Valery F. Venda

Ergodynamics: theory and applications

Abstract Theory and dynamics in ergonomics (ergodynamics) is being proposed for ergonomic design, improvement, and studies of dynamic work in a dynamic environment. In a more narrow sense, ergodynamics is an application of the transformation dynamics theory in ergonomics. A foundation of ergodynamics is being suggested as the three laws of: (1) mutual adaptation; (2) plurality of work functional structures; and (3) transformations. Practical applications of ergodynamics are discussed with regard to ergonomic design and mutual adaptation in human-machine-environments, professional training, control systems safety, prediction, planning and optimizing efficiency dynamics during implementation of ergonomic and engineering projects, transfer of new technologies, environment, work functions and skills, management structures, software, products, changing economic strategy. Ergodynamics helps to predict and minimize losses in productivity, quality, and safety during all these transformation periods.

Ergodynamics and Hybrid Intelligence Systems in the Reliability of Power Plant Operators

Based on ergodynamics and the hybrid intelligence theory, an analysis of the nuclear power plant operator’s performance is given at the levels of strategies, tactics, and actions. Special attention is paid to the strategies used in the course of severe accidents at nuclear power plants. Data from Ukrainian and Russian power plants and training centres and from accidents around the world were collected and processed. It is shown that in an emergency it is essential for the human operator to be flexible. This flexibility includes two main training and personal factors: a large set of strategies and tactics the operator manages to use, and quick transformations between the strategies (tactics). It was also found that some emergency tasks are too complicated: They require simultaneous use of different strategies, with time strictly limited by nuclear power plant dynamics. Those tasks cannot be successfully solved by any individual operator. Hybrid intelligence systems involving different specialists should be...

Ergodynamics and macroergonomics in analysis of decision-making efficiency and complexity

The principles of macroergonomics and the laws of ergodynamics are reviewed. The theories of mutual adaptation and transformation dynamics are presented as a complex basis of the ergodynamics, and they are offered as paradigms for macroergonomic evaluation and design of sociotechnical or human‐machine‐environment decision‐making systems (HMES). Criteria and factors of decision‐making efficiency are studied for different cognitive strategies and their transformations in the course of long‐term training and short‐term decision making in emergencies. Sample system criteria and design guidelines, based on the results of both laboratory studies and actual research and design applications, are provided. A combination of macroergonomics and ergodynamics helps ergonomists to meet rapidly growing requirements of practice and overcome a narrow approach to the workstations analysis when a broader view of complex multilevel system leads to success and instead of traditional static approach the analysis of transformat...

Dynamic Usability Principles in Rehabilitation, Work and Communication

Existing static methods of usability are not effective in application to the dynamic processes like rehabilitation, work safety, implementation of new work and communication technologies including e-business. Joint and independent work of eyes and arms in manual assembly was experimentally studied as a factor of usability and occupational safety. Principles of a dynamic usability are suggested. Application of the principles is demonstrated with invention and usability testing of assembly workstations with indirect observation of operations and negative tilt of work surface.

Usability of the Graphic Information, Navigation Systems and Cars for Seniors and Disabled

Authors conducted survey and conversion of information on space and aviation ergonomics to the car, computer, navigation and communication systems design. These achievements and methods are particularly important for the fast growing needs and market of special solutions for elderly and disabled drivers. New principles (“laws”) of automotive ergonomics and methods of individual adaptation of human-computer dialogue were developed based on theory of ergodynamics (Venda and Venda, 1995). They were applied to usability analysis of navigation systems for vision and hearing impaired and other drivers who need a customized car and driver-computer dialogue. We studied experimentally perception of navigation maps by drivers with different vision disabilities (anomalies). 45 people of the ages of 20–30 and 60 subjects of the ages 55–75 with different types of astigmatism participated in the experiment. We displayed information by projecting slides on a screen, with a computer display, with a TV display, LCD panel and with various point lighting matrices. We changed the shape of the symbols, the distance of perception, vision angle, general lighting on the work station, brightness and contrast of the symbols on the screens.

Industrial and Experimental Applications of Transformation Theory and Ergodynamics

Abstract Transformation theory and ergodynamics are used in design of RSI-free and highly productive assembly, material handling and testing workstations, analysis of control human-machine systems safety, in examining of the causes of low practical efficiency of ergonomics laboratory studies of the human-machine systems, in increasing accuracy of the performance efficiency and reaction time prediction models in comparison with traditional linear and monotonic ones.

Transformation Dynamics in Human-Machine Systems

Abstract Transformation dynamics theory and its applications to human-machine systems and ergodynamics, are based on three laws: 1) mutual adaptation, 2) plurality of work functional structures, and 3) transformations. Experiments to discover, prove and illustrate the laws were conducted. Ergodynamics aids in studying the transformations that occur in human operator work functional structures, skills, and cognitive strategies as transitions in the structures of processes of human-machine-environment mutual adaptation. Using principles of ergodynamics in human operators training increases their ability to transform quickly a control strategy adequate in normal situation into another one adequate in emergencies, therefore improving reliability and safety of human-machine systems.