Application Of Human Factors Engineering Research Articles

Visual Style Elements in Human-System Interface Design for Nuclear Power Operations: Does Style Affect Performance and Preference?

As the world increasingly adopts renewable and sustainable energy systems, transitionary solutions include nuclear power, which currently provides 20% of the United States' electricity and is the largest single source of carbon-free electricity generation. Advanced reactors are a critical component of a carbon-free mixed energy portfolio that require careful design of first-of-a-kind control rooms. The application of Human Factors Engineering (HFE) is essential for scientific and iterative testing of novel human-system interface (HSI) concepts to ensure effective, efficient, and safe plant operations. Microworlds are simulators that use simplified physics models and control systems to distill nuclear power operations into essential functions. HFE scientists used the Rancor Microworld Simulator to obtain preference and performance metrics for novel and traditional static HSI design styles. Participants comprised advanced reactor company employees and nuclear industry consultants. A mixture of quantitative and qualitative data was captured. There was a preference for the basic graphical style that included high contrast and traditional color scheme elements. No single HSI design outperformed the others, and the participants did not perform better using their preferred HSI style. This experiment is the first in a series of HFE testing for HSIs in advanced reactor control room development. Clear user preferences emerged for elements within static displays. The cutting-edge neumorphic style was the least preferred. Future directions include tests of dynamic displays. HFE is used in evaluating and designing HSI devices that will improve the efficiency and safety of advanced nuclear power operations.

Considering the Dynamics of FDA Human Factors ValidationRequirement: Implications of Failure and Need to Ensure ProjectSuccess - A Conceptual Framework

Recognizing the role of human factors engineering (HFE) in the development of medical devices and combination products that involve devices, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now requires human factors (HF) validations before market approval. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their products are safe and effective through the application of HFE. However, key stakeholders are still learning and developing capabilities to adapt to the regulatory component. Nonetheless, the lack of the corresponding HF capabilities hinders compliance with the FDA’s expectations, and though ultimate success. No known previous work has looked into FDA HF validation projects to assess the underlying factors and implications of failed submissions. Applying system dynamics (SD), a causal loop diagram (CLD) was developed. CLDs are useful for the exploration of the causal interactions among factors or variables, as well as the underlying feedback structure of a complex system. This work can serve to help manufacturers better understand the FDA’s HF requirement to enable overall product success. Further, with patient safety as a common goal, HF service providers (HFSPs) and regulators should be aware of the need to ensure the consistent quality of the HF element in premarket submissions.

Applying Human Factors Engineering Program to the Modernization Project of NPP Control Room in accordance with U.S.NRC and KTA Regulations

Application of Human Factors Engineering (HFE) in the design and implementation of such a project is essential to ensure that the new man-machine interface outcoming from the modernization does not have any negative impacts on human performance and plant safety. This paper analyzes the applicability of the Human Factors Engineering Program in the licensing and certification of Konvoi Nucleoelectric Power Plant Control Room modernization Project using digital instrumentation and control in accordance with U.S.NRC and KRA regulations. The results of the analyses show that although regulatory bodies adopt different methodology in the process of licensing the modernization of control rooms, the engineering aspects are being developed based on the principles of engineering.

Decision-centred design in healthcare: The process of identifying a decision support tool for airway management

Current decision support interventions for airway management in anaesthesia lack the application of Human Factors Engineering; leading to interventions that can be disruptive, inefficient and error-inducing. This study followed a decision-centred design process to identify decision support that can assist anaesthesia teams with challenging airway management situations. Field observations, Critical Decision Method interviews and focus groups were conducted to identify the most difficult decisions and their requirements. Data triangulation narrowed the focus to key decisions related to preparation and planning, and the transitioning between airway techniques during difficulties. Five decision-support interventions were identified and positively rated by anaesthesia team members in relation to their perceived effectiveness. An organized airway equipment trolley was chosen as the most beneficial decision support intervention. This study reiterated the key importance of both Human Factors Engineering and data triangulation when designing for healthcare.

Coordination of I&C Design With the Obligatory Consideration of Human Factors: A Project Management Approach

Human factors engineering (HFE), such as other engineering disciplines involved in plant design, cannot be considered retroactively. The engineering principles and methods derived from deep knowledge of the cognitive and perceptual capabilities and limitations of the plant’s “human element” are applied instead throughout the plant design. Focusing HFE efforts, the plant’s HMI is designed to ensure effective and error-free performance of the monitoring, control, and administrative tasks allocated to the control-room crew. A project’s HFE program prescribes three main steps (1) The task analysis and the analyses of plant monitoring and control functions to identify those to be performed manually (all others are performed automatically, or in a combination of manual and automatic, while still manually monitored) and determine in turn the HMI inventory of information displays, controls, alarms, and operating procedures required to support their performance. (2) The guided design of the plant’s HMI, ensuring its compliance with HFE principles and the completeness and correctness of the task support it provides. (3) The subsequent evaluation of operator performance, trained to follow the operating procedures and use of the HMI. Authors’ experience shows that the three following required steps pose challenges to project execution: (1) the acquisition and analysis of the multidisciplinary functional requirements (related to plant monitoring and control); (2) the likely interdisciplinary analysis and how fulfillment of these requirements shall be allocated to I&C automation systems or operators (or both); and (3) the HFE-guided HMI design and validation. An additional fourth challenge poses a timely and cost-effective application of HFE to I&C engineering, which can be achieved by adequate planning and project management procedures. This paper aims to summarize some of our industrial experiences gained in new builds and modernization projects of nuclear power plants around the world.

Application of human factors engineering (HFE) to the design of a naloxone auto-injector for the treatment of opioid emergencies

The increased use of opioids for chronic treatment of pain and the resulting epidemic of opioid overdoses have created a major public health challenge. Parenteral naloxone has been used since the 1970’s to treat opioid overdose. Recently, a novel naloxone auto-injector device (EVZIO, kaleo, Inc., Richmond, VA) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration. In this article, we review the Human Factors Engineering (HFE) process used in the development and testing of this novel naloxone auto-injector currently used in nonmedical settings for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose. HFE methods were employed throughout the product development process for the naloxone auto-injector including formative and summative studies in order to optimize the auto-injector’s user interface, mitigate use-related hazards and increase reliability during an opioid emergency use scenario. HFE was also used to optimize the product’s design and user interface in order to reduce or prevent user confusion and misuse. The naloxone auto-injector went through a rigorous HFE process that included perceptual, cognitive, and physical action analysis; formative usability evaluations; use error analysis and summative design validation studies. Applying HFE resulted in the development of a product that is safe, fast, easy and predictably reliable to deliver a potentially life-saving dose of naloxone during an opioid overdose emergency. The naloxone auto-injector may be considered as a universal precaution option for at-risk patients prescribed opioids or those who are at increased risk for an opioid overdose emergency.

Human factors engineering in oil and gas - a review of industry guidance

Oil and gas exploration and production activities are carried out in hazardous environments in many parts of the world. Recent events in the Gulf of Mexico highlight those risks and underline the importance of considering human factors during facility design. Ergonomic factors such as machinery design, facility and accommodation layout and the organization of work activities have been systematically considered over the past twenty years on a limited number of offshore facility design projects to a) minimize the occupational risks to personnel, b) support operations and maintenance tasks and c) improve personnel wellbeing. During this period, several regulators and industry bodies such as the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM), the UK's Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Oil and Gas Producers (OGP), and Norway's Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA) have developed specific HFE design standards and guidance documents for the application of Human Factors Engineering (HFE) to the design and operation of Oil and Gas projects. However, despite the existence of these guidance and recommended design practise documents, and documented proof of their value in enhancing crew safety and efficiency, HFE is still not well understood across the industry and application across projects is inconsistent. This paper summarizes the key Oil and Gas industry bodies' HFE guidance documents, identifies recurring themes and current trends in the use of these standards, provides examples of where and how these HFE standards have been used on past major offshore facility design projects, and suggests criteria for selecting the appropriate HFE strategy and tasks for future major oil and gas projects. It also provides a short history of the application of HFE to the offshore industry, beginning with the use of ASTM F 1166 to a major operator's Deepwater Gulf of Mexico facility in 1990 and the application of HFE to diverse world regions. This latter point highlights the need to consider user populations when selecting HFE design criteria, an aspect strongly emphasized in current industry guidance.

Distributed Cognition: A Foundation for Performance Support

Performance ImprovementVolume 39, Issue 6 p. 18-24 Article Distributed Cognition: A Foundation for Performance Support Jan D. Greenberg, Jan D. Greenberg Jan D. Greenberg is Training and Development Associate for East Coast Migrant Head Start Project in Arlington, Virginia, where she has been employed for more than 12 years. Her specialties include applications of the learning and performance technologies to staff development/adult learning programs in Migrant Head Start centers, with emphasis on early childhood education and care. Jan participates in and presents at national conference on learning and performance support. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland and an MS candidate in Instructional Technology at George Mason University. Jan may be reached at greenberg@ecmhsp.org.Search for more papers by this authorGary J. Dickelman, Gary J. Dickelman Gary J. Dickelman is Vice President of the Consulting Division for GURU, Inc. He specializes in the application of human factors engineering, learning technology, information technology, and business process engineering to business systems analysis through implementation. Dickelman's work includes electronic performance support systems for human resources management, customer service, investments and pensions, health care, and business process re-engineering. Dickelman is a member of the Society for Applied Learning Technology (SALT), the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD), and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). He is a contributing author to Using Computers in Human Resources (Jossey-Bass, 1992) and The Instructional Technology Handbook (McGraw-Hill, 1993). Gary may be reached at gdickelman@pcd-innovations.com.Search for more papers by this author Jan D. Greenberg, Jan D. Greenberg Jan D. Greenberg is Training and Development Associate for East Coast Migrant Head Start Project in Arlington, Virginia, where she has been employed for more than 12 years. Her specialties include applications of the learning and performance technologies to staff development/adult learning programs in Migrant Head Start centers, with emphasis on early childhood education and care. Jan participates in and presents at national conference on learning and performance support. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland and an MS candidate in Instructional Technology at George Mason University. Jan may be reached at greenberg@ecmhsp.org.Search for more papers by this authorGary J. Dickelman, Gary J. Dickelman Gary J. Dickelman is Vice President of the Consulting Division for GURU, Inc. He specializes in the application of human factors engineering, learning technology, information technology, and business process engineering to business systems analysis through implementation. Dickelman's work includes electronic performance support systems for human resources management, customer service, investments and pensions, health care, and business process re-engineering. Dickelman is a member of the Society for Applied Learning Technology (SALT), the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD), and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). He is a contributing author to Using Computers in Human Resources (Jossey-Bass, 1992) and The Instructional Technology Handbook (McGraw-Hill, 1993). Gary may be reached at gdickelman@pcd-innovations.com.Search for more papers by this author First published: 08 February 2007 https://doi.org/10.1002/pfi.4140390608Citations: 4 AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume39, Issue6July 2000Pages 18-24 RelatedInformation

Information appliances and i performance support

Information appliances and i performance support

Application of Human-Factors Engineering for Increased Safety on a Deepwater Semisubmersible

This article is a synopsis of paper OTC 10882, "Opportunities for Increased Safety and Operability of a Deepwater Semisubmersible Through the Application of HFE," by Andrew Sworn, SPE, BP Exploration Inc., and James Stirling, Diamond Offshore Drilling Inc., originally presented at the 1999 Offshore Technology Conference, Houston, 3-6 May.

Control Room Lighting: An Application of Human Factors Engineering

Control Room Lighting: An Application of Human Factors Engineering

Control Room Lighting: an Application of Human Factors Engineering

The lighting parameters involved in a human factors engineering evaluation of control rooms for nuclear, fossil and industrial process plants are summarized and discussed. The results of actual, onsite surveys of control room lighting systems are reported. Of special significance is a deeper understanding of the problem of reflected glare from CRT displays which is described, as well as a quantitative method to measure the amount of reflected glare from various types of displays. Solutions to particular lighting problems are included.