Further studies on the spatial compatibility of four control-display linkages

• Published in: International journal of industrial ergonomics Vol. 19; no. 5; pp. 353 - 360
• Main Author: Wu, Swei-Pi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.05.1997
• Subjects: Compatibility; Control-display relationship; Methodology; Population stereotype; Population stereotype; Methodology; Compatibility; Control-display relationship
• ISSN: 0169-8141; 1872-8219
• DOI: 10.1016/S0169-8141(96)00014-5

This study used a paper-pencil test and a physical model experiment to evaluate the suggestive effect, population stereotypes, and the preferred arrangement concerning the control-display relationship of a four-burner stove. A total of 1163 subjects (680 males and 483 females) was surveyed using four different questionnaire forms including alphabetical and sign code systems. The results show that the suggestive effect of the sequential codes indeed exists, and that the most frequently chosen arrangement by the Chinese subjects was Type III which is different from Type IV chosen by the American subjects. In addition, thirty male subjects carried out trials on a wooden physical model of the four-burner stove and their reaction times and error rates were measured. The results reveal that Type V was the preferred arrangement for the Chinese subjects and Type II for the American subjects. In general, this study verified that neither the paper-pencil test nor the computer simulation research methods are equivalent to the physical model experiment. It is probably best to use actual performance on a physical model to investigate the compatibility or population stereotypes between controls and displays. Relevance to industry Compatibility is a central concept in human factors. A major goal in any design is to make the system compatible with human expectations. From such a viewpoint, how to investigate the compatibility correctly is very important. Additionally, the compatibility difference between Oriental and Occidental peoples should be investigated.