A search reveals only six articles that concern human-factors engineering as it relates to student furniture. Contacts with five school-furniture manufacturers disclose that designs were basically unaltered for years and are claimed to reflect what schools want in furniture. Proposes recommendations to design and secure furniture to meet students'…

The discipline of software engineering can be extended in a natural way to deal with the issues raised by a systematic approach to the design of human-machine interfaces. The user should be treated as part of the system being designed and projects should be organized to take into account the current lack of a priori knowledge of user interface…

The relationship of ergonomics (the study of man in relation to his working environment) and training is examined in the context of physical stress, training time required, man-machine systems, skill and job performance analysis, and training effectiveness. (AG)

Human factors engineering is considered with regard to the design of safety factors for aviation and highway transportation equipment. Current trends and problem areas are identified for jet air transportation and for highway transportation. Suggested solutions to transportation safety problems are developed by applying the techniques of human…

A summary of the characteristics of human performance and requirements of the built environment that provide accessibility. (Author/MLF)

Discusses human factors (ergonomic) requirements in equipment design for video display terminals and the work environment. (SK)

A study examined the effectiveness of two types of canoe paddles in marathon canoe racing. Results of the study indicated that the angled paddle produced significantly greater boat speeds than did the straight paddle. (JN)

Discusses a preliminary study of the effect of ballot interface design on voting behavior. Finds significant problems related to human factors and the organization of information on the ballot on mechanical and electronic voting machines. (RS)

With classroom Internet access nearly universal in public schools and computers ubiquitous on every school and university campus, classroom furnishings have evolved to accommodate the machines so students can take full advantage of the technology. The desks, tables and other furniture that a school chooses for its computers will depend on the…

The characteristics of the rear-projection screen are examined in detail. Numerical constants are provided that define these characteristics for practical screens and convert foot-candles to footlamberts. A procedure is given by which an optimum screen may be specified for a specific application. Contents include--(1) introduction, (2) projection…

Describes a model courtroom in which law school students at the University of the Pacific in Sacramento, California, can conduct practice trials. The courtroom design is circular and new features include an extensive security system, videotaping equipment, a press room, a technicians room, and an isolation room. (Author/DN)

Suggests a conceptual framework for the handwriting system, consisting of three elements: the hand, the writing instrument, and paper. Discusses the integration of these elements relative to handwriting performance, presents an overview of relevant research and a proposal for needed research, analyzes and compares writing instrument designs, and…

Reviews and summarizes "Things That Make Us Smart," a book by Donald Norman that defends human attributes in the age of electronic systems. Topics include human performance; kinds of cognition; kinds of learning; design principles for electronic performance support systems; and examples. (LRW)