Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 2.1 A pictorial
summary of some of the
fields related to the user. The
major fields are shown with
solid lines
HCI
Psychology
Sociology
Social Psychology
CHI
Computer Interfaces
Users
CS
User- Cognition
Users - Body
Cognitive Ergonomics
General Technology
In this section we offer a brief introduction to the fields we consider to be most
influential to our approach in this text. These include various branches of human
factors and ergonomics,
user-centered design, and human-computer interaction.
2.2.1 Ergonomics and Human Factors
Derived from the Greek word ergon for work and nomos for natural laws, ergo-
nomics draws on a number of research areas including anatomy, engineering,
physiology, and psychology. The purpose of ergonomics and human factors
research and practice is to maximize the safety and healthiness of work environ-
ments and work practices, and to ensure the usability of tools, devices, and arti-
facts in general. More specifically, ergonomics and HF are concerned with
providing a good fit between people and their work or leisure environments. There
are a number of sub-fields in ergonomics that have arisen as a result of the
increasing penetration of technology into everyday lives. We give a short overview
of each of these below. First, however, it is worth considering the notion of ''fit.''
Many of us are familiar with ergonomic assessments in the workplace; these
assessments are conducted to minimize the risk of hazards to health and to prevent
ailments such as upper limb disorders. In the UK, however, human factors have
embraced the broader context of work practices, going beyond physical environ-
ment considerations and biomechanics to include selection and training. Thus,
fitting the person to the environment is the responsibility of selection and training,
whilst ergonomists fit the environment to the person. Although in this topic we are
not concerned with selection and training, it is worth noting that there is a com-
plementary relationship between these activities-user groups may be selected or
Search WWH ::
Custom Search