Patrick W. Jordan

More than ever, designers and technologists are considering human factors in the product design process. Consumers are now seen as key to the overall look and usability of products, not just passive users. Traditional thinking assumed that if a task could be accomplished with a reasonable degree of efficiency and comfort, then the product fit the u

An Introduction to the New Human Factors

Designing Pleasurable Products

William S. Green

The last five years have seen a major paradigm shift in the role of human factors in product design. Previously this was seen as pertaining almost exclusively to product usability, but new recognition is being given to "pleasure-based" human factors. This emphasizes the holistic nature of the experience of person-product interaction. While traditional human factors approaches tended to characterize the user in terms of his or her physical or cognitive processing capabilities, new human factors approaches are concerned with wider lifestyle issues. The quality of a design is judged not only on its fit with a person's cognitive and physical abilities but also depends on how it fits the person's lifestyle and self image -- his hopes, dreams, values, and aspirations. Under the new paradigm, human factors specialists are concerned not only with the interaction design of products, but also with the product's sensorial and aesthetic qualities. Usability may once have been a seen as an added bonus, but consumers now tend to expect a product to be usable and are disappointed if they have difficulties in use. If human factors specialists are to continue to add value to a product, then their contribution must extend beyond traditional usability issues to capture the essence of what makes a product a real joy to use. This book gives an overview of the state-of-the-art in human factors approaches, consisting of specially invited contributions from leading practitioners in both industry and academia.

Beyond Usability

Pleasure With Products

This work gives a broad introductory overview of the topic of usability. Firstly, usability is defined and a framework for identifying different aspects of usability is given. The main principles for creating usable designs are expounded, followed by practical advice as to how to design usable products. The book then tackles the issue of usability evaluation - a series of evaluation methods are described, followed by practical advice as to how to conduct the evaluation. The book draws on examples from software design and product design generally. This means whilst human-computer interaction HCI is a central issue in the book, other usability issues are also covered.

An Introduction To Usability

The last five years have seen a major paradigm shift in the role of human factors in product design. Previously this was seen as pertaining almost exclusively to product usability, but new recognition is being given to "pleasure-based" human factors. This emphasizes the holistic nature of the experience of person-product interaction. While traditio

B. Thomas

Ian Lyall McClelland

Bernard Weerdmeester

This book provides a variety of answers in its description and discussion of new, sometimes radical approaches to `usability evaluation', now an increasingly common business tool. It contains new thinking of the subject of usability evaluation in industry. Contributions come from those involved in the practice of industry-based usability evaluation as well as those involved in related research activity. The chapters are derived from and developed from presentations and discussions at the invited international seminar `Usability Evaluation in Industry', and give a leading edge overview of current usability practice in industry - identifying those issues of concern and approaches to tackling these. Key Features: * Provides a comprehensive overview of current practice * International examples * Contains practical examples of ergonomics at work and gives clear ideas of what does and doesn't work under industrial constraints

Usability Evaluation In Industry

This book describes a marketing and design approach called "total design,"which is about not only making but marketing and promoting a good or service both successfully and profitably. It offers an integrated, holistic approach to the whole process. It's integrative because the design,marketing, and branding must give a clear and consistent story about the product. It's holistic becuase "total design" engages consumers on all levels.

How to Make Brilliant Stuff That People Love ... and Make Big Money Out of It

W. Green

Manufacturers are becoming more aware of human factors in product design as a major competitive issue. In many product areas, manufacturers have reached a technology ceiling, which simply means that it is increasingly difficult to get ahead of the competition in terms of, for example, functionality, technical reliability or manufacturing costs. As a consequence, design has become a major battleground for manufacturers, and usability is recognized as being a central tenet of good design. This book provides a unique snapshot of current practice in human factors, identifying methods and techniques that work well under tight constraints and providing case study evidence of their effectiveness. The commercial implications of usability are discussed, and special attention is paid to two key trends: inclusive design and smart products. Inclusive design is about meeting the needs of all users with one design, which includes the elderly and the disabled. Smart products are multi-functional products with electronic interfaces containing a vast array of "helpful" functions. Industrial designers and manufacturing executives will find this text enlightening.

Patrick W. Jordan

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