EKIDES is the first bilingual, comprehensive database-system for human factors / ergonomics design applications. The database assists designers of technical systems, equipment, products and workplaces with respect to meet ergonomic requirements of all system components and their interaction during the planning, development and subsequent design processes (Figure 1 depicts the main menu of EKIDES). Work stress on human beings results from mission definitions, environmental factors and machine design. The main mission of EKIDES is to support the design process of a man-machine-system in order to minimize this stress and its negative effects on humans.

Figure 1: EKIDES - Main Menu

EKIDES consists of several categories of system modules:

• the GENERIC DESIGN MODULE contains ergonomic data relevant to work tasks, environmental factors, technical components, service manual and operating instructions (2426 items) as well as the Human module which contains design data on human body dimensions, human force exertion capabilities, ranges of motion, motion times and design spaces
• the MODULE APPLICATION TO PRODUCTION SYSTEM contains ergonomic data with requirements (2215 items) for specific types of workplaces
• the MODULE APPLICATION TO PRODUCT DESIGN contains ergonomic data with requirements (791 items) for software, medical devices, cars and infotainment (Information- and entertainment facilities)
• the PERFORMANCE MODULE contains explanations for Peformane Shaping Factors (PSF) and ergonomic data for tools and information media for elderly people, as well as examples for possible adverse effects with increasing age.
• The MODULE „Calculations“ offers the user the possibility to calculate either the allowable viewing distance in case the size of signs or labels is given,or the required size of signs or labels in case the viewing distance is given.

The data used in these calculations are based on the data sheets of EKIDES. Calculations can be made within a certain range of distance between the eye and the object.

• The TEST AND EVALUATION MODULES with tools for ergonomic test and evaluation, assessment of physical and physiological workload, for the analysis of workplaces and products with checklists, for subjective evaluation of workplaces and products as well as an analysis of acceptability.
• A Library with Definitions, Explanations and a Bibliography

The Computer-aided ergonomic testing and evaluation module creates a protocol for a specific evaluation task. For this purpose, the test items need can be selected from either the Basic or the Consulting module (see figure 2). For example, in order to evaluate safety parts of the lifting device using the “Technical components” section, a list of the sections within this area can be opened using the dialogue button.

Figure 2: EKIDES - Evaluation Modules

After the protocol has been established, the user can start the intended test by transcribing the results. Upon completion of the test, a report including statistics (number of items analysed, number and kind of items for different requirements etc.) can be printed (see figure 3).

Figure 3: Examples of the protocol that has been created by the EKIDES Testing and Evaluation Module

EKIDES provides 6 evaluation criteria for the subjective evaluation of a product or a workplace. All criteria are well-defined and additionally supported by questions. If you click the text of one of these criteria, a window will appear displaying the definition of this criterion. You will find a button with a question mark positioned left of the name of the criterion. The kinds of procducts which are available for the subjective analysis tools can be seen in Figure 4.

EKIDES provides templates for 6, 8 or up to 20 evaluation criteria for the Analysis of Acceptability of a product or a workplace. These criteria have to be chosen by the user according to the desired analysis goals (see figure 4). The results are suitable for marketing research as well as the accumulation and analysis of critical comments or new ideas.

Figure 4 - Subjective Evaluation and Analysis of Acceptability

Finally, EKIDES provides a comprehensive list of literature as well as search functions for test and literature data. Searching can be accomplished either by using an already existing list of key words or by directly entering a search word. A criterion-related search process for special applications can also be accomplished, i.e. only the data of the Basic Module or the Workplace and the Product Module or the data related to a certain key word can be selected which are relevant to health, safety, performance etc. or which are based on a certain regulation (DIN, EN-ISO, KTA regulations etc.).

The use of EKIDES will improve product quality and will furthermore better adapt workplaces to humans at a much earlier stage in the design process.

• Save time - by finding weak spots at an earlier stage
• Cut costs - by reducing the need for error correction at a later date
• Improve quality - by incorporating experiences of external specialists in the design process

MS Access 2002, 2003, 2007 or 2010

Download a free DEMO of EKIDES from the Internet today!

Prof. Dr. H. Schmidtke / Dr.-Ing. I. Jastrzebska-Fraczek