Simulation, Virtual Reality and Advanced Human-Machine Interfaces

Code

MMME4084

School

Mechanical, Materials & Manufacturing Engineering

Level

4

Credits

10

Semesters

Autumn UK

Summary

For Human Factors/Ergonomics work, simulation tools can enable designers, managers and end-users to experience products and systems in realistic, interactive environments. Such advancements can have positive cost-benefit implications, enabling designs and their implications to be visualised early in the development lifecycle. In addition, Virtual/Augmented Reality and other advanced Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) are being developed in many different industries (e.g. transport, defence, manufacturing, healthcare, media) to support different user needs (e.g. for safety, training, education, entertainment).

This module will provide students with the knowledge and skills required to understand and utilise simulation and virtual reality as Human Factors tools for studying behaviour, training new skills and supporting collaborative work. Moreover, the module will consider HMIs that are increasingly common in modern life and may be used as part of simulated or virtual environments or may be tested within these. The module teaches students about the fundamental Human Factors concepts related to the use of simulation and VR, including immersion, presence, fidelity, validity and negative effects. The module delivers a mix of research-oriented lecture content and more practical activities including simulator demos and use of real VR environments.

The syllabus covers: Virtual reality technologies/environments/interfaces; Augmented Reality; Fidelity, reliability and validity of simulators; Presence and immersion factors for simulation and VR; Understanding and minimising negative effects of simulated and VR environments; Novel Human-Machine-Interfaces (HMIs) (including visual, auditory and haptic).

Re-assessment
Students who fail this module overall and are required to complete a re-assessment will be re-assessed in all failed assessment components. The re-assessment mark for the module will be a combination of the marks from components passed first time and the components which have been re-assessed.
 

Target Students

MSc in Human Factors and Ergonomics, BEng and MEng Product Design and Manufacture, MSc Human-Computer Interaction, any 3rd or 4th year student in Department of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering.

Assessment

• 50% Coursework 1: Coursework 1: 50% (poster)
• 50% Exam 1 (2-hour): Exam: 50%.

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

LO1 - Analyse products and workplaces from a Human Factors perspective using Simulation and Virtual Reality (VR) approaches.

LO2 - Justify Simulation and VR approaches as a means of analysing the Human Factors issues for product and workplace design and the use of different advanced Human-Machine Interface (HMI) solutions within different Human Factors application domains.

LO3 - Critically appreciate and synthesise information concerning Simulation, VR and HMIs from a wide range of sources.

LO4 - Demonstrate an appreciation of the benefits and limitations of using Simulation and VR tools and alternative HMIs in a range of case study application areas.

LO5 - Communicate understanding of Simulation, VR and advanced HMIs from a Human Factors perspective. 

Conveners

• Dr Catherine Harvey