SS 464 - Human Factors in Engineering and Design

• Understand the human aspect of the human-machine system
• Understand the sensory-motor processes of people
• Examine information theory and processing
• Examine various types of display panels, their functions and usefulness
• Understand the role of information feedback in motor performance
• Examine various types of controls, their functions and usefulness
• Understand the effects of light, color, noise, and temperature on people
• Understand the effects of motivation, stress, fatigue, and boredom on productivity and work
• Examine anthropometrics data and its use in design of the work environment
• Examine the function and dysfunction of the central nervous system with regard to injury

• None

• Human-Machine system (2 classes)
• Information processing, information theory, factors influencing information processing; noise, timesharing, redundancy, speed and load, compatibility; requirements for memory; decision-making (4 classes)
• Characteristics of visual sensory channel and displays; physiology of the eye, what affects perception, characteristics of quantitative, qualitative, alpha-numeric, and symbolic displays. Auditory and kinesthetic displays also presented (8 classes)
• The nature and effects of activities on the human system; stress and strain of work; motor learning fatigue; boredom; practical applications for designers and management (6 classes)
• Characteristics of noise and its effects on work and the body (2 classes)
• Biological rhythms and their effects on productivity and work design (1 class)
• Anthropometrics data and its use in design; work space dimension, product design, and science of seating (2 classes)
• Hand tool design and biomechanical effects of work with hand tools; carpal tunnel syndrome, white finger, etc.; John Bennett design of tools (2 classes)
• Environmental psychology: personal space; office design (2 classes)
• Test (1 class)
• Presentations (2 classes)

• Lab Reports: Consistent with requirements as assigned