IE 5511 - Human Factors
and Work Analysis
Course
Objectives: To learn approaches by
which one can design devices, work environments and work processes so
humans can use them easily, safely and effectively. Almost everything
we design, whether a telephone, building, surgical tool, or work
environment (such as a factory or office building) must be used by
people. Even automated devices that operate in the absence of people,
such as industrial robots or unmanned space probes, must still be
built, programmed, deployed or serviced by people. By understanding the
needs and constraints of people and they interact with technology, one
can design or modify systems so as to improve human productivity,
health and safety when interacting with these systems.
Unfortunately, human
needs are all too often given insufficient consideration during the
design process. When this happens, products may fail to appeal to
customers because they cannot use them effectively. Similarly, much
productivity may be lost in a poorly designed work environment. Worse
yet, safety may be compromised (e.g. as in the nuclear reactor
meltdown) leading to accidents and loss of human life.
This course will identify
human constraints and needs; approaches for improving productivity,
health and safety; and methods for assessing the success (or failure)
of artifacts and systems in terms of human’s ability to use and
interact with them. The current fiercely competitive global marketplace
has made Human factors and Work Analysis are more important than ever
as a means for making more usable and appealing products, and safer,
more effective work environments. .
Instructor: Professor Hayes,
office: ME 2110, Tel: 612-626-8391, Email: hayes@me.umn.edu
Time: Mon, Wed, 1:25 PM – 3:15
PM
Place: Rapson Hall 31
Text:
· Freivalds, Andris and
Niebel, Benjamin, "Methods,
Standards, and Work Design," 12th. Ed. McGraw-Hill, 2003.
Teaching
Assistant:
Xiao Dong
Office: ME L121
Office Hours:
Email: dongx080@me.umn.edu
Tel: