Ergonomics Books

I'm researching systems-development related topics at the moment and this book is one of the few I've encountered that gives an abundant amount of carefully considered information. Most books, it seems, can be summarized in a sentence or two. Dillon's work, on the other hand, is one of the most detailed--and purposeful--I've seen. I'd recommend this book not only to text designers but anyone interested in user-centered design. Its implications for users (who are often scanners, not readers!) are broad and significant, encompassing motivations (why people read, or why they visit websites and what they expect to get out of their experience) and navigation and wayfinding issues. Another useful component of the book is its discussion of using models and frameworks as a tool to faciliate structured research and development. Many thanks to Dillon for providing a first rate book on a pervasive, yet largely ignored topic. I look forward to seeing more of his work in the future.

This is by far the best analysis of reading of electronic text that I have seen. He provides an excellent insight as to what is, what might be, and what is not important for on-screen reading.

He does not limit text to just fiction/non-fiction categories, but instead discusses: WHY it is read professional/personal reasons, to learn or not, out of interest/need, etc. WHAT type of information it contains technical or non-technical, subject matter, general or specific, textual or graphic, etc. HOW it is read serially or non-serially, once or repeatedly, browsed or studied in depth, etc.

His book suggests to me that text should alter its format to the meet the users - Why, What, and How. Possible examples: switch to all caps when searching for words or phrases, turn off hyperlink indicators for linear reading, ...

He points out that there have been many studies on editing text, but few on reading text. A good fraction of the book deals with on-screen reading.

Screen reading was better with: high resolution characters, increased space between lines (leading), proportional font, limiting the number of characters on a line, and not splitting a sentence across a page boundary.

He indicates that users preferred on-screen reading over paper reading for some tasks when the screens had enough improvements.

Screen reading might be improved with: landmarks/navigation, serif fonts, full left/right justification, ...

Screen reading was no different than paper reading for: orientation of the media, flicker rate, screen dynamics, and visual angles (< 36 degrees).

There is an updated Kodak book available that includes information from both previous Volumes - "Kodak's Ergonomic Design for People at Work" by Suzanne H. Rodgers, et al (Hardcover - 2004). I have used Volume II as a teaching tool in the past and it is very good. Have not seen the new book yet.

NOW I`M WORKING ON MY PROJECT OF TESIS, WHICH IS ABOUT THE DESIGN OF SCHEDULES OF SHIFT WORK AND I REALLY NEED TO GET INFORMATION ABOUT IT.

1 week ago I had to sent my e-mail message for didn't receive the ordered book of above title. Thanks for you answer immediately. But I'm sorry I lost your message. Please re-try. I want to see this book as possible as early. I had ordered about 15-20 days ago. thanks..

Denise Murphy has done a wonderful service for those in the field of dentistry by her efforts in assembling the documents in this book. She has called on nearly all those currently recognized for their contributions to the understanding of ergonomics in dentistry. The extensive bibliographies are an aid for anyone researching a study of this subject. If you want to get a handle on dental ergonomics, read this book.

This is one of those books that captures the essentials, to a usable level of depth, for a particular subject- that leads to it becoming a "working book" rather than a "shelf book".

I've personally used this book and it's predecessor, to develop day training courses in ergonomics for industry & financial services sectors. Also, as reference for office, workplace & VDU "quick win" change projects.

The contents span: muscular work, nervous control of movements, improving work efficiency, body size, design of workstations, heavy work, handling loads, skilled work, human-machine systems, mental activity, fatigue, occupational stress, boredom, job design to avoid monotonous tasks, working hours and eating habits, night work and shift work, vision, ergonomic principles of lighting, noise and vibration, indoor climate, daylight, colours, and music for a pleasant work environment.

Key strengths are the attractive style & use of charts/illustrations, comprehensive supported content, solid biological/physiological science, and sheer usefulness of the material to make small or large improvments in the workplace. This is a very worthwhile purchase for any manager, consultant or student interested in enhancing productivity whilst taking a "human-centred" approach. Recommended highly.

This is an excellent introductory review of ergonomics, written by two of the recognised top authorities in this field of study. It is a strongly recommended starting point for students seeking to orientate themselves in ergonomic science.

Essential reading for the pragmatic, sensible and successful application of Human Factors to anyone in industry.
This book has provided me with information of how Human Factors should be applied to the development of a system in the 'real engineering' world. Invaluable. Brilliant. If you are in 'Human Factors' you NEED this book.

Alphonse Chapanis is one of the founding fathers of the field of human factors engineering and probably its most important author. His numerous books and publications over the past half century serve as a foundation for those engaged in the design of user-friendly tools, systems and environments. Now he presents what may be his best work, a comprehensive description of how the human factors design process actually proceeds.

While most human factors texts have concentrated on questions of describing and optimizing human performance, Chapanis goes one step farther. The goal of this text is to show the human factors practitioner precisely how their inputs should be included at every stage of the engineering design process. Effective coordination with design engineers from other disciplines is the key. Numerous entertaining and thought-provoking case studies are drawn from the authors's vast experience to add spice to the clearly written text.

To anyone starting a career in human factors engineering: Buy this book, read it from cover to cover, keep it on your desk and refer to it often.

I've used this book when teaching a human-computer interaction (HCI) course in an engineering psychology program. While there are two extensive texts on HCI I found their emphasis too much on the engineering side. Bailey, while including good technical material, also provides a perspective that fits well with engineering psychology. His information combines well with that in books by Wickens.

Bailey's material goes well beyond PC issues and provides good understanding of various system design techniques. For exampe, his descriptions of ATM system design gives good direction on how to do design. He provides a good foundation on such important topics as human limits, human senses, memory, usability assessment, task analysis and ways to help people work better.

While this book isn't cheap, it is worth every penny (or kronor).
It is on my shelf.

It's a very good book. I liked it because it illustrates many problems with human computer interaction/design and it also gives you hints on how to avoid these problems. The book is very straightforward and easy to understand. I specially enjoyed the sections dealing with readability and reading distances. This is the preferred book to have on my bookshelf when I'm designing consumer products. Happy reading

Very much liked the author's writing style. Easy to follow, and yet still goes into fairly deep technical detail. Best Human Factors/Ergonomics textbook I've read.

I want to receive information about ergonomic-chair. Please, can you give me it?

The narratives are fascinating and compelling while the analysis is lively. The book deals with the problems experienced by those with disabilities as they relate to technologies. Marcia Scherer manages to create a text containing both substantive analysis and interesting stories. This is a rare combination to find. I recommend this jewel for anyone interested in exploring issues surrounding technology, embodiment, disabilities, and society.

"Stuck" teaches people how to think about assistive technology from a holistic perspective. Although most people approach the use of any new technology with skepticism, if not outright fear, people with disabilities are expected to accept assistive technology with open arms. The approach has been: Professionals prescribe the equipment; therefore, people should accept it for "their own good." Scherer illustrates her points about matching people with technology through stories about real people, telling the success stories along with the nightmares.

As a university professor, I have used this book as a text to teach current and future professionals in fields of special education, rehabilitation, and engineering. Students have been inspired by this book time and time again, and begin to understand how assistive technology can help people become "unstuck" and begin living quality lives in their communities.

Cherulnik's book is an extraordinarily concise and well explained set of cases ordered to introduce researchers from all concerned areas into environmental psychology. As an architect I found there more than hints to reference and improve my doctoral research, but a clear map to many serious problems of that multidisciplinary area. The application of environment-behavior theory and research in architecture is very disputed among old and young design praticants, and Cherulnik shows its potential and limitations in a amazingly systematic and earnst way. I think that more cases must be added to make that order of presentation more ecumenical - a suggestion that implies the deepening and multiplication of examples in very needy fields as low rent housing and neighborhood's planning. Excellent.