Performance differences between instructions on paper vs digital glasses for a simple assembly task

Effects of training methods on performance of a scaffolding task for workers with different spatial ability

With software developments and advances in display technologies substantially improved, augmented reality (AR) application has gained popularity. In this study, we discuss using classic PowerPoint and AR for two kinds of scaffolding tasks (task-lifeline assembly and hedge assembly) for users with different spatial ability. We considered both objective and subjective measures of performance, i.e., correct rate and system usability and the ITC-sense of presence inventory (ITC-SOPI) scale. The results of the study show that participants using AR achieved higher operating performance than those using PowerPoint. Furthermore, the users' learning effect was influenced by spatial ability when using PowerPoint. Participants with high spatial ability achieved higher performance than participants with low spatial ability in PowerPoint. However, participants who used AR as a training method did not show significantly different operating performance at different levels of spatial ability. Consequently, AR was believed to be a potential method for enhancing training performance.

Usability of consumer product self-assembly instructions - a historical review of ergonomics research to create an international standard

Selling products in kit form to consumers benefits both manufacturers and consumers - provided the instructions enable the customer to assemble the components correctly and safely. Poor usability of some self-assembly instructions is a continuing cause of consumer complaints- but the subject of only occasional ergonomics research interest. Relevant studies are widely dispersed across the literature - and across decades - but their findings generally agree on what makes some self-assembly illustrations more effective than others. This has just not been consolidated in any formally recognised guidance. This study has produced a comprehensive review of published work on the usability of self-assembly instructions (which need to convey most information pictorially) and makes detailed recommendations for best practice in their presentation. The evidence for the recommended best practices discussed in this paper will be reflected in the publication of an international standard that which is currently in the final drafting stages.

The effect of information level of digital worker guidance systems on assembly performance, user experience and strain

Worker guidance systems provide product-specific and digital assembly information and can make an important contribution to increasing productivity and quality and relieving employees, especially in flexible variant assembly. However, a critical factor here is the successful design of the systems. While much of the research focuses on aspects of the hardware, this article is dedicated to the question of how the configuration of the level of information, i.e. the amount and depth of information in worker guidance systems, is affected. For this purpose, two studies, a laboratory study at the Technical University of Darmstadt (N = 53) and a field study at a company (N = 30), were conducted and two variants of the information level of a worker guidance system were compared. The study results show that assembly quality in particular is significantly influenced by the level of information; to the advantage of detailed information. No significant differences were found for production times. For the subjective evaluation of the system as well as for the objective and subjectively perceived strain, it can be stated that the high level of information also performs better. The results thus help to design worker guidance systems more precisely so that they fulfill the information needs of the employees as well as possible.