Human Factors Analysis of Modular Furniture Systems

Abstract

This paper will discuss a human factors analysis performed at Texas Instruments on two modular funlture systems. These systems are a relatively new approach to the interior arrangement of work space and incorporate movable wall sections as well as modular drawers and files. The human factors effort concentrated on actual mock-up evaluations and analysis of flexibility and installation procedures. The mock-up evaluation criteria included anthropometric considerations and the location of various types of storage. The flexibility criteria included ease of movement of such items as drawers and book shelves. The detailed installation procedure was also analyzed relative to ease of handling, interface hardware and safety considerations. This human factors effort resulted in specific recommendations for further extensive evaluation and testing, within our facility, of the deficiencies identified in the final human factors evaluation report.