Human Factors and Ergonomics for Beginners offers a useful introduction to the broad field of human factors. Now in its fourth edition, this book is the go-to beginner guide to the field as it describes real, practical guidelines that are based on solid knowledge and experience. It will help any reader to enhance human-system performance and reduce the undesirable effects and unintended consequences of many human interactions with technology and the organizational environment.

This book delivers information on the design of human-made systems, giving the reader a comprehensive summary of what human factors and ergonomics is and how the principles of it are applied in work and other living environments. The authors explain the application of a human-centered approach to the design, testing, and evaluation of systems by considering the interrelated set of physical, cognitive, social, organizational, and other relevant human factors. Revised in this fourth edition is a chapter on interaction design that details the rapid developments in information and communication technology and increased emphasis on performance bringing the book right up to date.

This book is a useful quick reference and valuable tool for novices and experienced professionals alike. It will appeal to undergraduate and postgraduate students and early-to-mid career practitioners in the fields of ergonomics, human factors, workplace design, product and service design, organizational design, human anthropometrics, information technology and human-centered design.

Autorentext

is a Professor of Technology and Human Factors at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM), Netherlands. His research focuses on Human Factors (Ergonomics) and, in particular, the interaction between people and the physical and social environment. His research contributes to the design of successful products and services, and the development of work environments for high performance (creativity, innovation, productivity, quality, health and safety) to maximise business performance and human well-being.

Bernard Weerdmeester is retired after a long career within higher education on the topic of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands. He played a leading role in courses on Media Technology, Security Technology, Interaction Design and Communication and Multimedia Design and he is a past president of the Dutch Ergonomics Society.