Downloaded from https://www.everyspec.com AMCP 706-210 a assure clarity and completeness. -ways it will be misused because of carelessness All changes must be properly documented or extreme environmental stress. Then, too, he concerning their cause and effect because every must always consider that those who use his statement in the requirements has a purpose. fuzes vary widely in ability to understand their Requests for exemptions or modifications may functioning and in many physical characteristics, certainly be made, but they should be properly such as hand strength. Human Factors specialists handled.
The designer might feel, for example, can often play a vital role in the fuze design proc- that a change in color, protrusion, or material ess by bringing to bear their specialized knowlo will not affect performance. However, he may edge in human behavior in the development of not be aware that the color he chose to vary may Human Factors design data and in conducting have been standardized as a warning of toxic Human Factors analyses of specific or competLg gases, that the protrusion may present a pack- fuze designs. aging problem or that the particular material is critically needed elsewhere.
2-5.1 SCOPE OF HUMAN FACTORS ENGINEERING The problem is further intensified because people in many different locations may be work- Human Factors Engineering is a science inso- ing on this particular fuze. All designers must far as it seeks to experimentally or analytically have identical and up-to-date information. A determine man's role in simple or complex man- change in one lot or in one drawing, even if an machine systems. By understanding the nature of improvement, could still confuse users, inspec- the system, it is possible for the designer to tors, and supervisors.
Efficiency can be achieved specify the tasks human beings will perform and only by the freest use of clear communication to their criticality to the system's effectiveness. avoid error and duplication of effort. For example, the missetting of a delay by one or It is essential that patent disclosure be made two seconds may have little effect on the success for all new inventions 9 . A patent will not only of the ammunition round. A missetting of im- insure recognition for the inventor and protect pact instead of delaymay have more serious con- his interest but it will also protect the rights of sequences. At each point of human use, it is often the Government.
Any designer who has an idea possible to estimate the magnitude and effect of that he believes to be new, novel, or unique potential human error. Understanding what hu- should write up a brief description that will iden- mans can or cannot do-their capabilities and tify it. A simple, freehand sketch always helps. limitations in regard to sight, touch, strength, or The dated description or disclosure should then intellectual abilily under stress-can help us to be signed by two witn, ;es and by the designer design these man-machine "interfaces" so that himself. Thereafter, a patent application will be error free performance is enhanced.
filed and the other customary legal steps can Human Factors specialists have, over the past follow if desired. 15 years, accumulated a great deal of perform- ance data relating to areas such as vision, audi- 2-5 HUMAN FACTORS ENGINEERING tion, design of controls and displays, layout of workplaces, fatigue, human strength, -_otiva- The term Human Factors Engineering has tional factors, and anthropometrics (body size).
been used in recent years to characterize design Much of these data has been compiled in easy- activities aimed at assuring accurate, reliable, to use reference handbooks' 0-1 2 These refer- safe, and efficient use of components, tools, ences provide design guidelines for such factors machines, and systems by human beings. When. as maximum torque settings, minimum visi- ever and wherever man is the ultimate user of bility requirements, and optimal letter dimen- what we design, his capabilities and limitations sions for labels and instructional markings. More must be considered in the design process.
Al- complex application of Human Factors Engi- though many aspects qf Human Factors Engi- neering principles, such as evaluation of fre- neering rely on the application of common sense, quency and magnitude of potential human er- it is often difficult for the fuze designer to pro. rors, are best left to professional Human Factors ject the intended uses of his fuze, or the possible specialists. 2.5