Human Factors
Define ergonomics
Application of scientific information about the relationship between people and design/products/environments
What is meant by sustainability in design?
Meeting present needs without compromising future generations
Name one user-centered research method.
Interview, survey, observation, field research, focus group, task analysis
One bulb fails but the others continue working. What type of circuit is being used?
Parallel circuit
What is meant by function in product design?
How the product works or performs its purpose
Identify one type of anthropometric data used in design.
Static or dynamic anthropometric data
Differentiate between cradle-to-grave and cradle-to-cradle.
Cradle-to-grave ends in disposal; cradle-to-cradle allows continual reuse/circularity
What is the purpose of a persona?
Represents and empathizes with intended users and their needs
Name the class of lever used in a wheelbarrow.
Second-class lever
Why must designers balance form and function?
Aesthetic and usability must both be considered
A chair is too high for many users. Which percentile may have been ignored?
Lower percentile / 5th percentile consideration
Identify two stages of a life cycle analysis (LCA).
Material extraction, manufacture, transport, use, disposal/end-of-life (any two)
Why should designers analyse existing products before redesigning?
Learn strengths/weaknesses and identify opportunities
A circuit has 12 V and 4 Ω resistance. Which equation would you use to determine current?
Ohm’s Law (V = IR or I = V/R)
How can inclusive design improve accessibility?
Makes products usable by wider ranges of users
Explain how a storyboard can help identify design problems.
Identifies pain points, workflow problems, and user interaction issues
Why might recycled materials not always be the most sustainable option?
Transport, processing, contamination, energy use may reduce benefits
How does task analysis help define a design opportunity?
Breaks down user actions and identifies problems/opportunities
Why are capacitors used in electronic systems?
Store and release energy, filtering, timing, smoothing voltage
Explain one trade-off a designer may make when selecting materials.
Cost vs durability, weight vs strength, sustainability vs performance, etc.
A user struggles to grip a tool. What ergonomic redesign could help?
Larger grip, improved handle shape, softer materials, texture, adjustability, etc.
A product has high transport emissions. Suggest one redesign strategy to reduce environmental impact.
Local manufacture, lighter materials, redesign packaging, alternative materials, etc.
A specification states that a product should be “comfortable.” Explain why this is a weak specification.
Not measurable; lacks criteria or quantitative testing
Describe one situation where gears or motion conversion would be useful in a product.
Motion conversion, lifting, steering, opening mechanisms, automation, etc.
A product is visually attractive but difficult to use. Evaluate this design decision.
Attractive design alone is insufficient if usability suffers; balanced evaluation