A Model for Human-Machine-Human Interaction in Workspace Layout Problems

Abstract

Many methods exist for the quantitative analysis of the two-dimensional layout problem-for example, ALDEP, CORELAP, CRAFT, DISCON, PLANET, and WOLAP. Methods such as these assume that all information on the quality of the various human-machine and human-human interactions that characterize the workspace-at least that information which is sensitive to workspace geometry-is vested in the length of the link between interacting elements. Although this assumption may be valid for problems adequately described by an analogy to the materials flow problem, it is argued that the link length model is an inadequate description of complex visual auditory, tactile, and movement behaviors that characterize human communication. A new model, LOCATE, is proposed for this class of problem. LOCATE is capable of representing a far wider range of human characteristics than is generally possible with established techniques. The LOCATE model is used to evaluate a complex real-world problem, and the results are compared with those of a previous human engineering evaluation. The LOCATE analysis agreed with the original analysis as far as the major issues were concerned but provided an integrated approach and a more comprehensive assessment of issues such as visual monitoring and auditory communications.

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