Relation of Human Factors and Interior Space Design

¶ … Human Factors and Interior Space Design

The objective of this work in writing is to summarize the article entitled "The Relation of Human Factors and Interior Space Design." This article begins by noting the importance of the human having tools that fit them well and that this was realized early in the development of the human species. Specifically, this article notes that Australopithecus Prometheus "selected pebble tools and made scoops from antelope bones in a clear display of selecting/creating objects to make tasks easier to accomplish." (p.3) Over the centuries there was improvement in the effectiveness of the tools as discovered by anthropologists and archaeologists including tools such as hammers, plows and axes. During the Industrial Revolution, more advanced machines were developed that assisted man with his work including such as the spinning Jenny and the rolling mills.

The methodology utilized in the study under review is reported to have been conducted through gathering and evaluating information and then analyzing that information. The specific stated objective of the article under review reports that it intends to "investigate the relation of human factor and interior/environmental space design and how these two fields are related one to the other. This relation one to the other and how this is important to human factors and interior space design involves collection of material from articles forming a review of literature.

The literature reviewed in the summary is comprised of several case studies. The first of the case studies is a review of a book written by Stuart Smith -- School of Mechanical, Materials, Manufacturing, Engineering and Management, Institute for Occupational Ergonomics, University of Nottingham, and Nottingham containing 27 papers presenting the latest in research in human models relating to product use and workplace design. The second case study is stated to be comprised of "thinking about human factors."

Stated in the second case study is that human factors engineering "incorporates design principles that apply to physical and cognitive human abilities." (p.4) Stress as well as expectations, risk and rewards are stated to combine to impact the ability of the human being to make good judgments at the proper time and this is stated to be "in spite of our physical prowess or technical expertise." ( 4) It is noted in this part of the study that weaknesses and strengths are inherent in interaction between three groups including: (1) human factors and the patient; (2) human factors and the care team; and (3) human factors and the healthcare environment. (p.4) Specifically stated that patients and the family of patients as active participants in the patient's health care plan require that these considerations must be integrated into the patient care including instructions given both verbally and written as well as the design and placement of medical equipment and the "general awareness and cognitive abilities imposed by chemical and physical alterations as well as the timing of responses and interactions." (p.4) Noted are the following in regards to understanding the human workspace: (1) understanding neural strategies, which enables the "positioning and orientation of the hand or foot during voluntary reaching movements; (2) quantification of the full functional potential of a joint; and (3) study of ergonomic postures and path trajectories. (p.5) Three methods are noted to be involved in determining human workspace: (1) experimental-based methods; (2) voxel-based method; and (3) closed room solution or swept volumes. ( p.5)

A fourth case study notes that engineers need to try to "maintain a technology watch on future and anticipated development" and to "ensure Ergonomics involvement at the beginning of research and development lifecycles" as well as "attempt to reduce the gap between innovation and exploitation." (p.6) Case study five notes that neglecting ergonomics results in increased costs in workers' compensation as well as losses in productivity due to injury and fatigue and greater levels of absenteeism. Case study six involves a review of the enhancement of the impact of ergonomics interventions.