Human Factors In Engineering and Design

The topics it covers are the basic "physical" human factors topics. There is breadth but not depth. However it does not do much with UI design. There is nothing on Web design or computer station design.

This book's data is limited to examples that illustrate various points in the book. If you need detailed anthropometric data or workspace recoommendations you won't find it here.

Alan Cooper's book About face can help you with the UI part.

Jakob Nielson's Web Usability or Steve Krug's Don't make me think book can give you information on Web design.

Woodson's Human Factors Design Handbook can help you with the computer station part. At lot of money for just this though.

If you need detailed anthropmetric date, the sources I am most familiar with are:

Human Factors Design Handbook by Woodson(though it is a biased sample, if this is all you can get it is better than nothing) Woodson's newer book (2nd edition) gives computer station information, but is pricey for just this.

The measure of Man and Woman by Henry Dreyfuss and Associates (dated in 1970s)

BodySpace by Stephen Pheasant (in metric)

International data on Anthropometry by Hans W. Jurgens (gives you some international data found nowhere else).

Another thing that may help you is the table of contents:

Table of Contents:

PART 1: INTRODUCTION

1. Human Factors and Systems

2. Human Factors Research Methodologies

Part 2: INFORMATION INPUT

3. Information Input and Processing

4. Text, Graphics, Symbols and Codes

5. Visual Display of Dynamic Information

6. Auditory, Tactual and Olfactory Displays

7. Speech Communications

PART 3: HUMAN OUTPUT AND CONTROL

8. Physical Work and Manual Materials Handling

9. Motor Skills

10. Human Control of systems

11. Controls and Data Entry devices

12. Hand tools and devices

PART 4: WORKPLACE DESIGN

13. Applied Anthropometry, Work-space design and Seating

14. Arrangement of Components within a Physical Space

15. Interpersonal Aspects of Workplace Design

PART 5: ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

16. Illumination

17. Climate

18. Noise

19. Motion

PART 6: HUMAN FACTORS APPLICATIONS

20. Human Error, Accidents and Safety

21. Human Factors and the Automobile

22. Human Factors in Systems design

APPENDICES

A. List of Abbreviations

B. Control Devices

C. NIOSH Recommended Action Limit Formula for Lifting Tasks


Good Book on Human factors   May 24, 2006
Elijah Chingosho (Nairobi, Kenya)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

"Human Factors in Engineering and Design" is a well researched book that is recommended for anyone studying ergonomics and human factor issues in engineering and design, particularly at undergraduate level. It is a comprehensive coverage of the various relevant and pertinent topics that students and practitioners should find useful.

The topics covered include information input, human output and control, workplace design, environmental conditions and human factor applications. I found the book to contain all the information pertaining to human factors that I needed, although some few areas are outdated, which however, did little to diminish the import and utility of the book.

The book is well written in simple, plain English making it easily understandable to a wide audience. The only drawback is the price, which some students may find a bit steep, even though it is well worth it.



Depends on your need!   May 7, 1999
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

This is a terrific text for an INTRODUCTION into the world of human factors and ergonomics, especially at the undergraduate level. It covers a wide range of topics, some (I grant) a bit out of date, but useful nonetheless. A previous reviewer mentions the content being out-of-date. I partially agree. BUT, for the most part, PEOPLE have not changed in many many years, so chapters dealing with human capabilities and limitations are still accurate, making it a good general resource. It's biggest shortcoming is lack of human-computer interaction material. Otherwise a very worthwhile investment for those interested in the field of human factors as a whole.