Damien Francois EME 6396 Seminar in HPT UWF Summer 2010 Home office design for

1. Damien Francois EME 6396 Seminar in HPT  UWF Summer 2010 Home office design for Clinical Research Associate

2. Scenario Home office design for Clinical Research Associate (CRA).  This research professional is a liaison between pharmaceutical companies and clinical research sites such as hospitals, outpatient centers and doctors’ offices. The CRA is responsible for ensuring research sites and their personnel are compliant with Federal Drug Agency (FDA) guidelines on clinical research on human subjects.   • CRA job tasks include: • Heavy use of computer for internet and communication i.e., email, word processing, webinars. • Faxing • Copying • Scanning • Video and teleconferencing • Maintaining and organizing paper and electronic documents .  • Heavy phone contact

3. Problem Problem The personnel office has concerns about human computer interaction (HCI) in a residential setting. Solution Office design should: • Minimize fatigue and opportunities for injury. • Identify and correct the possible human computer interaction problems.

4. HPT Process Human Performance Technology (HPT) is the systematic approach to solving human performance problems and increasing productivity. A Human Performance Consultant (HPC) can use the HPT process of analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation to assess the Human Computer Interaction (HCI) issues in designing the home office for the CRA.

5. HCI Issues Potentials hazards from computer use: • Monitors placed too close or too far away may cause assume awkward body positions that may lead to eye strain. • Working with your head and neck turned to the side for a prolonged period loads neck muscles unevenly and increases fatigue and pain. • Viewing the monitor for long periods of time may cause eye fatigue and dryness. Users often blink less while viewing the monitor.

6. Usability Usability is the ease of which a user can use a product to achieve their goals. Checklist for designing a usable home office includes: Ergonomics –Workplace equipment design, to promote safety and productivity and minimize fatigue and discomfort.  Navigation – Technology should allow for easy movement between workstations. Safety – Emergency plans and fire safety. Appearance – Aesthetically pleasing environment.

7. Ergonomics Computer use Use of a good chair with a dynamic chair back that is angled slightly to the rear. Placement of monitor screen at 2-3" above eye level. An optical glass anti-glare filter. A document holder, preferably in-line with the computer screen. Center monitor and keyboard in front of you.

8. Ergonomics • Follow 20/20 rule -Take a 20 second break every 20 minutes. • Use of anti-fatigue floor mats. • Use Proper lighting.

9. Navigation Use of Bluetooth technology : To minimize wiring. Reduce risk of tripping over wire and cords. Allow easy navigation from one workstation to another.

10. Safety checklist Electrical • Cover all unused outlets with safety plugs. • Ensure all major electrical appliances are grounded. • Position televisions, computers, and stereo equipment against walls. Create emergency plan • Place a list of emergency phone numbers near each phone. • Install smoke detectors. • Test all smoke detectors monthly. • Change the batteries in the smoke detectors every 6 months. • Strategic placement of Fire extinguisher.

11. Appearance • Natural Light • Pictures/artwork • Plants • Avoid Clutter • Consider Feng Shui color guide.

12. References • http://www.ergonomics.ucla.edu/Howto_Laptops.html • http://www.ergoindemand.com/ergonomic-computer-workstation-guidelines.htm • http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/index.html • http://www.ispi.org/content.aspx?id=54 • http://www.life123.com/home-garden/interior-decorating/feng-shui/feng-shui-color-chart.shtml