Fernando Moreira da Silva

Human-computer interaction in office work: evaluation of interaction patterns using office equipment and software during data entry and navigation

This paper presents a study which objective was to investigate the human interaction with the equipment of an office workstation (mouse, keyboard, monitor, paper sheets, pens and calculator) during the activities of reading, writing, data entry and navigation in a computer system for long periods of time and with ecological validation. A sample of 22800 observations, which corresponds to 760 work-hours of 30 office workers, was classified into sixteen Interactions Categories (IC). The results show that the participants read on the monitor more than on paper and they had a larger use of the mouse instead of the keyboard. Findings of this study allow suggesting what graphical interface designers must seek for new strategies and solutions to reduce the mouse need, exploring other peripherals as keyboard or voice recognition devices; or, at least, diminishing the amplitude of movement with the mouse during the interaction with offices software like the Microsoft® Office 2003.

Inclusive Design: A New Approach to Design Project

All human beings are entitled to human dignity on equal terms. This principle must dominate the development of a society open to everyone, which leads to Inclusive Design concept.

Ergonomics and Information Design: Design, Standardization and Uniformization of Graphical Symbols for Public Information

The present research addresses the issue of public information and try to achieve the standardization of sign systems, thereby contributing to the uniformity, legibility, understanding and perception of quality of guidance systems, by normalizing the existing signaling, the development of new methodologies applied to the design of symbols and even the application of a tool to assist the design of signs systems specific for public information. This study contributes to a broader understanding of the systems of signs and the interrelation of its components. It seems crucial to this research, which aims at obtaining a detailed study of signs systems for public information, a careful analysis of all aspects related to three areas: The sign and its meaning; The system or how signs are organized; The Culture or users to whom the signs are developed.

Colour, vision and ergonomics

This paper is based on a research project - Visual Communication and Inclusive Design-Colour, Legibility and Aged Vision, developed at the Faculty of Architecture of Lisbon. The research has the aim of determining specific design principles to be applied to visual communication design (printed) objects, in order to be easily read and perceived by all. This study target group was composed by a selection of socially active individuals, between 55 and 80 years, and we used cultural events posters as objects of study and observation. The main objective is to overlap the study of areas such as colour, vision, older peoples colour vision, ergonomics, chromatic contrasts, typography and legibility. In the end we will produce a manual with guidelines and information to apply scientific knowledge into the communication design projectual practice. Within the normal aging process, visual functions gradually decline; the quality of vision worsens, colour vision and contrast sensitivity are also affected. As peoples needs change along with age, design should help people and communities, and improve life quality in the present. Applying principles of visually accessible design and ergonomics, the printed design objects, (or interior spaces, urban environments, products, signage and all kinds of visually information) will be effective, easier on everyones eyes not only for visually impaired people but also for all of us as we age.

Humans and Color Cognition – Using the Brain to Study Human Behavior

Humans establish personal relationships with Color. However, most of our reactions are unaware. Through recent researches, we know which areas of the brain are activated, as well as we can measure the behavior of humans in what concerns color issues. The visible brain consists of multiple functionally specialized areas that receive their input largely from two brain areas known as V1 and the area surrounding it known as V2. These are currently the most thoroughly charted visual areas, but not the only ones. Through these areas we perceive color and can be more or less stimulated when we see different colors. So, an experiment with users using VR is under development, in order to check brain reactions to the different color dimensions, specially color cognition, comparing the results with those obtained by the other previously used methods, such as survey, direct observation and the literature review. This paper focus on the acquisition of scientific knowledge in the area of color cognition which can serve as a projective tool for designers, as well as a reference to the use of color to users in general. As expected results, we intend to achieve a systematization of scientific knowledge reusable by all within the interaction Color/User; and to produce guidelines serving as a projective tool for the use and application of color in design projects.

Design Specifications for a New Equipment to Be Used by Workers in Aircraft Industry Maintenance

Many air accidents result from contributing human factors, and maintenance is responsible for the large number of interventions in the industry. In his context, the main objectives of this study was to identify and understand the existence of problems for the workers related with maintenance activities under whole belly of the aircraft and define a concept for the development of an equipment that can solve the encountered problems and meet the needs of the industrial organization for performing tasks below the aircraft. We had encountered problems related to musculoskeletal injuries due to poor conditions, visual fatigue due to poor lighting and accidents related to head injury with aircraft structures. Brainstorming meetings with the workers, health and safety professionals, designers and ergonomists allows the definition of the main requirements for a “maintenance car” to avoid the previous problems.

Travel Kit Organiser for Carry on Luggage Design: Contribution to Traveller’s Comfort

Today the world has more than 7 billion people. In this post-industrial era, its inhabitants, moving between big cities and within them, are called urban nomads. The importance of luggage design has grown over time, but new challenges arose, such as carrying electronics devices used every day. The main objective of this research is to develop a new product focused in today travellers’ comfort and convenience. The methodology of this project is mainly empirical (active research), supported by a literature review and online survey. It is intended to create a travel kit that simplifies usability, organization and carry-on luggage transport. The process has involved the development and launch of an online inquiry to air travellers, both in Portuguese and in English, with an universe of 450 respondents. The target groups included: Tourists, Businessmen and Aviation Crews. The survey’s feedback led the project into a turning point, a new concept based on Inclusive Design.

Clarifying the Concept of Corporate Identity: From a Collective Vision to Cultural Interface

This study aims to explain the understanding that has been made about Corporate Identity, because it’s common to find divergent views about it. Our purpose is to provide knowledge about Corporate Identity, often mistaken with other related concepts. The paper is based on literature reviews, establishing an analysis of developments on this specific topic over time. It highlights and discusses important points previously reported in the literature. The novelty of this type of paper consists in the relation established between different views and by its conclusions concerning to definitions. The brand is positioned as cultural interface between the business and the stakeholders. The results of this paper are to make a clear distinction between Corporate Identity, Corporate Visual Identity, Brand and Corporate Image. It also establishes a connection between culture, values, mission and Corporate Identity, explaining how these concepts are in the geneses of the brand personality.

Sustainable Product Design and the Wood Furniture Sector

This research focused on relating the ability a sustainable design approach can have when working with the wood furniture sector, in order to improve its products environmental and social impact. This research used a methodology comprised of a literature review on sustainable design and on the characterization of the Portuguese wood furniture industry, followed by case-study analysis of wood furniture projects that used environmental design strategies in their development. The main empirical task was a survey to the sector with the goal of understanding the know-how and relationship this companies have with design and sustainability. Results show that companies use design as a main tool for product development, but not for environmental impact reduction, as their engagement with sustainability is far from implemented. The use of sustainable product design tools is expected to have a great effect in the change of current practices. Recommendations for future researches are also presented.

Ergonomics and Warning Design: Standardization of Graphical Symbols for Safety Signs

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO), possess a Technical Committee (ISO TC 145) which addresses the issues of standardization in the field of graphical symbols, establishing principles for preparation, coordination and application of graphical symbols. The Technical Committee, is divided by standardization of public information symbols (Subcommittee SC1), safety identification, signs, shapes, symbols and colors (SC2) and Graphical symbols for use on equipment (SC3). The Technical Committee also has a working group for testing the usability of graphical symbols. From the vast work of standardization, the TC 145 has developed various standards relating to graphic symbols, addressing issues as vast as design principles for safety signs and safety markings, for product safety labels, and graphical symbols for use in safety signs. The committee also has developed requirements for creation and design of public information symbols, has developed and normalized public information, registered symbols for use on equipment, water safety signs and beach safety flags and still safety colors and safety signs, Safety way guidance systems, among other topics. It is therefore important in this context to understand the triadic relationship between the design, standardization and the decoding of messages by users, relating the process of graphic conception of graphical symbols for safety signs, the standardization programs and the usability of graphical symbols.