Citation

Murata A, Moriwaka M. Ergonomics 2007; 50(1): 99-111.

Affiliation

Department of Intelligent Mechanical Systems, Division of Industrial Innovation Sciences, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1, Tsushimanaka, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan. murata@iims.sys.okayama-u.ac.jp

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/00140130600987172

PMID

17178654

Abstract

The effects of age on applicability of the location compatibility principle to the design of display and control systems were discussed. A dual-task experiment was conducted, in which the primary task was first-order tracking. The secondary tasks included control of an air conditioner, the operation of a radio and the operation of a CD/MD, by means of either a steering wheel-mounted switch or a console-mounted switch. The display was arranged either in front of or on the left side of a participant. Performance of the young group did not completely follow predictions of the compatibility principle. In particular, the principle did not apply to the left-side display condition. The steering wheel-mounted switch was more effective than the left-side switch even for the left-side display. The compatibility principle was applicable to both front and left-side displays for the older adults. For the front display, the steering wheel-mounted switch was more effective. Such differences should be taken into account when designing display and control systems in man - vehicle systems.

Language: en