Objectives
The course aims to provide students with the epistemological framework of the discipline of ergonomics and the theoretical framework of reference with respect to the three domains of knowledge and application: cognitive ergonomics, physical ergonomics, and organizational ergonomics, with a focus on cognitive and organizational aspects.
The main areas of application, design, and analysis of work processes and systems will be presented, through the development of field interventions referring to the principles of Human-Centered Design as applied to organizational contexts. The main topics of professional practice will be addressed: mental and physical workload, Human-Machine Interface, stress and techno-stress, with attention to the transfer of the practical toolbox: observation and interview. The educational content will largely be managed through the presentation and sharing of case histories derived from the real operational experience.
At the end of the course, students will acquire:
- Knowledge of the epistemological and theoretical foundations of ergonomics through the integration of key theories and reference knowledge
- Tools for reading and analyzing interactions between humans and other elements of the work system to understand how to improve the work activity
- Tools to identify and understand requests for interventions and collect pertinent field data
- Tools useful for designing workplace interactions in organizational and/or productive settings in order to adapt work to the needs and characteristics of human beings
- View on application fields, research, and the responsibilities of the professional practice of an ergonomist
Programme
In detail, the course will cover the following topics:
- Ergonomics epistemology, areas of focus, national and international reference standards (overview)
- System theory applied to the work environment (overview)
- Human Factors human learning, attention, decision-making, situation awareness, human performance, action theory, mental workload, physical workload, error.
- Tools for understanding and analysis: field observation and in-depth interviews, activity analysis (Task Analysis and Cognitive Task Analysis). Selection and development of appropriate tools according to the cognitive objective
- Work-related stress and techno-stress: regulations and principles
- Human Centred Design and Design Thinking: usability and acceptability of work tools, design and evaluation.
Exam
The assessment will consist of an oral exam during which the candidate will demonstrate understanding of the content discussed during the lessons, in which they will have actively participated by contributing to the discussion and any practical exercises.
Bibliography
- Testo di riferimento: Francesco Di Nocera, a cura di “Ergonomia Cognitiva” Carocci (capitoli scelti dalla docente).
- Testo capitolo: Gilotta S., Isoardi M. “Ergonomia Cognitiva per la progettazione industriale” in Manuale di Ergonomia Industriale a Cura di Baracco A., Bechis M. Spada S., CSAO Torino 2020.
- Jan Dula, Ralph Bruder, Peter Buckle, Pascale Carayon, Pierre Falzon, William S. Marras, John R. Wilson and Bas van der Doelen “A strategy for human factors/ergonomics: developing the discipline and profession”.
- Richard J. Holden, A. Joy Rivera & Pascale Carayon “Occupational Macroergonomics: Principles, Scope,Value, and Methods”.
- Pascale Carayon, Peter Hancock, Nancy Leveson, Ian Noy, Laerte Sznelwar and Geert van Hootegem “Advancing a sociotechnical systems approach to workplace safety – developing the conceptual framework”.
- John R. Wilson “Fundamentals of systems ergonomics/human factors”.
- Dispense delle lezioni/ Course materials
The articles mentioned will be provided by the Professor.
