What is this thing, g, Human Factors? Emeritus Professor Jan Noyes - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

What is this thing, g, Human Factors?

Emeritus Professor Jan Noyes School of Psychological Science, Faculty of Life Sciences Professor Jan Noyes Department of Engineering Mathematics, Faculty of Engineering

Snapshot: Lessons Learned

• 1. Importance of expectations – pen-based input work with Hewlett-

Packard.

• 2. Language is a hurdle as is implicit knowledge – familiarisation work with

British Airways.

• 3. Work with GCHQ/MoD – language and relevancy markers (so, well, but).
• 4. Information overload – human as the bottleneck – warning and

diagnostic system/energy management system with GE Aviation/NASA.

• 5. Hybrid semi-autonomous systems (Thales) – autonomy will not happen

in the near future.

1. . Expectations and In Intuitiveness

When using technology, we base our expectations on what we know about human to human communications. This can create problems. Better off with counter-intuitive designs? In fact, surrounded by counter-intuitive designs. E.g. keyboards

2. . La Language Example: In Interv rview with Jeremy Ir Irons, Actor

So how did he do it, I asked him. How, when there no discernible physical difference between the twins, did he make their distinct personalities so palpable. “It was simple”, he said, with a sly smile. “With Elliot, the aggressive twin, I acted from here.” And he pointed to his forehead. “And with Beverly, the shy wimpy one, I acted from here.” And he pointed to his throat. “You see?”

The Key

• Design from the point of view of the human not from the ‘external

characteristics’ – human factors psychology/ergonomics involvement.

• Most design does not do this.
• We are surrounded by poor design.
• Computers, doors, chairs, everyday products/objects …

… to advanced and emerging technologies and systems.

Challenge for the Future

To locate the optimal level of human-system co-operation. In information-rich systems, how can we facilitate human-robot interactions given the ‘bottle-necks’ in the interaction? What is the appropriate degree of automation/autonomy? How do we manage issues of agency, control, trust, complacency, ethics, groups?