Papers by Ilene Zackowitz
The Current State of Legal, Design and Residential Usability Issues for People with Various Disabilities
PsycEXTRA Dataset, 2010
... One of the many challenges facing people with disabilities today is finding accessible housin... more ... One of the many challenges facing people with disabilities today is finding accessible housing, since the abilities and disabilities of this group vary ... Guidelines • HUD FHA Design Manual • IBC 2003 • IBC 2000 • ANSI A117.1(1986) • CABO/ANSI A117.1(1992) • ICC/ANSI 117.1 ...
The Current State of Legal, Design and Residential Usability Issues for People with Various Disabilities
PsycEXTRA Dataset
... One of the many challenges facing people with disabilities today is finding accessible housin... more ... One of the many challenges facing people with disabilities today is finding accessible housing, since the abilities and disabilities of this group vary ... Guidelines • HUD FHA Design Manual • IBC 2003 • IBC 2000 • ANSI A117.1(1986) • CABO/ANSI A117.1(1992) • ICC/ANSI 117.1 ...
Air Rage
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society ... Annual Meeting, Sep 1, 2015
Aggressive passengers have forced airlines to divert flights and make unscheduled landings. There... more Aggressive passengers have forced airlines to divert flights and make unscheduled landings. There have been legal consequences, both in criminal and civil courts, as well as financial costs when airplanes are forced to redirect a flight, or to provide vouchers to resolve complaints. This study investigates the extent to which current airline irritants contribute to passenger anger, which may cause conflict, redirected flights and legal ramifications. 245 passengers were questioned regarding their experience flying over the last two years and how factors including smell, noise, seat size, hunger, and unwanted touch affected their mood. These factors can all be considered an assault on the senses of passengers that would not occur in any other environment. Results indicate that confinement and physical discomfort of having strangers encroach into personal space made people most likely to be angry and take action against fellow passengers. Noise and hunger made them angry, but not take action, thus creating the potential for conflict. These human factors have implications for passenger safety, civil rights and airline operations.
Proceedings of the 11th Biannual Conference on Italian SIGCHI Chapter, 2015
Designing with Children Dapto Dreaming Horsley is a neighbourhood in the small suburban town of D... more Designing with Children Dapto Dreaming Horsley is a neighbourhood in the small suburban town of Dapto on the outskirts of the City of Wollongong, a seaside city in Australia. Planning a new residential area, the urban development company Stockland chose to hire researcher Karen Malone from University of West Sydney, to conduct an independent, participative project with local children. T he project was planned to provide an opportunity for local children to be active agents of change, by including their own visions and experiences of growing up in the area and proposing to Stockland how to design a child-friendly environment. T he study was based on the global Child-Friendly Cities (CFC) initiative framework, following the paradigm of children's rights. Drawing on a number of studies about child-friendliness and children's independent mobility, Karen Malone used the methods and tools which have grown out of her involvement in the UNESCO participatory research project, Growing up in Cities. Motivation From the beginning this project was intended as an authentic process of action research, using childfocused participatory workshops to allow children to be dreamers, designers and agents of change. Following the findings from her previous studies, Malone had developed a strong ethos of believing in the right of children to have a say about issues related to their living environment. Stockland's aim was to develop a design brief that would reflect the thoughts and opinions of local children. Describing the project, Stockland stated that 'The CFC Research and Community Engagement Project is proposed by Stockland with the vision of creating a 'child-friendly', socially sustainable community consistent with Stockland's Residential Sustainability Strategy'. Children's involvement In order to inform the new urban development, a 'child-friendliness survey' was conducted-What A play area in a new housing development Where Dapto, Australia Age 5-10
Responsibility Allocation for Workplace Accidents
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 2001
The purpose of this study was to investigate responsibility allocation for workplace accidents. B... more The purpose of this study was to investigate responsibility allocation for workplace accidents. Both situational factors (safety climate, task familiarity, presence of warnings and perceived risk) and individual difference variables (locus of control and participant supervisor status) were studied because both characteristics of the observer and the situation moderate individual interpretations regarding the cause of accidents. Work scenarios were developed to manipulate two levels of the situational factors. The Adult Nowicki-Strickland Internal-External Scale was used to assess participant locus of control orientation. Participants (n=320) were employed individuals from San Diego County. Significantly more responsibility was allocated to the employer when safety climate was perceived to be weak. There were significant interactions of locus of control with both perceived risk and task familiarity. Results indicate that employees in organizations with strong safety climates are more likely to take personal ownership of their tasks and feel personally responsible for outcomes.
FORENSICS PROFESSIONAL GROUP The HUMAN FACTORS and ERGONOMICS SOCIETY
Colorful Rounded-Tip Scissors: Too Sharp for Children
Forensic Human Factors and Ergonomics, 2018
Air Rage
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 2015
Aggressive passengers have forced airlines to divert flights and make unscheduled landings. There... more Aggressive passengers have forced airlines to divert flights and make unscheduled landings. There have been legal consequences, both in criminal and civil courts, as well as financial costs when airplanes are forced to redirect a flight, or to provide vouchers to resolve complaints. This study investigates the extent to which current airline irritants contribute to passenger anger, which may cause conflict, redirected flights and legal ramifications. 245 passengers were questioned regarding their experience flying over the last two years and how factors including smell, noise, seat size, hunger, and unwanted touch affected their mood. These factors can all be considered an assault on the senses of passengers that would not occur in any other environment. Results indicate that confinement and physical discomfort of having strangers encroach into personal space made people most likely to be angry and take action against fellow passengers. Noise and hunger made them angry, but not take...
A Forensic Human Factors Analysis of a Playground Designated for Special Needs Children
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 2013
ABSTRACT
When Communication Failure Contributes to an Injury: A case study of para-transportation for wheelchair users
PsycEXTRA Dataset
Our firm was retained to investigate an injury sustained by an elderly woman who was confined to ... more Our firm was retained to investigate an injury sustained by an elderly woman who was confined to a wheelchair at the time of the incident. The woman was utilizing a public para-transportation service for people with disabilities when the van she was riding stopped short. As a result, she slid out of her wheelchair and suffered a compound fracture of the leg. This case went to trial with the seatbelt manufacturer and transportation entity as defendants. Looking beyond the obvious issues of seatbelt failure and driver training, this paper will examine communication as a necessary part of the safety system. Communication involves the sharing of information in a complex system where users are not domain experts. In this case, communication as part of a public para-transportation safety system is evaluated.
A critical analysis of the usability and design of aluminum wheelchair ramps
PsycEXTRA Dataset
A common method to improve accessibility for pedestrians and wheelchair users is the widespread u... more A common method to improve accessibility for pedestrians and wheelchair users is the widespread use of ramps. Ramps for handicapped access are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA has specific guidelines for many aspects of ramp design. Although these specifications detail ramp requirements, they do not necessarily guarantee that a ramp will be trouble-free for users. A recent study that evaluated how wheelchair users perceive differences in slope and cross slope revealed design problems for modular aluminum ramps. The purpose of this paper is to identify aluminum ramp design issues that resulted in usability difficulties for wheelchair users in that study. When designing an environment, it is critical that the wide range of users test it. This paper demonstrates that attempting to provide greater accessibility in one area may create new barriers in another.
PsycEXTRA Dataset
Human factors consulting and practice in the area of safety management has been motivated by a va... more Human factors consulting and practice in the area of safety management has been motivated by a variety of practical and theoretical interests, including injury reduction. When conducting a human factors analysis involving a hazard, the first course of action is to "design out'' the hazard when possible. The purpose of this paper is to describe the use of a systems approach to design out an exposure hazard in an industrial setting. The benefits of a systems approach will be discussed. An example of a complex industrial system with a potential radiation hazard will be analyzed.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Pictorial-Only Warning on a Trolley Coupler
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 2001
Warnings with pictorial symbols are often used because symbols tend to be attention getting. If a... more Warnings with pictorial symbols are often used because symbols tend to be attention getting. If a text message included in a warning detains readers in a hazardous location, this text message may keep readers in harm's way. Therefore, warnings comprised only of pictorials may be the best solution in some situations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a pictorial as the sole source of warning information. Eighty-five participants were asked about their comprehension of a warning symbol, both without and with contextual information. Results indicated that 96% of participants over 16 years old were able to comprehend the warning, which exceeds the ANSI standard of an 85% symbol comprehension rate.
Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, 2017
Emotions play an important role in risk perception. There are many ways in which users' personal ... more Emotions play an important role in risk perception. There are many ways in which users' personal feelings can impact their evaluation of and reaction to product risks. Strong emotions and overall affect can influence behavior and decision-making in a manner distinct from related stimuli. In order to explore this relationship, the process of risk-benefit analysis is observed through an evaluation of several different activities and products, such as adrenaline sports, gambling, and smoking.
Risk Communication for Consumer Products
There are many ways that product manufacturers can communicate risk to consumers. The hazard cont... more There are many ways that product manufacturers can communicate risk to consumers. The hazard control hierarchy describes the fundamental elements and appropriate methodology for implementation of research-supported concepts and provides effective techniques for risk communication. Distinctions among types of risk communication and relevant standards are reviewed. Comprehension of risk information by product users is an essential part of the communication process. Label conspicuity and placement on the product are considered as to how they impact the efficacy of a warning, and are evaluated in real-world applications. Anti-warnings: communications that downplay risks and/or undermine warnings are also important to consider and are discussed relative to their effect on warning communications.
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 2017
Many of the most dangerous products killing and injuring children are not toys – they are adult p... more Many of the most dangerous products killing and injuring children are not toys – they are adult products. Of the 150,000 products regulated by the CPSC, ATVs are responsible for more child deaths annually than any other. In many cases, the children injured or killed were riding adult ATVs. Products inside the home are also responsible for deaths and serious injuries. Dressers and televisions tip over and kill children at a rate of one every two weeks. Window covering cords have strangled at least one child every month for decades. And button batteries found in everything from remote control devices to bathroom scales are ingested by infants and young children, causing serious injuries and death. Finally, cell phone use by children has opened up a wide range of serious risks - not only driving and pedestrian accidents, but also risks associated with exposure to strangers and unsafe products. In this alternative format panel, experts address each of these products and explore how risk...
An Epidemiological Perspective of Individual and Population Health Risk Prevention
Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, 2017
Several distinct but intrinsically related sections are discussed from an epidemiological standpo... more Several distinct but intrinsically related sections are discussed from an epidemiological standpoint including the epidemiology of risks, individual versus population risks, intervention and prevention. A number of specific risk factors identified in published research are considered and categorized for either individual or population-level effect. Risk factor assessment, with an emphasis on the concept of risk level among individuals through their life span is specified, with a focus on consumption patterns. The efficacy of prevention is evaluated among intervention approaches, with case studies provided for context.
Mock Trial
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 2016
This special joint session with shared interest from the Forensics Professional Technical Group a... more This special joint session with shared interest from the Forensics Professional Technical Group and the Safety Technical Group presents an enactment of human factors expert testimony for a trial involving the use and possible misuse of a child’s transportation safety product: a used car seat. The mock trial session presents human factors issues related to the use of the product, including packaging and instructions retention, expectations, user environment, and foreseeable use/misuse of this product. Human factors experts for the plaintiff and the defense will each weigh in on the circumstances surrounding the injury, with examination from the respective attorneys, and cross examination from the opposing attorneys. An attorney commentator will provide reactions and explanation of how the information will be used after each side has given its testimony. No judgment or verdict on the case will be reached at the end of the session.
Types of Consumer Products
This chapter defines and describes which consumer factors, such as age, education and status, imp... more This chapter defines and describes which consumer factors, such as age, education and status, impact purchase decisions and explores several categories of consumer products. Consumers’ purchasing considerations differ depending on how much thoughtfulness plays a role in decision-making. Some consumer products require analysis and comparison prior to making a purchase decision. Not all consumer products are desired; some are purchased out of immediate need. Unsought and emergency products are purchased in response to unexpected stimuli and experiences. Unlike other consumer products, digital goods have nearly infinite supply, as the costs to download and distribute a digital song, for example, is negligible. Services, such as insurance, medical care or house cleaning are not something you can hold or that can be physically broken; thus they share a similar intangible as digital goods. Differences between industrial, consumer, do-it-yourself and self-service products are discussed. Th...
Don't Walk: Hazardous to Cross Mid-Block
Forensic Human Factors and Ergonomics, 2018
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Papers by Ilene Zackowitz