Ergonomics standards and research for cars

This paper reviews some ergonomics tools available for car design, also an outline of how ergonomics principles and specific research have provided relevant information for designers. Further indications are given of the use of such ergonomics data in the development of in-house and ISO standards, as well as their subsequent influence on regulations. The two main areas discussed are symbols and electronic instrumentation. By the 1960s symbols were becoming a popular way of identifying controls and displays, especially for an international product. A simple experiment was conducted to relate the size of symbol to its ease of recognition. This yielded data which were used to establish an internal standard. The form of the symbols is perhaps more significant than the size. A number of experimental studies have been made of the ease with which drivers can relate symbols to the function and the ease with which these can be learnt. As a result, better symbols have been selected and in some cases the need for redesign shown clearly. This process has played a very important part in the formation of International Standards and in the harmonisation of regulations in many parts of the world. The advent of low cost electronics and electro-optical devices is beginning to influence car instrumentation. A substantial series of experiments has been conducted, concentrating on the format of the speedometer. This has shown clear advantages for digital instruments, although it also points to a few warnings. Various aids to the ergonomics design of electronic instruments are outlined.