Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!wuarchive!uunet!munnari.oz.au!ariel!ucsvc.ucs.unimelb.edu.au!luga!lure.latrobe.edu.au!lhccjeh From: lhccjeh@lure.latrobe.edu.au Newsgroups: comp.human-factors Subject: Re: Human Factors or also called Ergonomics Message-ID: <1991Jun13.114050.1@lure.latrobe.edu.au> Date: 13 Jun 91 01:40:50 GMT References: <1991Jun12.091705.2823@actrix.gen.nz> Sender: news@luga.latrobe.edu.au (USENET News System) Organization: VAX Cluster, Computer Centre, La Trobe University Lines: 38 In article , kolen-j@retina.cis.ohio-state.edu (john kolen) writes: > > After taking a class titled "Cognitive Engineering", I was under the impression > that ergonomics referred to design under physical constraints of the users. > Erognomic designs attempt to reduce strain and fatigue of the equipment > operator. Cognitive engineering, on the other hand, attempted to design > equipment with psychological limitations in mind. For instance, designing > a light switch panel so to match the arrangements of lights in a room lessens > the burden of figuring out which switch goes with which light. Finally, > human factors was the combination of the two: designing artifacts that > people can use comfortably and competently. > John Kolen I am not sure whether it matters. In England they call it Ergonomics and in the States they call it Human Factors. If you glance at the associated journals you will see that the Ergonomics journals tend to be more on the "hard" or applied side or should I say the physical environment (which includes the hardware involved) whereas the Human Factors journal seems to be more on the psychological side (although this emphasis has changed over the years). In Australia we simply call all of it Ergonomics. Our professional association [The Ergonomics Society of Australia] has within it special interest groups of which one is CHISIG. Computer-Human Isteraction. The study of interfaces is one of the MAJOR studies in Ergonomics. Computer interface being just one (although increasing becoming the major one). Like all interfaces, when it is well designed, you don't notice it. We're getting there...slowly _____________________________________________________________________________ James Hale Lincoln School of Health Sciences Computing Unit La Trobe University,Bundoora, AUSTRALIA ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- My sinless brother is my guide to peace. | Lesson 351 My sinful brother is my guide to pain. | Workbook P470 And which I choose to see I will behold. | _____________________________________________________________________________