MAP-01-011 HFI Technical Guide - Human Factors Integration ...

MAP-01-011 – HFI Technical Guide (STGP 11)A3.11 Workspace, Workstation and HMI Design TechniquesWorkspace, Workstation and HMI design techniques are used to help determinethe optimum physical environment incorporating the space in which the users willperform their operational, maintenance and rest tasks. Workspace, Workstationand HMI design techniques include:• Link Analysis• Workspace Design• Workstation Design• Environmental Design• Synthetic User Modelling (Anthropometric)• Human Factors Trade-Off Analysis• Human Factors Style Guide• Health and Safety Analysis• Layout Analysis• Repertory Grid Analysis• Walkthrough AnalysisThe following sub-sections provide an overview of each of the aforementionedworkspace; workstation and HMI design techniques and the associated strengthsand weaknesses.A3.11.1Link AnalysisLink analysis determines the ‘links’ between physical items within the HMI suchas individual workstations, locally operated items of equipment, operatingpositions, access points, communication points and individual items of equipmentwithin the HMI. At a micro level, the analysis can also consider individual pieceof information displayed on computer-driven display screens.Link analysis uses 2-D (or possible pseudo 3-D) representations of the HMI thatcontain sufficient detail for the purpose. Here, accuracy of representationphysical dimensions may be much more important than device detail. Linkanalysis requires adequate knowledge of the operator’s task and tasksequences. Links are identified between each physical feature of the HMI that isrequired to perform a task. Items are connected using ‘links’ according to therequirements of the task. Aspects that are assessed can include: frequency ofaccess to a device or location, importance of the device to the task and the typeof access required (acquire information visually, operate device, move device,etc.). Inter-device linkages are recorded in tabular form.May 2006 Page A3-104 Issue 4