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ReferencesNavigation arrowAuthorsNavigation arrowTimothy J. Eng
Jun 18

“ Computer programs emerge as the outcome of complex human processes of cognition, communication and negotiation, which serve to establish the meaningful embedding of the computer system in its intended use context. ”

-- Floyd, 1992, p. 24

 
 

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Timothy J. Eng

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Publications by Timothy J. Eng (bibliography)

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1994
 
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Goonetilleke, Ravindra S. and Eng, Timothy J. (1994): Contact Area Effects on Discomfort. In: Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 38th Annual Meeting 1994. pp. 688-690.

“Most "ergonomic" products attempt to adopt a uniform force distribution strategy to improve comfort. The rationale being that force distribution over a large area reduces pressure and thereby enhances user comfort. However, sensory literature alludes to the concept of spatial summation, i.e. greater sensation by stimulating a larger surface area. Hence spatial summation would tend to suggest a greater discomfort when forces are applied over large surface areas. This study reports the effect of surface area on maximum discomfort causing pressure or maximum pressure tolerance (MPT). Two circular probes of different cross sectional area were used to stimulate the skin surface. The mean MPT with a probe of 5mm diameter was 3.3 times higher than the MPT with a probe of 13mm diameter. These findings suggest the following: * Perceived discomfort and contact area seem to have a "U-relationship" above a critical force value. Traditional thinking of distributing forces is successful only in the first half of the U-curve or with forces below the critical value. The section with the monotonically increasing relationship between disconcert and contact area (i.e., second half of U) may not be seen at very low forces or forces below the critical value. * "High" pressures in concentrated areas may cause less discomfort than "moderate" pressures over a larger area. * The critical or threshold pressure to induce discomfort is force and contact area dependent.”

© All rights reserved Goonetilleke and Eng and/or Human Factors Society

 
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Jun 18

“ Computer programs emerge as the outcome of complex human processes of cognition, communication and negotiation, which serve to establish the meaningful embedding of the computer system in its intended use context. ”

-- Floyd, 1992, p. 24

 
 

Featured chapter

Read the fascinating history of Wearable Computing, told by its father, Steve Mann

Read Steve's chapter !

 
 

Latest books

The Social Design of Technical Systems: Building technologies for communities
by Brian Whitworth and Adnan Ahmad

 
Start reading

The Encyclopedia of Human-Computer Interaction, 2nd Ed.
by Mads Soegaard and Rikke Friis Dam

 
Start reading
 
 

Help us help you!

 
 
 
 
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