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Abstract

Over fifty percent of the workforce utilize the computer and suffer health problems that include musculoskeletal disorders and physical discomfort (Newburger, 1999 and Work Loss Data Institute, 2001). Professionals from disciplines of human factors and ergonomics address computer issues independently. Usability and user interface issues are identified in the software development stage focusing on the users ability to perceive and understand the designed functions. Ergonomic professionals are involved in usability after implementation and upon complaints and user injury. The focus of ergonomics is to evaluate extreme postures, resulting from design that cause stress to the body. By using motion analysis, usability studies are enriched by identifying extreme movements in completing system tasks. In this paper we will present a novel method that utilizes the kinematics of the user's hand and wrist movements to simultaneously evaluate physical strain and usability.

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Using Kinematics to Assess Software Usability and Ergonomic Risk Factors

Abstract

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