From Page 72
(2) You're right.
Recall that if equipment is designed for the average user, then only
50 percent or less of the potential users will be accommodated.
Thus,
adjustability is especially important when the product in question is
intended for use by the different military services, or for sale in other
cultures.
Incidentally, just as way of a 'memory jar,' the second principle used
in applying anthropometry data is 'designing for the extreme individual.'
In this case, the design features are determined by the body dimensions of
individuals from one extreme or the other.
We've lingered long enough on anthropometry, and it's time to move on
to other areas that play an important role in HFE. An area that is closely
related to anthropometry is that of work space design, where you are
concerned with accounting for the size and physical characteristics of
people who are going to use the work space.
Thus, if you'll recall,
integrating man into his working surroundings is what work space design is
all about.
Okay, let's now touch on several other factors (discussed in the first
20 lessons) that affect man's ability to adequately perform his job.
For
instance, in Lesson 17 a good bit of time was spent discussing how the human
body reacts to temperature extremes and how this, in turn, affects
performance.
If you'll recall, people who work under extreme cold will
develop performance deficits long before they are in danger of fatal
exposure.
Now, the big question is, in which aspects of performance are
performance deficits most prominently manifested?
(1) Performance that relies on coordination and motor ability is primarily
affected by extreme cold. Turn to Page 10.
(2) Man's reasoning ability is severely affected by extremely cold
temperatures. Turn to Page 38.
(3) Man is in no way adversely affected by extreme cold. Turn to Page 73.
(4) Performance that relies on cognitive processes is severely degraded when
man is exposed to extreme cold. Turn to Page 60.
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