This webinar will feature the submissions of the students who won the Best Paper, Second Place, and Honorable Mention during the 2024 ASPIRE conference. The presenters will review their papers in a more casual setting to encourage a discussion with other HFES members and guests. The papers being discussed are "Development of a Survey Instrument to Measure Educators’ Preparedness for Creating Extended Reality Learning Modules” (presented by Jiwon Kim), “Sex and Age Differences in Virtual Reality (VR) Sickness Susceptibility in Forklift Driving Simulation” (presented by Shafiqul Islam), and “Utilizing Motion Capture to Quantify Physical Workload in Augmented Reality Learning Environments” (presented by Jung Kim). We hope to feature more current research in upcoming webinars.

Usability Evaluations All products and systems that involve user interaction should [must] be evaluated by a Usability Specialist to ensure effectiveness and efficiency of the Human-Machine Interaction (HMI) and minimize risks and error rates. Effective Usability Evaluations should provide independent, unbiased evaluations of how end users interact with the product or system. The evaluation is to determine if the product/system meets the user needs, not whether the user can use the product/system or not. End-users are evaluated on several key performance indicators (KPIs) while they interact with the product/system or prototype of varied fidelity throughout the design/development cycle. This presentation introduces different usability evaluation methods and metrics. Usability Laboratories All product/systems that require any user interaction should understand the user’s needs and evaluate the product/system as to whether it meets those user needs. The purpose of a usability laboratory is to control the evaluation and minimize confounding or third variables, such as environment and distractions. This presentation introduces different types of usability evaluations, different types of usability laboratories and layouts, as well as some of the equipment used in the laboratory.

Contextual inquiry reveals the hidden dynamics behind human-system interactions, leveraging Dr. Black's expertise in sensemaking, complexity, systems thinking (DSRP), and high-stakes decision-making environments. Drawing from his experience in policing, military special operations, and expert witness work, Dr. Black will illustrate how the practice of inquiry enhances our perceptual understanding of both clients and ourselves. Through practical examples, participants will be given perspectives and frames to apply inquiry, enhancing and focusing on understanding before we attempt to solve---a common flaw often found in inquiry.

This study assessed primary care providers’ (PCPs) perceptions of the usability of an electronic medical record tool to support physical activity counseling in primary care. Our analyses revealed that usability improved when the electronic medical record tool followed a PCP’s natural workflow and when the tool could assist in engaging in a discussion about physical activity. Poor usability was associated with the presence of large amounts of text on the screen and technological aspects that required additional learning. Overall, efficiency, workflow integration, and the inclusion of a care plan were vital in a physical activity counseling tool for a primary care setting.

Cognitive task analysis (CTA) methods are traditionally used to conduct small-sample, in-depth studies. In this case study, CTA methods were adapted for a large multi-site study in which 102 anesthesiologists worked through four different high-fidelity simulated high-consequence incidents. Cognitive interviews were used to elicit decision processes following each simulated incident. In this webinar, I will highlight three practical challenges that arose: (1) standardizing the interview techniques for use across a large, distributed team of diverse backgrounds; (2) developing effective training; and (3) developing a strategy to analyze the resulting large amount of qualitative data. I will reflect on how we addressed these challenges and share findings from a preliminary analysis that provides early validation of the strategy employed.

As the Director of the Human Dimensioning Lab (HDL), Dr. Griffin develops new methods for utilizing 3D/4D technology and understanding the body-product relationship. Through research, the HDL has created representative 3D /4D anthropometric databases and promote systems-based, interdisciplinary design for the purpose of protecting and clothing humans, with a special emphasis on those who are disadvantaged and underserved. The purpose of the paper presented in this webinar was to understand how measurements of the aging body change in the seated and standing positions. An integrated approach was taken to select the appropriate 3D scanning technology, develop a landmarking method, and position the body to analyze the waist–hip–thigh region. Each part of the method was developed to enable an in-depth analysis of circumference measurements and shape change, including the expansion and contraction of body shape across different postures. New 3D scanning methods to quantify diverse bodies can improve product fit and create inclusive, quality design for all.

As the Director of the Human Dimensioning Lab (HDL), Dr. Griffin develops new methods for utilizing 3D/4D technology and understanding the body-product relationship. Through research, the HDL has created representative 3D /4D anthropometric databases and promote systems-based, interdisciplinary design for the purpose of protecting and clothing humans, with a special emphasis on those who are disadvantaged and underserved. The purpose of the paper presented in this webinar was to understand how measurements of the aging body change in the seated and standing positions. An integrated approach was taken to select the appropriate 3D scanning technology, develop a landmarking method, and position the body to analyze the waist–hip–thigh region. Each part of the method was developed to enable an in-depth analysis of circumference measurements and shape change, including the expansion and contraction of body shape across different postures. New 3D scanning methods to quantify diverse bodies can improve product fit and create inclusive, quality design for all.

Section 508 refers to the amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1998 where federal agencies were mandated to ensure that their digital products be accessible to users with disabilities. In a report published in 2023 by GSA, it was noted that the US Government at large did not meet the accessibility requirements. This talk is a preview of a workshop that I plan to propose to the HFES Aspire Conference. The goal of this workshop is to educate beginner, and experienced, software practitioners on accessibility best practices for web-based applications, by illustrating current barriers within implementation workflows and what software companies can do to improve. After completing this workshop, attendees will be able to understand the importance of accessible software, implement accessibility principles into their software development process, and champion accessibility for their users.

Section 508 refers to the amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1998 where federal agencies were mandated to ensure that their digital products be accessible to users with disabilities. In a report published in 2023 by GSA, it was noted that the US Government at large did not meet the accessibility requirements. This talk is a preview of a workshop that I plan to propose to the HFES Aspire Conference. The goal of this workshop is to educate beginner, and experienced, software practitioners on accessibility best practices for web-based applications, by illustrating current barriers within implementation workflows and what software companies can do to improve. After completing this workshop, attendees will be able to understand the importance of accessible software, implement accessibility principles into their software development process, and champion accessibility for their users.

This session will address the role of the architect in designing safe paths of travel, and level changes that are ergonomically correct, and code compliant. The session will present the Florida Building Code, ADA, and IBC, (international building code) requirements for stairs, steps, ramps and level changes. Highlights will address the human factors of walking gait, and how level changes create the dynamics for falls. Examples will be given of design conditions that resulted in fall accidents and the audience can determine if it was an architectural defect, or someone just being clumsy.