January 8, 2004

Ergonomics vs. Human Factors: What's the Difference

You're invited to the next meeting of the Usability Professionals Association Minnesota chapter (UPA-MN) at the Rockford Road Library Thursday, January 8th at 6:00.

This month we've invited David Dixon to talk to us about the field of ergonomics. We'll learn how ergonomics is different from human factors or usability. David has worked in both Human Factors and ergonomics for twenty years and will share many of his insights and experiences.

We'll also be drawing for a copy of the book "design by people for people: Essays on Usability" published by the international Usability Professionals Association. It contains essays from the likes of Jeff Rubin, Ben Schneiderman, Joe Dumas, Laurie Kantner, Carol Righi and others. Be there for a chance to win!

Session Overview

One of the current buzz words in advertising is "ergonomically designed". Just what does this mean and how are the fields of Ergonomics and Human Factors/Usability different from one another? David Dixon will give his perspective on Ergonomics vs. Human Factors. Examples from his experience as Consulting Ergonomist and Ergonomics Lab Director for Crawford & Company will be included.

About the Speaker

David Dixon has worked in the areas of Human Factors and Ergonomics for the past 20 years since receiving his Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from Texas Tech University. He has been employed as a Human Factors Engineer with IBM at their labs in Rochester, MN and Research Triangle Park, NC as well as working as Consulting Ergonomist / Ergonomics Laboratory Director for Crawford & Company, an international insurance services company. He has also worked for various consulting firms and is now working on a contract for United Health Care in Eden Prairie, MN.

Presentation

Ergonomics vs Human Factors: What’s the Difference? (Adobe PDF. Opens in new window.)
Presentation To UPA Twin Cities Chapter.

Meeting Details:

Date/Time:
Thursday, January 8th / 6:00 pm
Place:
Rockford Road Library
Address:
6401 42nd Ave. N.
Crystal, MN 55427
Phone:
952-847-5875
Speaker:
David Dixon - Dixon Ergonomics
Topic:
Ergonomics vs. Human Factors: What's the Difference

Agenda:

UPA-MN Meeting Minutes Jan 8, 2004:

   Attendees: 16

RSVP & Dues

Please RSVP if you wish to attend. Just send the names of the people in your group who'll be attending to Lyle_Kantrovich@cargill.com.

Non-member visitors are welcome, but are asked to pay five dollars to attend each meeting.

Haven't joined our chapter yet? It's only $20 for the calendar year, and you can sign up at our monthly meetings.
More information is here: http://www.upamn.org/join.shtml

Directions & Map:

Map URL: http://snipurl.com/RockfordLibrary

Driving Directions:

Westbound on I-94 or 394:

  1. Take I-394 West to MN-100 North.
  2. Follow MN-100 North to 42ND Ave. North (Rockford Rd / CR-9).
  3. Exit at 42nd Ave and turn left (West)
  4. The Library is just West of Douglas Dr. (Hwy 102) next to the Crystal City Hall and Police Station.
  5. Ample parking is available in the lot.

Eastbound on 394:

  1. Take I-394 East to MN-100 North.
  2. Follow MN-100 North to 42ND Ave. North (Rockford Rd / CR-9).
  3. Exit at 42nd Ave and turn left (West)
  4. The Library is just West of Douglas Dr. (Hwy 102) next to the Crystal City Hall and Police Station.
  5. Ample parking is available in the lot.

Eastbound on 494:

  1. Take I-494 West to MN-100 North.
  2. Follow MN-100 North to 42ND Ave. North (Rockford Rd / CR-9).
  3. Exit at 42nd Ave and turn left (West)
  4. The Library is just West of Douglas Dr. (Hwy 102) next to the Crystal City Hall and Police Station.
  5. Ample parking is available in the lot.

Westbound on 694:

  1. Take 694 West to MN-100 South. (Note Hwy-100 may have some road construction.)
  2. Follow MN-100 South to 42ND Ave. North (Rockford Rd / CR-9).
  3. Exit at 42nd Ave and turn left (West)
  4. The Library is just West of Douglas Dr. (Hwy 102) next to the Crystal City Hall and Police Station.
  5. Ample parking is available in the lot.

Once at the Library:

The meeting room is just to the right once inside the front doors of the library.

Parking:

Ample free parking is available in the library lot.

Help Spread the Word:

Know someone interested in usability? Feel free to invite them to an upcoming meeting. Visitors are always welcome. Please forward this announcement to other area professionals who might have an interest in UPA-MN meetings or activities.

Upcoming Meetings & Events:

February 12, 2004:
Testing the Experience Beyond Usability - Location: digital@jwt
(Note meetings are always the second Thursday of the month at 6:00 PM.)

Do you have an idea for a future meeting or know someone you think would be a good speaker? Contact Laurie Bennett (LBennett@LifeTimeFitness.com) with your suggestions.

Last update: January 22, 2004