for customization of settings and preferences,
enabling workers to tailor the system to their individual needs and
preferences.

• Ergonomic design: Displays and machine controls can be designed

with ergonomics in mind, reducing the risk of physical strain and
discomfort and promoting overall wellbeing and comfort.

• Accessibility: Displays and machine controls can be designed to be

accessible to workers with a wide range of physical abilities, ensuring
that all workers are able to use the system effectively and safely.

By providing workers with user-friendly, customizable interfaces and real-

time feedback, these tools can enhance efficiency, safety, and comfort,
ultimately leading to a more productive and successful workplace.
Quantitative visual displays
Qualitative visual displays :
 IMPROVEMENT OF HUMAN WORK PLACE THROUGH
DISPLAYS AND MACHINE CONTROLS
There are several types of displays and machine controls used to
improve the workplace and enhance human performance. Here are
some examples:
• Monitors:
Monitors are used to display information in a clear and concise
manner. They can be used for various purposes, such as monitoring
production, displaying critical information, and providing feedback
to workers.
• Touchscreens:
Touchscreens are intuitive and easy to use, and they can be used to
control various machines and systems. They can be used in a wide
range of applications, such as industrial automation, medical
devices, and consumer electronics.
• HMI (Human Machine Interface): HMIs are used to interact
with machines and systems, and they can provide visual and
audio feedback to the user. They can be used for a wide range of
applications, such as controlling industrial equipment, managing
building automation systems, and operating medical devices.

• Keyboards and mouse: Keyboards and mouse are still widely

used in many industries, and they can be used to input data into
computers and control various machines and systems.

• Augmented reality displays: Augmented reality displays can

provide workers with additional information and guidance when
performing complex tasks. They can be used in a wide range of
applications, such as manufacturing, maintenance, and assembly.
• Voice-activated controls:
Voice-activated controls can be used to control
machines and systems, and they can be particularly useful in
environments where hands-free operation is required, such as in
clean rooms or hazardous environments.

• Mobile devices:
Mobile devices, such as smartphones and
tablets, can be used to control various machines and systems
remotely, providing workers with greater flexibility and mobility.

All of these displays and machine controls can be used to improve

the workplace and enhance human performance, making tasks
easier, faster, and more efficient.
SHAPES AND SIZES OF VARIOUS CONTROLS AND
DISPALYS

There are many different shapes and sizes of controls and displays in
machine control. Here are some common examples:

• Push Buttons: These are small buttons that can be pushed to

activate a particular function. They come in various shapes, such
as round, square, or rectangular.

• Toggle Switches: These are switches that can be flipped on or off.

They often have a lever or handle that can be moved up or down.
They come in various shapes, such as round, square, or
rectangular.
• Sliders: These are controls that can be moved back and forth to
adjust a particular setting. They often have a knob or lever that
can be gripped to slide the control. They come in various
shapes, such as straight or curved.

• Rotary Controls: These are controls that can be turned to

adjust a particular setting. They often have a knob or handle
that can be gripped to turn the control. They come in various
shapes, such as round or square.

• Touchscreens: These are displays that allow the user to

interact with the machine by touching icons or buttons on the
screen. They come in various sizes, from small screens on
handheld devices to large screens on control panels.
• LCD Displays: These are displays that show information such as
numbers or letters. They come in various sizes, from small
displays on handheld devices to large displays on control panels.

• LED Displays: These are displays that use light-emitting diodes

to show information. They often have segments that light up to
display numbers or letters. They come in various sizes, from
small displays on handheld devices to large displays on control
panels.

The shapes and sizes of controls and displays can vary depending
on the specific application and the needs of the user. The important
factor is that they are designed to be intuitive and easy to use for
the user.
 MULTIPLE DISPLAYS AND CONTROLS

Multiple displays and controls are often used in situations where

there are multiple functions or processes that need to be
monitored and controlled. Here are some examples:

• Industrial Control Rooms: In large factories or plants, there

are often multiple processes that need to be monitored and
controlled. A control room might have multiple displays
showing information about each process, along with controls
to adjust the settings.

• Flight Control Rooms: In an airport control tower, there are

multiple flights that need to be monitored and controlled.
Multiple displays might show information about each flight,
along with controls to adjust the flight path or altitude.
• Medical Monitoring: In a hospital, there are often multiple
patients who need to be monitored. A nurse might use multiple
displays to monitor each patient's vital signs, along with controls
to adjust medication or other treatments.

• Power Grid Management: In a power plant, there are multiple

generators and transmission lines that need to be monitored and
controlled. Multiple displays might show information about each
generator or transmission line, along with controls to adjust the
settings.

In all of these situations, the goal is to provide the user with a clear
and intuitive interface to monitor and control multiple processes at
the same time.
The displays and controls should be designed to be easy to
understand and use, with clear labels and intuitive controls.
DESIGN OF MAJOR CONTROLS IN AUTOMOBILES

Steering Wheel: The steering wheel is the primary control for

directing the vehicle's movement. It must be easy to grip and
maneuver while providing enough feedback to the driver to
maintain control of the car.

Accelerator Pedal: The accelerator pedal is used to control

the speed of the vehicle. It must be placed in a position where
the driver can easily reach it, and it should have a smooth and
responsive action.

Brake Pedal: The brake pedal is used to slow down or stop

the vehicle. It should be positioned in a way that allows the
driver to apply sufficient pressure without having to stretch
too far.
 (cont..)
Gear Shift: The gear shift is used to select the appropriate
gear for the driving conditions. It should be easy to reach and
operate, and it should have a clear and easy-to-understand
layout.

Dashboard Controls: Dashboard controls include various

buttons and switches that control the car's lights, wipers,
radio, and other features. These controls should be easy to
reach and operate, with clear labeling and intuitive placement.
DESIGN OF MAJOR CONTROLS IN MACHINE TOOLS

Power Switch: The power switch is used to turn the

machine tool on and off. It should be easy to locate and
operate, with clear labeling and safety features to prevent
accidental startup.

Spindle Control: The spindle control is used to control the

speed and direction of the cutting tool. It should be easy to
adjust and operate, with clear markings and feedback to
ensure precise control.

Feed Control: The feed control is used to control the

movement of the workpiece and cutting tool. It should be
easy to adjust and operate, with clear markings and
feedback to ensure precise control.
 (cont..)
Emergency Stop: The emergency stop button is a critical
safety feature that immediately stops the machine tool in
case of an emergency. It should be easy to locate and
operate, with clear labeling and safety features to prevent
accidental activation.

Display and Feedback: The machine tool should provide

clear and accurate feedback on the various settings and
operations, including speed, feed rate, and cutting depth.
The display should be easy to read and interpret, with clear
markings and color coding to help the operator quickly
identify key information.
 ERGONOMIC PRINCIPLES FOR HAND TOOLS

• Hand tools should be designed according to ergonomic

requirements. Poorly designed hand tools, or tools that do not fit
the individual worker or the task can cause negative health
effects and decrease a worker's productivity.

• In order to prevent health problems, as well as to maintain the

worker's productivity, hand tools should be designed so that
they fit both the individual and the task.

• Well designed tools can contribute to good body positions and

movements and can increase productivity.
 (CONT…)
Use the following guidelines when selecting hand tools:
• Avoid poor quality hand tools.

• Choose tools that allow the worker to use the larger muscles in the
shoulders, arms and legs, rather than the smaller muscles in the
wrists and fingers.

• Avoid holding a tool continuously in a raised position or gripping a

heavy tool.

• Properly designed tools allow the worker to keep the elbows next
to the body to prevent damage to the shoulder or arm. Additionally,
properly designed tools do not require the worker to bend the
wrists, stoop or twist.
 (CONT…)
• Choose handles that are long enough to fit the whole hand. This
will help to reduce uncomfortable pressure on the palm of the
hand or on the joints of the fingers and hand.

• Do not use tools with spaces where fingers and skin can get
caught.

• Choose double-handled tools, such as scissors, pliers or

clippers. These should have a span that does not overstretch the
hand.

• Do not select tools with contoured handles; they fit only one size
of hand and put pressure on hands they do not fit.
 (CONT…)
• Make tool handles easy to grip. Handles should also have good
electrical insulation and they should not have any sharp edges or
sharp corners. Put soft plastic covers on handgrips to reduce
slipperiness.

• Avoid using tools that force the wrist to bend or to be in an

awkward position. Redesign tools so that the tool bends and not the
wrist.

• Choose tools with an evenly balanced weight and make sure they
are used in the proper position.

• Make sure tools are properly maintained.

• Tools should be appropriate for right- or left-handed workers.

These pictures illustrate how tool design can prevent you having to
work with a bent wrist.
In a Poultry processing plant a variety of special knife handles were
developed so that each cut could be made with straight wrist
Do not use tools with spaces that can catch fingers or flesh.
Examples of the Bent handle that helps the user keep the wrist straight
while using the tool
A conventional paint scraper that presses on the ulnar artery, and a
modified handle which rests on the tough tissues between thumb and
index finger, thus preventing pressure on the critical areas of the hand
Thumb-operated and finger-strip-operated pneumatic tool. Thumb
operation results in over extension of the thumb.

Finger-strip control allows all the fingers to share the load and thumb to
grip and guide the tool.
 WORK PLACE AND SEATING DESIGN
• A work-space envelope is the three-dimensional space within
which an individual works. Typically this boils down to the
space within which the hands are used.

• Within this envelope, controls and displays are to be placed

• Workplace design is the process of creating and optimizing

physical and virtual environments to support the work activities
of individuals and teams.

• Effective workplace design can increase productivity,

creativity, collaboration, and employee satisfaction.
 Key elements to consider when designing a workplace
Space planning: The layout of the workplace should be carefully
planned to optimize the use of space and support the work
activities of individuals and teams
Lighting: Adequate lighting is essential for employee comfort
and productivity. Natural light is preferred, but artificial lighting
should be designed to mimic natural light as much as possible.
Furniture: Ergonomic furniture is important to support
employee health and comfort. Desks, chairs, and other
furniture should be adjustable to accommodate different
body types and work styles
Technology: Technology plays a key role in modern workplaces.
The workplace should be designed to accommodate the latest
technology, such as computers, mobile devices, and video
conferencing equipment
 Cont ..
Color and aesthetics: The colors and aesthetics of the
workplace can have a significant impact on employee mood and
productivity. Calming colors, such as blues and greens, are often
preferred
Noise control: Excessive noise can be a distraction and reduce
employee productivity. The workplace should be designed to
minimize noise, with sound-absorbing materials and strategic
placement of equipment.
Collaborative spaces: Collaborative spaces are important for
team- based work. These spaces should be designed to support
collaboration and creativity, with comfortable seating,
whiteboards, and other tools
 DESIGN OF OFFICE FURNITURE
Adjustable furniture is fundamental to good human factors design.
Studies have shown that providing adjustable seats increases productivity

Guidelines for increasing the ease of making adjustments:

• Controls can be easily reached and adjusted from the standard
seated work position.
• Labels and instructions on the furniture are easy to
understand.
• Controls are easy to find and interpret.
• Tools are not necessary.
• Controls provide immediate feedback
• The direction of operation of controls is logical and
consistent.
• Few motions are required to use the controls.
• Adjustments require the use of only one hand
 DESIGN OF OFFICE CHAIR
Adjustability: A good office chair should be adjustable to
accommodate different body types and work styles. Key features
to consider include adjustable seat height, tilt tension, and
lumbar support.
Seat cushioning: A comfortable seat cushion is essential for
reducing pressure on the lower back, hips, and thighs. The seat
cushion should be firm enough to provide support but not so firm
as to cause discomfort.
Backrest design: The backrest should be adjustable to support the
natural curvature of the spine. The angle and height of the backrest
should be adj
Armrests: Armrests are important for reducing strain on the neck
and shoulders. The armrests should be adjustable to accommodate
different work styles and body typesustable to accommodate
different body types
Swivel base: A swivel base is important for
allowing the user to easily turn and reach different
areas of the workspace

Material and durability: The material used to

construct the office chair should be durable and
easy to clean.
Mesh and leather are common materials used in
office chairs

Aesthetics: The design of the office chair should be

aesthetically pleasing and complement the overall
design of the workplace.
Design features of multi
purpose chair
 Design of video display terminal workstations
Ergonomics: The workstation should be designed to
minimize physical discomfort and repetitive stress injuries.
Key features include an adjustable chair, adjustable
keyboard tray and monitor height, and adjustable lighting.

Visual comfort: The workstation should be designed to reduce

eye strain and visual fatigue. Key features include a non-glare
monitor screen, adjustable monitor distance and angle, and
proper lighting that is not too bright or too dim.

Task performance: The workstation should be designed to

optimize task performance, such as by providing sufficient
desk space for documents, tools, and other materials that may
be needed during computer use.
Cable management: Cables should be organized and secured to
reduce tripping hazards and ensure that the workstation is tidy
and safe

Ventilation: The workstation should be designed to

allow for adequate ventilation to prevent overheating of
equipment
 RE DESIGN OF INSTRUMENTS

• Redesigning instruments in the workplace is a critical

aspect of human factors engineering, which involves
optimizing the design of tools, equipment, and systems to
enhance their usability, efficiency, and safety.

• It requires a thorough understanding of the user's needs, the

environment in which the instrument is used, and the tasks it
is intended to perform.
 CONT..
Some key considerations in redesigning instruments
are:

• User interface: Redesigning the user interface involves making

the controls and displays more intuitive, easier to use, and more
ergonomic.

• Safety features: Safety is a crucial consideration in redesigning

instruments. Incorporating safety features can reduce the risk of
accidents and injuries.
For example, adding sensors to a machine that detect the
proximity of other objects, or adding a safety switch to prevent the
instrument from operating when it is not in the correct position.
 CONT..
• Ergonomics: Ergonomics refers to the design of the instrument
to fit the user's physical and cognitive capabilities. Redesigning
instruments for ergonomics involves making them more
comfortable to use for extended periods and reducing the risk of
injury.
For example, redesigning the shape of a handle to make it
easier to grip or adjusting the height of a workstation to reduce
strain on the user's back.

• Environment: The environment in which the instrument is used

can impact its usability and safety. Redesigning instruments for
the environment involves taking into account factors such as
lighting, temperature, and noise levels.
For example, redesigning the display of a system to be
visible in low-light conditions or adding insulation to a machine to
reduce noise levels.
 CONT..

In summary, redesigning instruments in the workplace

requires a holistic approach that considers the user, the
environment, and the tasks the instrument is intended to perform.
By incorporating human factors engineering principles such
as user interface design, safety features, ergonomics, and
environmental considerations, the instrument can be redesigned to
be more efficient, safer, and easier to use.
 CONT. .
An example of redesigning instruments in the workplace:

Let's consider a manufacturing facility that uses a hydraulic

press to shape metal parts. The hydraulic press requires a
user to push a button to activate the press, which shapes the
metal parts. However, accidents occur when the user's hands
are caught in the press.

To address this issue, an HFE engineer could redesign

the hydraulic press by incorporating safety features such as
light curtains that detect the user's hands and prevent the press
from operating when the user's hands are in the press.

Additionally, the button to activate the press could be

placed in a location that is harder to accidentally press, such as
on the side of the press, rather than on the front.
HYDRAULIC MACHINE PRESS CONT..
 CONT..
The user interface could be redesigned by adding
visual feedback to the press, such as a display that shows the
status of the press, whether it is on or off, and whether it is safe
to operate.

The labels on the buttons could be made more visible,

and the buttons could be designed to be more ergonomic,
making them easier to use for extended periods.

The environment in which the hydraulic press is

used could also be considered. For example, the press may be
used in a noisy environment, so the redesign could include
adding features that make it easier to use in noisy conditions,
such as an audio feedback system that confirms the press's
operation.
HYDRAULIC MACHINE PRESS CONT..
 CONT..
METAL PARTS PRODUCED BY HYDRAULIC MACHINE PRESS
 WORK PROCESS
A work process refers to a series of steps or tasks that are
carried out to accomplish a specific goal or objective.

It is a structured and systematic approach that outlines how

work should be done in order to achieve a desired outcome.

Work processes can vary depending on the industry,

organization, or type of work being done, but they generally
involve the following elements:
 CONT…
Planning: This involves defining the goals, objectives, and
requirements of the work process. It may also involve
identifying the resources needed to carry out the work.

Execution: This is the actual implementation of the work

process. It involves carrying out the tasks and activities that
have been planned in order to achieve the desired outcome.

Monitoring: This involves keeping track of the progress of

the work process to ensure that it is on track and that any
issues or problems are identified and addressed in a timely
manner.

Evaluation: This is the process of reviewing the work

process after it has been completed to determine its
effectiveness and identify any areas for improvement.
 CONT….

Improvement: Based on the evaluation, improvements can

be made to the work process to optimize its efficiency and
effectiveness for future implementation.

Overall, work processes are critical to achieving

organizational goals and objectives, as they provide a
structured and systematic approach to work that ensures
consistency, efficiency, and effectiveness in achieving desired
outcomes.
 DURATION OF REST PERIODS
• Rest periods refer to the amount of time a person takes a
break from work or physical activity to allow their body to
recover and rejuvenate.

• The duration of rest periods can vary depending on the type

of activity being performed, the individual's fitness level, and
their overall health.

• In general, rest periods should be long enough to allow the

body to recover, but not so long that the person loses their
momentum or motivation.
•
• For most physical activities, including weightlifting, running,
or high-intensity interval training (HIIT), rest periods
between 30 seconds to two minutes are common
 CONT…
• For office workers or those engaged in sedentary work, it
is important to take frequent breaks to avoid sitting for
long periods, which can be harmful to health. Taking a
break for a few minutes every hour can help to reduce the
risk of developing back pain, eye strain, and other health
issues related to prolonged sitting.

• When it comes to sleep, it is recommended that adults aim

for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to allow their body to rest
and recover. Adequate sleep is essential for maintaining
good health, cognitive function, and emotional well-being.
 CONT…

• Workday breaks are breaks organized during the working day

by pausing the work for the purpose of resting, eating or other
needs.

• Daily rest is provided after the end of the working day. This is
the uninterrupted rest period between two shifts within a
twenty‐four hour period.

• Weekly rest refers to a minimum break of 24 consecutive hours

(1 day) from work within a seven day period.

• Annual leave is a yearly vacation or holiday, consisting of

consecutive days or weeks off work, which may be paid.
CONT…
 VISUAL DISPLAYS
• A visual display is a device that presents information about
objects, events or situations, to us through our eyes.

• Sometimes the display will be used in addition to

information gained by observing the event or situation
directly, but in some circumstances the display may be the
only source of information available to us.

• Examples include TV, your computer screen, thermometers,

car instruments, charts, graphs, maps and other forms of
printed or written material.
Visual displays
 EFFECTIVE VISUAL DISPLAYS
Displays will generally be effective if they have:
• Good visibility - you can easily and clearly see the displays. To
attract attention visually, the display must be within your field of
vision and should flash or change in some other way. Humans are
very good at detecting movement.

• Good comprehension – you can make the correct decisions and

control actions with minimum effort and delay, and with as few
errors as possible, because you have understood the displayed
information.

• Good compatibility - the display can be used easily with others and
you are not confused by any different types used. It can easily be
seen and understood in the space and lighting in which it is used.
The movement and layout of displays matches those of their
controls.
TYPES OF DISPLAYS
 Quantitative displays
• The scale must be legible and you should avoid multiple
or non-linear scales. Scale numbers, marking strokes,
pointers, etc., should contrast well in tone and colour
with the display face.
• This should be combined with good illumination and the
absence of glare or reflections.
• You should also position the dial near eye level and
approximately at 90 degrees to your angle of view. Scale
numbers should increase clockwise, left to right, or
upward.
Quantitative displays
 Qualitative displays
• Each of the displayed conditions should be as
distinctive as possible, through differences in position,
colour, shape or size on the display.
• You should integrate more than one of these means on
the display, for example, by using lights combined
with a change in position of the indicator. The fuel
gauge in a car might, for example, flash when the tank
is nearly empty.
• The different rings on an office phone for internal and
external calls is another example of a qualitative alarm.
Qualitative displays
Quantitative displays
 DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR DISPLAYS

• Viewing distance:
The maximum display viewing distance should be determined
by the size of details shown on a display. The reading distance
for displays is usually 300-750mm, as many displays have to be
read at arm's length and must allow to reach or adjust controls.
Displays must be optimally positioned within our field of view.

• Illumination
Displays may have their own internal or back-lighting, but if
not, their design should be suited to the lowest expected
lighting level.
• Angle of View:
Cont..
The preferred angle of view for displays (the
angle at which the display plane is positioned with
regard to the person monitoring it should be 90
degrees.
This is especially important with large picture
displays as positioning them at an angle may cause
parts of the display to be hidden from your eyes.

• Combination of Displays:
For these complex displays you will almost
invariably have to divide attention between a number
of tasks, as well as the displays themselves.
Any inconsistencies in the manner of
information-representation among the displays will
be confusing, and will reduce your speed of reaction
to a change indicated by a display, or even cause
reading or decision errors.
 Cont..
• Compatibility with related controls:
Displays and their associated controls should be
designed and located so that you can select the correct
control and operate it effectively and without error
GENERAL DESIGN CHECKLIST FOR DISPLAYS
• What is the overall objective of the display?

• What information is needed to support the objective?

• What is important about the displayed information?

• Is the information used directly with other information?

• What type of technology will be used for the display

(mechanical, electrical)?

• What levels of details and accuracy are required for the

displayed information?

• How often will the information change?

 Cont..
• Does the display need to be continuously monitored?

• Is the display output directly influenced by operator input?

• Under what environmental conditions will the display be

used/viewed (lighting, noise, distance)?

• What else will the operator be doing while viewing the displays?

• What are the physical and cognitive characteristics of the

operators?

• With what other equipment will the display be housed/viewed?

• What sort of errors are likely to be made by the operator? Does

the design help to reduce them?
 DESIGN FOR SHIFT WORK
Recommendations for the design of shift systems

• Night work should be reduced as much as possible. If this is

not possible, quickly rotating shift systems are preferable to
slowly rotating ones. Permanent night work does not seem to
be recommendable for the majority of shift workers.

• Extended workdays (9–12 hours) should only be

contemplated when the nature of work and the workload are
suitable for extended working hours, and the shift system is
designed to minimize the accumulation of fatigue and toxic
exposure is limited.
 CONT..
• An early start for the morning shift should be avoided.
Flexible working time arrangements can be achieved in all
shift systems. The highest flexibility is possible in the so-
called ‘time autonomous groups’.

• Quick changeovers (e.g. from night shift to afternoon shift

on the same day) should be avoided. The number of
consecutive working days should be limited to five—seven.
Every shift system should include some free weekends with at
least two consecutive days off.

• The forward rotation (phase delay, clockwise rotation:

morning/evening/night shift) would seem to be most preferred.