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

MAP-01-011 – HFI Technical Guide (STGP 11)considering frequency of use, importance to task, and the required saliency ofparticular pieces information or devices.Where the HMI supports a multitude of functions or use scenarios, each requiringdifferent physical HMI arrangements, Layout Analysis assists the designer toconsider trade-offs.Layout analysis is well suited to HMIs where multi-functionality and flexibility ofuse sequence of use and frequency of use are the dominant characteristics ofthe user interaction. It offers a low-cost means of optimising HMI designfeatures. If applied to the final design of the HMI it can only identifyshortcomings. However, if it is applied to representations of conceptual designs,or to computer-based models of evolving designs, it can form a useful part of aniterative design cycle with the potential to reduce project risk and promote usercentredHMI design.• Advantages• Layout analysis is very easy to implement and also simple to use.• Low resource usage.• Layout analysis requires very little training.• Layout analysis is a very quick technique to perform, offering animmediately useful output.• Can be applied to paper diagrams of the device/interface under analysis.• The output provided by the technique is immediately useful, offering aredesign of the interface under analysis based upon importance, sequenceand frequency of use.• Disadvantages• Poor reliability/Validity (DTC168 - Stanton & Young 1999).• The output of the technique is very limited i.e. it only caters for layout.Errors and Task times are ignored.• Literature regarding layout analysis is extremely sparse.• If an initial HTA is required, application time can rise dramatically.• Conducting a layout analysis for complex interfaces may be very difficultand time consuming.A3.11.10 Repertory Grid AnalysisRepertory Grid Analysis is an interview-based inter-comparison technique thatexplores user perceptions about two or more alternative devices, products orrealisations of a particular aspect of an HMI. The technique examines userconstructs, such as goodness of labelling, and contrasts, such as inconsistentMay 2006 Page A3-112 Issue 4