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Announcements (updated Nov. 9, 2009, 6:00 PM)
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 how 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 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. 10:10 AM - 12:05 PM
Place: ME 108
Text:
Freivalds, Andris and Niebel, Benjamin, "Methods, Standards, and Work Design," 12th. Ed. McGraw-Hill, 2003.
11th edition website
12th edition website ----- errata
Teaching Assistant:
Daniel Drew
Email: drewx039@umn.edu
Office hours: 11:00am-12:00pm Tuesday & Thursay, room ME 1124, Table B
Mailbox: ME 1101
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