Fitt’s ListAllocation of Function

1. Introduction

The Technological Revolution

History:

The Industrialization Example: The textile industry

Machines before Humans

Spread from Britain to other places in the world

Belgium, Germany and France

Computers is a modern day revolution In 1944 IBM created the Harvard Mark 1 In 1946 ENIAC was announced

Progression of technology means progression of machines by that they are smaller, faster and more accurate than humans can be.

What is ‘function allocation’?

A classic human factor method for deciding whether a particular function will be accomplished by a person, technology (hardware or software) or some mix of person and technology

The concept of human-machine function allocation was proposed by Fitts (1951)

Used to determine if a person or a machine could better perform the function required be the system. Optimising performance makes the work done more efficient, which increases safety, quality, and ultimately profit-margins.

Allocating function, then, is the theoretical basis for delegating work to make it optimal.

Gagne (1962), Meister and Rabideau (1965), and Jordan (1963)...

What is ‘Fitt’s list’?

Fitt’s List

Fitt’s list is a series of statements regarding the abilities of humans and machines, which is used to determined the allocation of function/task assignment.

It is otherwise known as HABA-MABA. Humans Machines Are Are Better Better At At

Fitt’s List

So...what does it mean?

The fact that “Machines are better at operating in hostile environments” allowed the Mars Rover to provide us with information about Mars that humans couldn’t ever attain.

So... What does it mean?

The fact that “Humans are better at creativity” has allowed the product patented US D504,889 S to exist.

Or in other words...

Fitt’s List

Utilising the theoretical framework of Fitt’s List allows for the designer to manufacture a product optimally: In terms of finish; In terms of durability; In terms of minimum waste of resources; In terms of time.

Ultimately, in terms of profit-margin.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

The list has assumptions that are very plausible in terms of managing to capture the most important regularity of automation “ if the machine surpasses the human , the function must be automated, if not it does not make sense to automate.,boredom and short term memory.

- The list is internally consistent , non-contradictory and is reasonable to what is known.- Comprehensive and does not contain complex equations , interconnected functions or any other forms of complexity- The list is qualitative rather than quantitative and it more specific than many other function allocation methods - - The list has a solid basis due to it being developed on the basis of the limiting characteristics of human capacity and performance including overload , stress , inattention

Disadvantages

Outdated;

The distinctions are simplified;

Affect human values;

Over-automation;

“Over- and under-reliance”;

A great dependence on automation and socio-economic problems.

3. Evaluation

What is evaluation ?

Last step of the function allocation process

“Measure” of the overall efficiency of the function allocation by identifying :

the objective of the task and its structure the skills needed to perform the task the environmental constraints …

Function allocation is optimized when tasks associated with : Technical limitations, ethics, safety…

=> allocated to humans Human capability limits, hostile environment…

=> allocated to machines

What is evaluation ?

Sometimes, the evaluation enables to spot that the allocation of functions was not optimal.

Re-allocation of functions.

Aspects that are evaluated

System performance

Evaluation andre-allocation

Evaluation andre-allocation

Aspects that are evaluated

Safety

Evaluation andre-allocation

Aspects that are evaluated

Social impact

??Evaluation andre-allocation

Aspects that are evaluated

Usability

Evaluation and re-allocation

Aspects that are evaluated

Cost

Evaluation andre-allocation

Aspects that are evaluated

Job satisfaction

Performance

Satisfaction