The field of human factors endeavors to optimize and standardize interfaces in achieve the best fit possible, to include the design of instructional material. The authors an attempt to have observed that airline passenger safety cards vary greatly in layout, construction, etc. and could benefit from quidelines presented in the pertinent literature. The present effort examined both user preference as well as card effectiveness. It was found that cards which implement recommended techniques are more preferred and effective than those that do not.

The advent of modern optics technology has decidedly changed the face of inventory control. It is now commonplace to see optically read “bar codes” on things. One popular application has been in supermarkets. Generally, optical scanners are used to read “UPC” labels that are linked with price and inventory information databases, that respectively permit automatic pricing and inventory monitoring. This technology is also contended to eliminate fatigue caused by searching for prices and entering them into a cash register keyboard. However, along with this benefit comes a drawback, the physical overload caused by repetitively handling items, grabbing and manipulating them to properly set the bar code over the scanner, scanning the items by passing them in an extended position over a optical reader (sometimes more than once), and placing them beyond the location of the optical reader. The present paper examines three optical scanner stations and proposes various ergonomic design changes to make them more well suited for checkout personnel.

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Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. AbstractThe Mounted Maneuver Battle Laboratory at Fort Knox, Kentucky, conducted the third battle command re-engineering experiment (BCR III), during the period of April 12 to April 30, 1999. This report describes the research efforts of the Human Research and Engineering (HRED) of the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) in support of BCR III. This research is a key element of the ARL 5-year science and technology objective (STO) IV.G.10: cognitive engineering of the digitized battlefield. For BCR III, ARL's efforts were centered on the virtual exercise in which a model future strike force variant organization with modular semi-automated forces (ModSAF)-based displays and advanced combat systems, performed battle command operations in order to gain a more robust understanding of the potential offered by these technological and organizational capabilities. Within the framework of the BCR III overarching issues, ARL's focal point was associated with the sub-issue question: What is the impact of situational awareness certainty and its cognitive effect on decision making, information request, and staff dynamics? This report cites the findings from the application of two ARL cognitive engineering-based research instruments, as well as observation-based insights and commanders' comments recorded during a focus group session held by ARL following the final after-action review. The two ARL instruments, the decision maker self-report profile (DMSRP) and the commandercentered decision environment inventory (C 2 DEI) focused on the various cognitive processes and environmental complexities associated with battle command decision making experienced during BCR III. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

During the Seventies, legislation was enacted to open areas to the physically handicapped. Subsequently, newer structures began to accommodate the physically disabled, whereas older structures were systematically modified to increase accessibility. The intent of the present effort was to examine a train station overpass intended to provide access to the handicapped and determine if the requirements it imposes on its users were feasible. The analysis indicated that the current design places excessive demands on users, and should be modified. The paper suggests some possible modifications for the present structure.