A Method for Quantifying Control Accessibility

Abstract

A method of statistically quantifying the accessibility of controls was proposed and validated. The resulting index of accessibility (I_a) takes into account three sources of variability: operator's reach envelope, frequency of use, and relative physical position of controls with respect to the operator. Operator ratings and measurement (percent of controls reached) were significantly correlated with I_a values, lending support to the notion that I_a is a valid and sensitive measure of control placement.