Basic ergonomics

In this article, originally presented as a paper at a symposium on Data Reduction, Communication and Presentation for Process Operation organised by the Institute of Measurement and Control at the University of Sussex, Brighton, the author gives examples of basic ergonomic approaches to the design of equipment for hospital use. He compares moving coil meters with a histogram display, digital display and display produced by a radio-active scanner. Other points covered include the individual's ability to remember and discriminate between shapes, the information required for decision making, the requirement for technological training, and the equipment user's past experience.