Towards a human factors and ergonomics integration framework in the early product design phase: Function-Task-Behaviour

Abstract

Considering the existing methodologies’ hysteresis and cost of the human factors and ergonomics (HF/E) integration in the design phase, this paper attempts to develop a time-saving, less expensive and standard approach for designers to integrate the HF/E from the early design phase. In this study, the HF/E information is embodied by a user manual, which will be continuously improved with the refinement of design. A Function-Task-Behaviour framework is proposed to restate the design process, which involves three steps: (1) Functional specification involves function definition and decomposition according to initial user manual and other requirements; (2) Embodiment refers to conducting task definition and planning to achieve the intended function. SysML is used for task definition and PERT method is applied for task planning; (3) Detailed design refers to the interactions analysis between user’s behaviour and product’s behaviour in the work area. A case study is shown at the end of this paper to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed method in integrating the HF/E from the early design phase to improve the final performance of both product and user.