Every day we interact with thousands of consumer products. We not only expect them to perform their functions safely, reliably, and efficiently, but also to do it so seamlessly that we don't even think about it. However, with the many factors involved in consumer product design, from the application of human factors and ergonomics principles to red

A comprehensive resource, this handbook covers consumer product research, case study, and application. It discusses the unique perspective a human factors approach lends to product design and how this perspective can be critical to success in the market place. Divided into two volumes, the handbook includes introductory and summary chapters on case study design, design methods and process, error and hazards, evaluation methods, focus groups, and more. It discusses white goods, entertainment systems, personnel audio devices, mobile phones, gardening products, computer systems, and leisure goods.

The design of consumer products has a central role in its potential for contributing to a healthier living and working space. However, too often consumers are only aware of the designers' role when bad practice manifestly exacerbates the easy application of basic functionality. This important book places human factors perspective firmly at the centre of good practice in consumer product design, encouraging rigorous human factors evaluation and methodology as an essential component of the design process. The book's central theme is to introduce human factors techniques to consumer product design and the efficacy of the approach is illustrated with several case studies from a diverse variety of products. Products addressed range from scissors to strimers, from pens to power tools, from kettles to cookers, from radio-cassettes to rucksacks, adn from razors to VCRs. Techniques brought to bear on the devices include: checklists, hierarchical task analysis, observations, interviews, error prediction, questionnaires, guidelines, focus groups, simulations and user trials. Key Features: * Foreword by Sean Blair of the Design Council * Valuable resource for professionals, academics and students in both human factors engineering and design * Fosters an approach which integrates the skills of both professions in a successful approach to consumer product design * Includes plenty of examples throughout the book

In recent years, for reasons connected to the organization of the industry, technical developments, and major safety concerns, rail human factors has grown in importance at an international level. Despite its importance, however, supporting literature has been largely restricted to specialist journal publications and technical reports. Rail Human Factors addresses this imbalance by providing the first fully comprehensive overview of the area. The volume includes contributions from leading ergonomists, psychologists, sociologists, management scientists and engineers whose common theme is to investigate, understand and design for people on the railways, including staff, passengers and the general public. Every area of ergonomics/human factors is covered: physical design of work and equipment in maintenance; cognitive ergonomics in driving, signalling and control; organizational and social ergonomics in the way teams are formed, plans are made and organizations are structured and run. Topics covered include: Systems views of rail human factors Driver models and performance Train and cab design Network and train control systems, including ERTMS Signals and signal SPADS Signalling and control center design Signaller performance Control center interfaces Workload, situation awareness, team working Human error and reliability Timetabling and planning Maintenance planning and work Safety climate and safety culture Passenger comfort and behaviour Station design Public information systems Level crossings Trespass and vandalism Ergonomics standards and guidelines Human Factors integration The book is the definitive guide for all those concerned with making railways safer, more

This book is based on the proceedings of the Ergonomics Society's 1992 Annual Conference Birmingham, England, 7-10 April 1992. It contains papers, covering environmental studies, musculoskeletal studies, working postures and anthropometry, safety, and military ergonomics.

This work brings together papers written by researchers and practitioners actively working in the field of human-computer interaction. It should be of use to students who study information technology and computer sciences, and to professional designers who are interested in User Interface design.

Modern technology and innovation are vital to the success of all companies, be they hi-tech firms or companies seemingly unaffected by technology and innovation; whether established firms or business start-ups. This book focuses on understanding technology as a corporate resource, covering product development, design of systems and the managerial aspects of new and high technology. Topics investigated include: the internal organization of high technology firms the management of technology in society managing innovation dilemmas and strategies. The wide-ranging experience of the teachers and experts contributing to this book has resulted in an integrated, multi-disciplinary, textbook that provides an introductory overview to managing technology and innovation in the twenty-first century. This text is essential reading for students of business and engineering concerned with technology and innovation management.

The elderly population is growing and disabilities tend to increase with age. Professionals in the fields of human-computer interaction (HCI) are becoming increasingly aware of the needs of the elderly and people with disabilities. They also need to ensure that systems are designed for all, with specific consideration of these groups, not only computing systems but also other assistive and adaptive technologies such as information services and the use of smart cards, assistive robotics, systems for travellers, and home and environmental control systems. This book will help designers world-wide find relevant guidelines for the design of human-computer interaction and ensure that systems are designed for all, with specific consideration of people who are elderly and people with disabilities. Including reports from the International Federation of Information Processing's Working Group on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Disability. The book will be the first compendium of guidelines.