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

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 reducing risks of malfunction and the total life cycle cost, well, the process just seems to get more complex. Edited by well-known and well-respected experts, the two-volumes of Handbook of Human Factors and Ergonomics in Consumer Product Design simplify this process. The first volume, Human Factors and Ergonomics in Consumer Product Design: Methods and Techniques, outlines the how to incorporate Human Factors and Ergonomics (HF/E) principles and knowledge into the design of consumer products in a variety of applications. It discusses the user-centered design process, starting with how mental workload affects every day interactions with consumer products and what lessons may be applied to product design. The book then highlights the ever-increasing role of information technology, including digital imaging, video and other media, and virtual reality applications in consumer product design. It also explores user-centered aspect of consumer product development with discussions of user-centered vs. task-based approach, articulation and assessment of user requirements and needs, interaction with design models, and eco design. With contributions from a team of researchers from 21 countries, the book covers the current state of the art methods and techniques of product ergonomics. It provides an increased knowledge of how to apply the HF/E principles that ultimately leads to better product design.

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 previous edition of the International Encyclopedia of Ergonomics and Human Factors made history as the first unified source of reliable information drawn from many realms of science and technology and created specifically with ergonomics professionals in mind. It was also a winner of the Best Reference Award 2002 from the Engineering Libraries

Using ergonomics in forensics can help prevent the recurrence of system failures through engineering or administrative controls. It can also raise the level of concern among professionals and the public regarding product, workplace, and service safety due to perceived exposure to liability. Even with such a potentially important and broad impact, f

This volume is concerned with the human factors, ergonomics, and safety issues related to the design of products, processes, and systems, as well as operation and management of business enterprises in both manufacturing and service sectors of contemporary industry. The book is organized into ten sections that focus on the following subject matters:

Recently, the use of human factors engineering in product design has become much more widely accepted. It is gaining recognition as an essential part of the product design and development process for both consumer products and commercial products. The aim of this volume is to show how human factors technology can be effectively applied during the product design and development process to improve product usability, user-product performance, user satisfaction, and product safety. A second objective is to assemble a wealth of design information for human factors practitioners and others involved with the design of consumer and commercial products for both national and international markets. The book is also suitable as a text for courses and seminars concerned with the application of human factors technology to design. Earlier works on this topic have focused mainly on designing a few specific types of products, or have considered product design only within the context of human factors engineering in general. Available both in hardback and paperback, this is the first publication of its kind to focus on the subject of human factors in product design, providing a blend of theory, data, detailed examples, guidelines, and practical advice in one volume. With over 180 tables, figures, and photographs, as well as 640 references, extensive cross- referencing and keyword index, the volume will be essential reading for all those involved in work, research or study, related to product development.

The fourth edition of the Handbook of Human Factors and Ergonomics has been completely revised and updated. This includes all existing third edition chapters plus new chapters written to cover new areas. These include the following subjects: Managing low-back disorder risk in the workplace Online interactivity Neuroergonomics Office ergonomics Social networking HF&E in motor vehicle transportation User requirements Human factors and ergonomics in aviation Human factors in ambient intelligent environments As with the earlier editions, the main purpose of this handbook is to serve the needs of the human factors and ergonomics researchers, practitioners, and graduate students. Each chapter has a strong theory and scientific base, but is heavily focused on real world applications. As such, a significant number of case studies, examples, figures, and tables are included to aid in the understanding and application of the material covered.