Iranian Journal of Ergonomics

Introduction: Index of usability evaluates performance, user satisfaction and increased productivity in a product. Principles of usability are effectiveness, efficiency, safety, utility, learnability, Memorability. This Study Aims to Develop a Tool to Estimate and Evaluate the Usability of Web Applications in the field of Automation Research has been determined.

Material and Methods: After extracting, an initial questionnaire to assess the usability of the standard resource for indices of validity, internal consistency and reproducibility, respectively technique for determining the content validity, test-retest method and cronbach's alpha coefficient were used. The most important steps were as follow: (1) determine the scope and dimensions of the questions (2) preparing draft questionnaire (3) appoint the members of the expert panel (4) methods, how data analysis (5) determine the acceptance criteria of the questions (6) determine the content validity index (7) determine reliability of the questionnaire (8) determine reproducibility of the questionnaire.

Results: A 50-Item questionnaire was designed as the ultimate tool. The content validity index value of 0.763 was obtained ultimately for the questionnaire. Analysis of the questionnaire responses revealed that the lower backend errors related to the reliability coefficient alpha value was equal to 0.742. Finally, the degree of reproducibility of the questionnaire, using test-retest method, was equal to value of 0.993 (p <0.001).

Conclusion: After the final questionnaire design, with good reliability and validity, it is noticeable that the designed tool is applicable on relevant softwares and may improve the quality and efficiency of the software and user interface.

Background and Objectives: One of the most important aspects of ergonomics is physiologic balance between human characteristics and their jobs. This study aimed to investigate the physiological characteristics of janitor, safety guard and facility workers of a work organization and determine their physiological fit.
Methods: A total of 70 staff were evaluated using Queen's college step test, N20 body composition analyzer, SECA scale, RS800CX Polar pacemaker. Descriptive statistics and analytical tests including ANOVA and Pearson correlation were used. The data was analyzed using SPSS 20.
Results: Body Mass Index (BMI) and fat percentage (Fat%) of employees were beyond the optimal range, but Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR) were in the range. Also, the average Maximum Volume of Oxygen consumption (VO_2max) were 42/1±62/33 mL/kg/min and the average of working capacity (maximum Physical Work Capacity: PWC_max) were 16/63±4/46 kcal/min.
Conclusion: The results indicated that the level of some physical characteristics is inappropriate, physical fitness is poor and individual capabilities and job requirements are not in balance. Using standardized recruitment tests, providing the possibility of sports activities (by organizations) and finding integrated indicators that simultaneously take into account the physical, mental, social and environmental capabilities of individuals to determine work capacity (by researchers), can be facilitating steps to establish an ergonomic balance in the workplace.