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A Whole New World
David Hitchcock Professor Felix Schmid David Hitchcock Limited University of Birmingham
Ergonomics for Railways
• Part of the MSc programme in Railways Systems Engineering and Integ ration
• 5-day module
• Strong practical element - ergonomics project to resolve a ‘problem’
2015 Timetable
Structure of Ergonomics Project
Select a ‘problem’ user and determine their characteristics which might influence or be influenced by their use of the rail system.
Travelling by train, visit at least 3 stations (e.g. University, New Street and Moor Street). Consider the issues which might face your problem user.
Using triangulation, identify an area of potential ergonomics improvement to better serve your problem user without compromising other ‘mainstream’ users.
DO NOT use existing rail material and standards – start from ergonomics first principles, apply ergonomics data etc...and see what happens!
2015 Scope
Project Components
There are 6 parts to the assignment, marked as
1. Scoping and general preparation: 10%
2. Profiling and data collection preparation: 20%
3. Evidence from site visits: 20%
4. Design idea(s) and mock-up(s): 10%
5. User trials (particularly methodology): 25%
6. Reporting and presentation: 15%
Example Projects
Title Type of Project Objective Nature
Clueless Interface Design Route Finding Electronic
…Luggage Physical Design Vehicle Feature Structural
Pathways Information Design Route Finding Marking
Thinking Big Physical Design Vehicle Feature Structural
TransNav Interface Design Route Finding Electronic
Where’s My Seat? Interface Design Route Finding Electronic
‘CLUELESS’
• To develop an ‘inclusive’ Help Point.
• Main activities:- Task Analysis- User Simulation- Fitting Trials- User Trials
• Concept design centred around a large touch-screen interface with a ‘Face Time’ style facility.
• Taken on as a dissertation project.
Student Comment
“…a structured approach
enables the identification of
the problem and increases
the likelihood of the
complete set of
requirements being captured
and understood.”
‘LOOKING AFTER LUGGAGE’
• To increase, secure luggage space within a carriage.
• Main activities:- User Requirements Analysis- Fitting Trials- Manual Handling Assessment- User Trials
• A full-size mock-up was created based on the specification derived from the trials to illustrate the concept design.Student Comment
“…trials yield pragmatic
insights and (that) good
design must be an iterative
process involving users.”
‘PATHWAYS’
• To improve navigation through temporary station works.
• Main activities:- User Simulation- Survey- User Trials
• Adhesive, colour-coded large foot prints in the direction of travel were found to offer the best design solution, particularly when shapes, sizes and spacings were refined.
‘THINKING BIG’
• To consider the needs of larger users.
• Main activities:- Literature Review- User Simulation- Interview- Fitting Trials- User Trials
• A concept carriage to accommodate 95%ile males was created, but still left investigation and development challenges for ‘obese’ passengers.
Student Comment
“…it was apparent that the
psychosocial factors needed
even more careful
consideration than the
physical.”
‘TRANSNAV’
• To look at whole-journey needs of passengers with impairments.
• Main activities:- User Simulation- Expert Opinion- User Trials
• A concept App was produced based on the principles of a SatNav.
‘WHERE’S MY SEAT?’
• To make passenger seat finding more efficient and accurate.
• Main activities:- Literature (including Rail Standards) Review- Task Analysis- Fitting Trials- User Trials
• A redesign of the reservation display was undertaken and a full-size mock-up produced.
Student Comment
“…while a great deal of effort is put
into what standards man date,
which should reflect the end user
requirements, the whole journey
ex perience is rarely considered.”
Lessons Learnt
• Students, perhaps most importantly, learn that proper systems engineering, starting with a formal requirements elicitation and a task ana lysis, has a much greater chance of success than a trial and error approach or the application of ‘common sense’.
• Students experience the difficulties of trying to create solutions suitable for a wide range of users.
• Students learn to use very simple mock-ups to great effect.
• Students learn a great deal about the ethics of working with users.
• Students discover that the railway industry is not very good at creating ergonomically sound solutions to human factors problems and, hopefully, they will apply their new view of the world in their day-to-day jobs.
Author Contact Details
David Hitchcockdavid hitchcock ltd
ergonomicsdesignsafetyconsultancytrainingresearch
45 Dennis StreetHugglescoteLeicestershireLE67 2FPt. +44 (0) 1530 [email protected]
Professor Felix Schmid
Centre for Railway Research and EducationGisbert Kapp BuildingUniversity of BirminghamEdgbastonBirminghamB15 2TTt. +44 (0) 121 414 [email protected]
Front slide source: http://84d1f3.medialib.glogster.com/angelcutieio/media/1e/1eb4e499f5e9e4095bf93d730d94e3ac27e0ce0c/553405-aladdin.jpg
The speaker, David Hitchcock, runs an independent ergonomics consultancy which over recent times has specialised in services to the rail industry – from cabs to control rooms - not least through his 18 year involvement with the teaching and research of the Centre for Railway Research based at Birmingham University. He is a Chartered Member and Fellow of the Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors.
