Combine and Windrower Cab Review Conducted a human factors review of combine and windrower cabs, controls, and displays. Identified interface design issues and provided recommendations for future product directions.

Precision Farming System Interface Conducted a requirements analysis based on exercises with 30 operators, and developed design specifications for the functionality of a GPS-based agricultural performance monitoring system. An overall layout and computer-user interface scheme was developed, “story-boarded,” and tested with users.

Ergonomics Training for Product Engineers Assisted in-house human factors staff of a worldwide farm equipment manufacturer in conducting seminars on human factors design methods in equipment development. Engineers and managers from the client attended the seminar.

Combine Design Provided human factors research and design support for the development of a rotary combine. Workspace geometry, controls, displays, entry and egress were evaluated, as were five competitive combines. Interviews were conducted with owners of the previous product in the U.S., Canada, France, and England. Specifications for the design of a new model were provided.

Human Factors Design Guide for Agricultural and Construction Equipment Developed a human factors engineering design guide for agricultural and industrial equipment. The guide was developed for use by engineers, designers, test personnel, and managers throughout the company. Controls, displays, seating, entry, egress, labels, visibility, comfort, and safety were addressed.

Vibration and Ride Analysis Evaluated vibration data from a forage harvester to determine if frequencies and amplitudes transmitted to the operator were within acceptable limits. Data on human tolerances and design standards were provided for the manufacturer in Belgium.

Windrower Operator Interface Provided detailed specifications for seating geometry and adjustability, steering wheel placement, major cab structures, and all controls and displays for a windrower. The project included working with a harvesting crew along the California-Mexico boarder, developing human factors requirements, and building mockups.

Combine Cab Review Conducted a human factors review of a world-wide combine cab for the manufacturer in Belgium. Recommendations on the placement, design, and operation of controls; workspace adjustability; and display design were provided.

Anthropometry Analysis and Design Tools Developed a set of male and female anthropometric manikins representing various body element percentiles and a supporting anthropometric design guide. Manikins were based on a study of 200 product users from around the world and other available anthropmetric data. The design tools were widely applied by the manufacturer, Ford New Holland.