Human Factors Minute

Human Factors Minute

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Human Factors Minute episodes

  • Signal Detection Theory
    ...and now for another Human Factors Minute!
    Signal Detection Theory is a model for understanding decision accuracy in ambiguous circumstances developed in the 1950s as a response to WWII radar research and is used in domains ranging from psychology, medical diagnostics, and statistical decisions.
    Detection theory explains an observer's ability to determine the presence or absence of a stimulus, based on how well they can differentiate the target from random input, referred to as noise. What qualifies as a signal and noise is context dependent.
    Noise is anything that interferes with detection. For humans, noise is everywhere. Personal experience, expectations, physiological state among other factors affect the decision maker’s threshold to filter through internal and external sources of noise. In a life or death scenario someone may be more likely to detect faint stimuli than they would in a moment of safety, but they might also be more likely to over identify harmless stimuli as a threat.
    A well adapted system demonstrates a strong ability to discern such information. A subject’s identification of the stimuli’s status falls into one of four categories:
    -True positive
    -False negative
    -False alarm
    -Correct rejection
    In a real world scenario, a radar operator would be responsible for deciding if the radar screen is displaying electronic signals that represent a plane or random inputs.
    Detection theory can be observed in memory recognition experiments or eyewitness identification. Witnesses tend to base their decisions on a perceived level of familiarity with the suspect. In this example, the signal is the familiar feeling generated by the known input, and the noise corresponds to a false feeling of familiarity from the new stimulus.
    This has been another Human Factors Minute!
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    Resources:
    Music by Kevin McLeod: https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Support us on Patreon for access to the full library of Human Factors Minute

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    2 min
  • A/B Testing
    ...and now for another Human Factors Minute!
    A/B testing is a randomized experimentation process in which two or more versions of a single variable, be that a web page or page feature, are shown to users to figure out which performs better. The “A” refers to the “control”—the original format and the “B” is a variation of that. It is also known as split testing because you split the sample of users where one half uses one version A, and the other half uses the “B” version. Say for example, you wanted to test out the effect of the location of a subscribe button on a website for new visitors. The current subscribe button is at the bottom of the webpage is “A” while the challenger B would be a button placed at the top of the webpage. You would then test these two versions of button webpage placement with a predetermined percentage of first-time site visitors. The metric would be the number of clicks the button gets.
    A/B testing is useful because it eliminates all the guesswork out when designing a product and helps designers make data-informed decisions that can potentially increase user engagement, reduce bounce rates, minimize risk, and create engaging content.
    Some fun facts: While A/B testing are most associated with websites and apps, the method is nearly 100 years old. Google first used A/B testing in the year 2000 and now they and other companies conducts over 10,000 A/B tests a year!
    This has been another Human Factors Minute!
    Be sure to check out our main show at our official website: https://www.humanfactorscast.media
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    Resources:
    Music by Kevin McLeod: https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Support us on Patreon for access to the full library of Human Factors Minute

    https://www.patreon.com/humanfactorscast

    2 min
  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers
    …and now for another Human Factors Minute!
    The American Society of Industrial Engineers, ASME, is a not-for-profit organization that promotes art, science, multidisciplinary engineering, and allied sciences with members in over 135 countries. This professional organization creates space for collaboration and skill development while promoting the essential role of engineers in society.
    Their goal is to be a premier resource for the global engineering community while pursuing sustainable solutions such as clean energy and water, efficient housing and transportation, public safety, and public healthcare. Additionally, ASME develops codes and standards to improve the safety, reliability, and efficiency of engineering processes. The organization publishes books, journals, proceedings, hosts conferences, and offers over 200 continuing education and professional development programs that provide a foundation for advancing technical knowledge and a safer world.
    If you are interested, visit asme.org to get involved
    This has been another Human Factors Minute!
    Be sure to check out our main show at our official website: https://www.humanfactorscast.media
    Support us on these platforms to get access to the entire Human Factors Minute library:
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    Resources:
    Music by Kevin McLeod: https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Support us on Patreon for access to the full library of Human Factors Minute

    https://www.patreon.com/humanfactorscast

    2 min
  • HFETAG - HFE/HSI

    Did you know the The Department of Defense Human Factors Engineering Technical Advisory Group is composed of 19 sub Technical Advisory Groups?

    One of those is the HFE/HSI SubTAG.

    This SubTAG's area of interest includes DoD and service HSI policy, HSI initiatives (Army MANPRINT, Air Force IMPACTS, Navy HSI), interservice inconsistencies in the acquisition process, feedback of lessons learned from test results and field operations to human factors engineers, and the identification of problems during application of HSI tools, technologies, standards, or guidance. Industry/government, higher/lower staff echelon, and support relations are of prime interest.

    According to DOD Directive 5000.2, Human System Integration (HSI) is concerned with both the application of Human Factors Engineering (HFE) during weapon system acquisition and modification, and the prediction of HFE consequences on manpower, personnel, training, safety, and health/biomedical requirements. The purpose of this subgroup is to explore how policies, procedures, and practice can best facilitate HSI. The directive's emphasis is more on management and communication than on technology, more on acquisition than research and development, and more on the application of HSI tools than on the tools themselves. Typical topics of interest would include RFP preparation, source selection, design analysis, design reviews, interaction between staffs of different services/represented organizations, interaction between human factors engineers and other system engineers, review of contractor data submissions, test planning, evaluation or research products in the application environment, and coordinated research and development request activity.

    To find out more about the The Department of Defense Human Factors Engineering Technical Advisory Group, and its sub Technical Advisory Groups, visit the HFE TAG website (https://rt.cto.mil/ddre-rt/dd-rtl/hfetag/).

    Be sure to check out our main show at our official website: https://www.humanfactorscast.media

    Support us on these platforms to get access to the entire Human Factors Minute library:

    • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/humanfactorscast
    • Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hfactorspodcast

    Join us on Discord:https://go.humanfactorscast.media/Discord

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    • Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HumanFactorsCast

    Resources:

    • Music by Kevin McLeod: https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Support us on Patreon for access to the full library of Human Factors Minute

    https://www.patreon.com/humanfactorscast

    3 min
  • Affordances

    Affordances, coined by psychologist James Gibson in 1966, are detailed as what an environment offers to an individual. Further detailed later by computer interaction researcher Don Norman as, “A relationship between the properties of an object and the capabilities of the agent that determine just how the object could possibly be used” or, “action possibilities.”

    Affordances imply what interactions for users are possible in our everyday life, physically and digitally. Affordances generally exist within the following categories:

    False – Where the environment/object characteristics suggests and action may be taken where one does not exist, such as a button on an interface that does not work.

    Hidden – Where there is no obvious explanation on interaction so the individual must rely on previous experience or knowledge to engage with the interface, such as hovering over an icon on a webpage to see if it is an active link.

    Perceptible – Where the object/interface itself indicates what action possibilities are available and achievable, like a digital ordering menu at a restaurant that says “Place Order Here.”

    For User Interface design, here are some examples of how affordances are used in design:

    - Floppy disk icon affords saving data

    - Magnifying glass affords searching

    - Home icon affords returning to the home page

    - Plus icon affords being able to add an element

    This has been another Human Factors Minute

    Be sure to check out our main show at our official website: https://www.humanfactorscast.media

    Support us on these platforms to get access to the entire Human Factors Minute library:

    • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/humanfactorscast
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    • Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HumanFactorsCast

    Resources:

    • Music by Kevin McLeod: https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Support us on Patreon for access to the full library of Human Factors Minute

    https://www.patreon.com/humanfactorscast

    2 min
  • Galvanic Skin Response
    ...And now for another Human Factors Minute.
    Galvanic skin response, or GSR, is the measurement of change in the skin's electrical conductivity. This change comes as a result of increased sweat gland activity. When someone experiences emotional arousal, such as sadness, joy, or fear, there is also a change in sweat gland activity. The GSR measurement can be reflectivity of the intensity of an emotional state. To measure this, GSR electrodes are usually attached to the hand, which has the highest density of sweat glands in the body. A device is then used to record this data.
    GSR data is often used by human-computer interaction researchers to measure cognitive load when users interact with interfaces. When a research participant becomes frustrated or stressed with a complex interface, their galvanic skin response increases. Researchers can use GSR to support surveys and interviews with participants, as it proves that the body had an emotional response. A researcher can then use the physiological data to quantitatively measure how intuitive and satisfying a user’s experience is. Researchers may also find GSR useful when paired with data reflecting other physiological changes, such as heart rate, respiration, or eye pupil dilation.
    Besides HCI, GSR can be used in many other fields. It is well-known as being part of the controversial polygraph test, which assumes GSR response can determine whether someone is telling the truth. It can also be used to measure engagement, agitation, emotional arousal to entertainment and other forms of content. Overall, GSR reveals a part of an individual’s subconscious, as skin conductivity cannot be consciously regulated.
    This has been another Human Factors Minute
    Be sure to check out our main show at our official website: https://www.humanfactorscast.media
    Support us on these platforms to get access to the entire Human Factors Minute library:
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    Resources:
    Music by Kevin McLeod: https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Support us on Patreon for access to the full library of Human Factors Minute

    https://www.patreon.com/humanfactorscast

    2 min
  • The Multiple Oscillator model

    The Multiple Oscillator Model is a connectionist model that describes how we perceive time.

    An oscillator can be described as a pacemaker with a repetitive rhythm - like a swinging pendulum. The perception of an oscillator can provide the linear metric of time without one having to read a clock.

    This particular model describes time as being perceived through the feedback of multiple oscillators, each with a different frequency once they are triggered. It is believed that intervals in seconds can accurately be perceived when a set of oscillators coincide with one another.

    This model works as long as each sensory event triggers the oscillators to reset. However, it is unlikely that one could account for shorter intervals, like a few hundred milliseconds.

    The multiple oscillator model and other proposed time-perception theories are part of the larger picture in researching why we sometimes have an altered perception of time in different situations. There are a variety of human factors that go into time perception, and there is still much to learn.

    Be sure to check out our main show at our official website: https://www.humanfactorscast.media

    Support us on these platforms to get access to the entire Human Factors Minute library:

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    Resources:

    • Music by Kevin McLeod: https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Support us on Patreon for access to the full library of Human Factors Minute

    https://www.patreon.com/humanfactorscast

    2 min
  • HFETAG - Controls & Displays

    Did you know the The Department of Defense Human Factors Engineering Technical Advisory Group is composed of 19 sub Technical Advisory Groups?

    One of those is the Controls and Displays SubTAG.

    This SubTAG aims to ensure that the development of advanced display and control systems for use by human operators is done consistent with the principles of human factors, with the intent of providing a means by which all DOD, NASA, and FAA personnel who are working in the area of displays and controls can maintain a high level of awareness of developments being made in controls and displays.


    This SubTAG defines displays as visual, audio, tactile, and other devices, which can be used to provide information to a human operator. Whereas controls include anything that allows for direct manipulation, neurological interfaces, ocular metrics, and voice.


    While there may be some overlap between areas of interest of this SubTAG and other organizations, the Controls and Displays SubTAG freely exchanges information with other organizations and attempts to cooperate in every way possible to mitigate overalap.


    The Controls and Displays subtag serves as a forum for the exchange of ideas and information about the latest work in displays and controls and provides support of research or development efforts which would be beyond the capacity of any individual sponsor. Additionally, this group will assist with the standardization of display and control characteristics where needed.


    To find out more about the The Department of Defense Human Factors Engineering Technical Advisory Group, and its sub Technical Advisory Groups, visit the HFE TAG website (https://rt.cto.mil/ddre-rt/dd-rtl/hfetag/).

    Be sure to check out our main show at our official website: https://www.humanfactorscast.media

    Support us on these platforms to get access to the entire Human Factors Minute library:

    • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/humanfactorscast
    • Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hfactorspodcast

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    • Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HumanFactorsCast

    Resources:

    • Music by Kevin McLeod: https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Support us on Patreon for access to the full library of Human Factors Minute

    https://www.patreon.com/humanfactorscast

    2 min
  • Environmental Design Research Association

    The Environmental Design Research Association was formed in 1968 by designers who believed they had the social responsibility to use their expertise as a tool to alleviate environmental problems.

    The EDRA is the product of the Design Methods Group joining forces with the myriad of independent efforts of like minded organizations with the understanding that their work would be stronger together. As one, EDRA advocates on behalf of healthier, more democratic human environments.

    The mission of the EDRA is to build a collaborative community between disciplines that creates and advocates for environments that are responsive to human needs. In pursuit of this goal, the EDRA bridges theory, research, teaching, and practice to create more humane environments in collaboration with communities worldwide. They also promote research essential to improving quality of life while advocating for social justice.

    Human factors guide the EDRA. Members are leaders in environment and behavior studies, evidence-based design, facility evaluation methods, sustainability, community planning, universal design, diversity in design, workplace design and informatics, design education, and digital technologies. Together they advance and publicize environmental design research, which facilitates a stronger general understanding of the relationship between people, their built environment, and natural ecosystems.

    For more information please visit EDRA.org.

    Be sure to check out our main show at our official website: https://www.humanfactorscast.media

    Support us on these platforms to get access to the entire Human Factors Minute library:

    • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/humanfactorscast
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    Resources:

    • Music by Kevin McLeod: https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Support us on Patreon for access to the full library of Human Factors Minute

    https://www.patreon.com/humanfactorscast

    2 min
  • Behavioral Theory of Timing and Poisson Processes

    The Behavioral Theory of Timing comes to us from Peter Killeen and Gregor Fetterman in 1988. The general idea is that the reinforcement of behaviors generates knowledge of the average amount of time between reinforcement. This knowledge is what sets our internal clock, which then tells us when to perform the behavior. The transitions between behaviors are considered a Poisson Process.

    A Poisson Process is a probability concept that can be applied to many real-world situations. For something to qualify as a Poisson Process, events must be independent of each other, the average rate of events is constant, and two events cannot occur at the same time. For example, we can think of how often a website will go down in a given time period or how often customers will call a help center.


    Back to our Behavioral Theory of Timing! This model of timing is a formalization of the concept that behavior is the mediator of temporal control, linking it to the behaviorist movement in psychology that began in the early 1900s. Like other theories of timing, the Behavioral Theory of Timing posits that we have a pacemaker-accumulator system, or that an oscillator of some type generates pulses that are summed by a hypothetical "accumulator." Variations in timing accuracy are explained as errors from the pacemaker or accumulator.

    Be sure to check out our main show at our official website: https://www.humanfactorscast.media

    Support us on these platforms to get access to the entire Human Factors Minute library:

    • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/humanfactorscast
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    Resources:

    • Music by Kevin McLeod: https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Support us on Patreon for access to the full library of Human Factors Minute

    https://www.patreon.com/humanfactorscast

    2 min

About Human Factors Minute

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Step into the world of Human Factors and UX with the Human Factors Minute podcast! Each episode is like a mini-crash course in all things related to the field, packed with valuable insights and…