Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
9
Ergonomics Design Criteria of a
Virtual Environment
Zahari Taha
1
, Hartomo Soewardi
2,3
,
Siti Zawiah
2
and Aznijar Ahmad-Yazid
2
1
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University Malaysia Pahang Pekan, Pahang
2
Centre for Product Design and Manufacturing, Department of Engineering Design and
Manufacture, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur,
3
Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Industrial Technology,
Islamic University of Indonesia, Yogyakarta
1,2
Malaysia
3
Indonesia
1. Introduction
Virtual environment (VE) can be defined as a computer generated three dimensional model
environment; in which a user feels as if he/she is present in it and the user can interact
intuitively with objects contained within it (Wilson, 1999). While being advantageous in
experiencing new environment without having to build the real thing, the experience comes
with some side effect for some. When interacting with VE through output and input devices,
it has been reported that some users experienced negative side effects by being immersed
into the graphically rendered virtual worlds. One of side effect is known as cyber sickness
i.e. especially affecting the vision (Stanney
et all
, 1998; Barret, 2004). Stanney
et all
(1998)
further mentioned that for VEs to be effective and well received by their users; while
avoiding unwanted side effect, human being's limitation needs to be considered during the
VE design stage. It is highly essential to ensure that advances in VE technology will not be at
the expense of human well being.
Ergonomics is a branch of science that is concerned with the achievement of optimal
relationship between workers and their work environment (Tayyari, F. and Smith, J.L.,
1997). Since human being's limitation is crucial in the design process of a virtual
environment, implementation of ergonomics will bring about an optimal VE experience for
users. Good design incorporating ergonomics consideration will enhance the
communication between the user and the virtual world. Since several ergonomic factors
contribute to good VE design, there is a need to investigate what are the critical ergonomics
design criteria.
Most ergonomics researches are related to the ergonomic design criteria of human computer
interaction. They are focused on physical ergonomics such as visual display terminal (VDT).
Stewart, T. (1995) exhibited the importance of ergonomics standards for computer
equipment (IS0 9241), and the necessity in understanding how to use them when selecting
