Effect of Wall Material of a Room on Performance in Long Monotonous Work

Abstract

A decline in concentration and physical/mental fatigue induce the occurrence of errors in monotonous work, or a decline in work efficiency. The efficiency of monotonous work is closely related to the environment of a room. Historically, Japan incorporates natural materials, such as clay, grass, bamboo charcoal in the interior construction of rooms. Natural materials used for interiors characteristically have properties which adjust to moisture levels and absorb contaminants in a house. We thus, expect the possibility of utilizing these specific effects to improve work efficiency while performing tedious work. The purpose of this study is to clarify how materials, such as wallpaper, clay wall and bamboo charcoal board, used in the construction of an interior, influence work efficiency and fatigue during long monotonous work. In this study, subjects sorted literature to represent the monotonous work used in the research. The status of work was recorded via video camera and the brain waves of the participants were measured. Fatigue levels, before and after the experiment, were also recorded.