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Newsletter
Updated: September 7, 2000
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Contents: HFES Home Overview Newsletter Next Meeting Job Openings Membership Sites of Interest |
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NewsletterUpdated: September 7, 2000 |
| August '00 | Volume 35 Number 5 |
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http://www.erols.com/hfespoc |
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Speaking of able and conscientious volunteers, Sue Evans, our current Secretary-elect ably represented our chapter at the recently concluded joint meeting of the IEA/HFES in San Diego. As I was unable to attend the meeting, I am personally grateful for her volunteering to represent us. On our behalf, Sue asked about the feasibility of the national organization collecting chapter dues along with Society dues, or if the national organization would provide a check space on the dues form where people could indicate their interest in joining a local chapter. Although the national organization did not support either proposal, they will supply mailing labels for people affiliated with the national organization if you specify the zip codes in which you are interested.
I did take advantage of their label offer. In an effort both to build membership and to bring new people and ideas into the chapter, I sent individual letters of invitation (140 letters total) to members/associates/students of HFES who did not belong to our Chapter. At this time, I am not sure of the success of the effort, but it is important to build membership and to bring new ideas and vitality into the chapter.
Of course, it is also important to maintain our current membership. Dues notices have gone out. Please respond promptly. Failure to respond to the second notice will result in your omission from this year’s directory. Of course, failure to pay dues will also result in your being dropped from our roles. Please do not let that happen.
Planning is already underway for the American Psychological Association’s Mid-Year Meeting, which will be held in March. This year, a proposal was made to the APA’s Committee on Division/APA relations (CODAPAR) for a Joint Division 21 (Applied Experimental and Engineering Psychology) and Division19 (Military Psychology) meeting on Simulation and Training. $2,000 was awarded to assist us in speaker honoraria and travel costs. This will be a two-day meeting with a Student Poster Session. HFESPOC will be hosting a dinner on the first evening of the meeting. Being a member of Division 21 and 19 as well as Chapter President, I have been heavily involved in the proposal and will be involved in the planning of the program. Bob Swezey, Chapter Member and Fellow of both HFES and APA, is the current President of Division 21. Bob has many good ideas for the program and candidate speakers. Particularly with the addition of the grant money, the meeting should be especially good this year. Details will be provided as they become available.
You should also note that we are having a dinner meeting in September. I am very pleased that John Brock agreed to speak. I first met John many years ago at the summer Human Factors Course that is given by the University of Michigan. Shortly after attending the course, John was added to the course’s faculty. I think he holds the record for the shortest transition from Student to Faculty, at least for the University of Michigan’s Summer Human Factors Course. He taught the training segment for a number of years, until for some strange reason, the training segment was dropped from the course. John is one of the few speakers I go to hear regardless of the topic they are presenting, as I know that the talk is guaranteed not only to be interesting, but also to be thoroughly enjoyable.
Doug Griffith
September Meeting to Feature John Brock, "If We're so Smart, Why Ain't We Rich?"
Meeting Date: Tuesday, September 26, 2000.
Speaker: John Brock, Training and Simulation Milestone Group
Topic: "If we’re so smart, why ain’t we rich?" John writes: "It seems to me that human factors engineers (using the broadest possible definition) are on the side of the angels. We save lives, make things easier to use, increase accessability to a larger segment of our population, and there are not enough of us to make a major dent in the world's food supply. Yet somehow we remain less appreciated than, say, a 15-year old high school student who can make your computer screen snap, crackle and pop. Is it the science or the pr? Is this an important issue? Should it be? I will discuss my views on these issues in the context of 30 years experience conducting and managing human factors programs for both the government and private industry."
The July meeting was a point of departure from our normal chapter routine on two counts. First of all, we do not normally hold meetings during the summer months. Secondly, our speakers are normally from the human factors field. Aliza Geretz, our speaker, conducts market research and does not identify herself with the human factors field. Our decision to break out of our usual mold turned out be a good one, as this was an especially interesting talk.
Some people have noted that there is, or should be, a relationship between human factors and marketing. Such a relationship exists at America OnLine (AOL), and the company would appear to have reaped its benefits. It appears that AOL does not make any changes or introduce any new products or services without a fairly comprehensive research program. Often this begins with focus groups that are used in a brainstorming mode, to identify potential changes and services, or to flesh out consumers’ opinions and feelings regarding possible changes and services. Although most focus groups are conducted in the traditional face to face manner, some focus groups are conducted over the Internet. Focus groups are followed by quantitative survey research. Although this quantitative research is most frequently conducted via the telephone, sometimes the Internet is employed. The means chosen to conduct the survey depends upon the nature of the research problem and the subject population of interest. Once a promising change or addition is identified, a prototype of the on-line implementation is developed and usability studies are conducted. All this is done before the changes/ additions are implemented. The time in which all this is conducted is rather impressive -- six months or less. Of course, if research in the on-line world is to be effective and relevant, it must be done quickly. It does not appear that AOL sacrifices thoroughness for speed.
I think the success of this meeting will encourage us to seek out more speakers who are not directly identified with the field. They will have some relationship to the field, however.
We are always looking for potential speakers. If you know of people you think would be interesting for the chapter to hear, please contact Doug Griffith at dkgriffith@erols.com or 703-803-0100 x4120.
Dues and Directory Update Reminder
To those who have sent in their dues and directory updates, thank you. If you have not done so, please send them in ASAP. The failure to respond to the second notice will likely result in your omission from this year’s directory.
Call For Book Chapters on Information Technology/Community Partnerships
Managing IT/Community Partnerships in the 21st Century
Submission deadline November 30, 2000
A book edited by Dr. Jonathan Lazar, Towson University
Universities are increasingly being asked to play a greater role in their local communities. With the growth of the technology industry, and the increasing importance of the Internet in education and everyday life, academic IT departments are beginning to form partnerships with both non-profit and for-profit organizations in the local community. These partnerships can relate to the whole curriculum, to specific classes, to student internships, to theoretical research, and to industrial research, and there are many other possibilities for IT/Community partnerships. The IT curriculum increasingly includes student experience working with technology in the local community. This might be in the form of a traditional internship at a company, or it might be a student working in an under-funded school in the community.
There are many needs in local communities that relate to technology. For instance, the U.S. Government Universal Service Program helps poorer schools and libraries connect to the Internet, but who manages these technologies and provides user training? Government reports have identified a growing "technology gap" between those who have access to technology and those who do not. The students and faculty in academic IT departments can help fill these gaps, while at the same time providing valuable experiences for students. In some geographic areas, there is a desperate need for more professionals in the technology area, and IT departments are creating special academic programs in conjunction with industry, to help fill these needs. Researchers are developing partnerships with industry, both for theoretical and applied research. Researchers are also finding ways of incorporating local non-profit organizations into their research.
The primary objective of this book is to explore the various possibilities for partnerships between academic IT departments and community-based organizations. Chapter proposals can provide theoretical foundations for partnerships, data on the number and type of partnerships, and/or case studies of successful partnerships. Chapter proposals should provide useful information for those who are trying to form partnerships. Representative topics include but are not limited to the following:
Authors are invited to submit on or before November 30, 2000, a 3-5 page manuscript proposal clearly explaining the goals and topics of the proposed chapter. Please note that papers submitted to the IRMA 2001 IT/Community Partnerships track will also be considered for inclusion in this book. Authors of accepted proposals will be notified by January 15, 2001 about the status of their proposals and sent chapter organizational guidelines. Full chapters are expected to be submitted by March 15, 2001. All submitted chapters will be reviewed on a blind review basis. The book is scheduled to be published by Idea Group Publishing in December 2001. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. Inquiries and Submissions can be sent to:
The purpose of this message is to remind everyone of the upcoming MANPRINT Symposium. The theme is "MANPRINT In Support of the Army's Transformation Campaign Plan" and we will hold the event on 27-28 Sep at the DoubleTree Hotel in Crystal City.
If you need to make hotel reservations, please call the DoubleTree Hotel, 703-416-4100, and mention the MANPRINT Symposium.
If you would like to look at the agenda and register for this event follow the link below: http://www.manprint.army.mil/manprint/events/index.html
We hope to see you on 27-28 Sep 2000.
The MANPRINT/PERTEC Staff
Call for Papers on Information Visualization and Manipulation
Workshop on New Paradigms in Information Visualization and Manipulation
November 10-11, 2000
Washington D.C. USA
In Conjunction with the ACM Conference on Information and Knowledge Management
(CIKM 2000)
http://www.cs.umbc.edu/cikm/npivm2000/index.html
The CIKM'99 Workshop on New Paradigms in Information Visualization and Manipulation will be a forum for presentation and discussion of new ideas and techniques for accessing, visualizing and manipulating information. Topics of interest include, but are not restricted to:
We are particularly interested in reports of work in progress, implementation techniques, and practical experience with visualization of information collections of all sizes.
The suggested maximum length of the extended abstract is four pages. The extended abstracts will be reviewed by the organizing committee, and accepted extended abstracts will appear in the workshop proceedings, and will be presented by the authors at the workshop. Accepted extended abstracts that were submitted electronically will be available via WWW by early November.
Final Proceedings containing full papers will be published by ACM Press after the workshop.
Submission of Extended Abstract
Email extended abstracts in any of ASCII, HTML, PostScript or PDF to ebert@cs.umbc.edu by September 13, 2000. Papers must be in a form that can be printed anywhere, so special fonts should be avoided.
We prefer e-mail submissions, but authors who lack e-mail access may send papers to Dr. David Ebert, Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250 USA.
Submissions should include the title, author(s), author's affiliation, e-mail address, fax number and postal address. In case of multiple authors, please indicate which author is responsible for correspondence.
Task Force on Human Factors in Medicine
The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society has recently formed a Task Force on Human Factors in Medicine. This committee will be developing a statement of capabilities and research needs in the medical systems area as well as an implementation plan for moving the Society forward in addressing this rapidly evolving area.
We are soliciting the membership for input to this effort. Specifically, please submit any comments you might have on the following 2 items. Please send your responses to: medical@satechnologies.com.
Your input will be considered in the Task Forces' development of HFES statements on these topics for distribution to key government agencies and others who will influence new developments in this field.
Thank you for helping with this important Society effort!
Mica Endsley and David Kobus
Task Force Co-Chairs
ACM Conference on Universal Usability: Solutions, Systems and Methods
Washington, DC Holiday Inn Capitol
November 16-17, 2000
http://www.acm.org/sigchi/cuu/
The starting trajectory of the next millennium can be characterized largely by the progress of computing and communications technology. Cheaper and faster processors, storage, and networks combined with better user interfaces, have now spawned the incredible growth of the Internet and related services. Too often, however, system complexity, incompatible software versions and file formats, confusing interfaces, and inadequate attention to diverse users lead to confusion, frustration, and failure. It's time to address this challenge.
The ACM Conference on Universal Usability, to be held in Washington, D.C., November 16 and 17, 2000, will provide such a forum. The presentations and discussions will highlight work whose aim is to enable the widest range of users to succeed in using technology for information, communications, entertainment, education, e-commerce, civic systems, and government services. Challenges include the diversity of users (experts & novices, old & young, educated & illiterate, disabled, forgotten, those in ill health, etc.); the wide range of technology (e.g. 100 to 1 ratios in processor and network speeds), and the gap between what users know and what they need to know. The range of topics will include research, new systems and technologies, empirical evaluations of systems, policy suggestions, and systems that support community activities. A diverse set of participants is expected including technologists, policy makers, advocates, users, and researchers. Please visit the above website for program and registration information.
ASSETS 2000: The Fourth International ACM SIGCAPH Conference on Assistive Technologies
Washington, DC Holiday Inn Capitol
The ASSETS 2000 is a conference about computer-based systems to help people with disabilities. The conference's scope spans disabilities and special needs (speech, motor and vision impairments, cognitive limitations and emotional and learning disabilities). Researchers and developers, from both academia and industry, are invited to meet to exchange ideas and present reports on new advances related to these areas. ASSETS 2000 is a conference for presenting research and development.
This conference is being held in conjunction with the aforementioned Universal Usability Conference, which will take place at the same location from November 16-17. The Universal Usability Conference will focus on access for everyone including people with disabilities.
Seeking Data on User Frustration
I am seeking your help in a short-term research project to assess the degree of and situations that cause frustration among users of commercial software tools. Anecdotes and strong public statements have produced a lively controversy, so now it would be useful to report scientifically on user experiences. This evidence would identify the severity of the problem (or lack of it) and then serve as a guide for product improvements and research agendas. Just as airlines report delayed and cancelled flights, the software industry might provide consumers with accurate information about software problems.
If you have collected data in your organization from logs of user activities or surveys and interviews with users, please share what you can from these sources. The kinds of information I think would be useful are frequencies, circumstances and costs (time and money) due to:
I will collect your responses and prepare a report for general use. I would appreciate comments by September 30, so that a report could be prepared for distribution at the ACM Conference on Universal Usability, November 16-17, 2000 (www.acm.org/sigchi/cuu/).
Ben Shneiderman
Dept of Computer Science
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
301-405-2680
301-405-6707 fax
www.cs.umd.edu/hcil
The Classroom of the Future: Giving Kids a Voice
October 14, 2000, 10am-5pm
University of Maryland
Tyser Auditorium, Van Munching Hall (Room 1212)
We invite you to become a part of the dialogue! Announcing a conference to initiate a discussion on the future of American education, sponsored by the Gemstone LearnUSA Team at the University of Maryland. The team believes that students are an important voice in determining the evolution of the education system.
Conference highlights include:
To register or obtain more information, email: gemsed@umiacs.umd.edu
with the number of students and number of adults attending. Any updated information will be made available on the team's website: www.isr.umd.edu/Programs/Gemstones/Education/index2.htmlAllison Druin
University of Maryland
Human-Computer Interaction and College of Education Lab
office: + 301 405 7406
allisond@umiacs.umd.edu
www.umiacs.umd.edu/~allisond
Research Psychologist, GS-0l80-l2/13 (Closes September 25, 2000)
Federal Highway Administration (Research, Development, and Technology)
Office of Safety Research and Development
Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center
McLean, Virginia
SALARY RANGE: GS-l2: $51,204 - $66,564 per year; GS-l3: $60,890 - $79,155 per year
SUMMARY OF DUTIES: The incumbent is a member of the Human Centered Systems Team. The team is responsible for infrastructure and in-vehicle information systems, highway design, traffic operations and control, driver modeling, and human factors guidelines. He or she is responsible for research studies involving the preparation of study plans and design, analytical procedures, and study schedules dealing with older and younger drivers, highway hazards, work zones, behavioral models, traffic management center operator behavior and performance, and in-vehicle information displays. The incumbent applies basic psychology and systems engineering skills in providing the study plan, conduct, and evaluation. The incumbent performs all phases of the research process including problem definition, literature review, research design, data collection, analysis of results, and preparation of reports. While results may be new, the incumbent is expected to apply clear-cut and conventional scientific techniques and approaches to the problem being researched and is expected to know and use appropriate analysis techniques and available data sources, and to publish results.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: Degree: Candidates must have a major or equivalent in psychology from an accredited college or university. Candidates must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled.
CONTACT REGARDING DUTIES OF POSITION: Dr. Thomas M. Granda, 202-493-3365
CONTACT FOR APPLICATION PROCESS INFORMATION: Ms. Beverly L. Mann: 202-366-0541
Information Architect
Capital One, Glen Allen, VA
Position Description:
Utilize user-centered design methods to determine the optimal design and information architecture for Capital One's e-commerce and Web applications. Work with the IT, business, and creative team members in developing user requirements, designing the information structure and organization of site content, and recommending appropriate visual presentations to ensure optimal navigation and usability of sites.· Develop models of user needs and interaction with Capital One's sites, and methods for displaying, communicating, and testing site organization and content.
Responsibilities
Qualifications/Skills
Optional Qualifications/Skills
To submit your resume for consideration, forward it and a cover letter to one of the following:
E-mail: cassidy.smith@capitalone.com
Fax: 804-290-6402
US Postal Service Mail:
Please reference INT7426UG at the top of your resume.
For more information on challenging careers at Capital One, visit us at www.capitalone.com after reviewing this posting. Capital One is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to diversity in the workplace. We promote a drug-free work environment.
Human Factors Engineer/Analyst
DCS
Corporation
Alexandria, VA, Patuxent
River, MD
SALARY: Negotiated based on qualifications and experience.
REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS: Advanced degree in Human Factors or related area, with at least 8 years experience in an applied setting. Candidate must be experienced in providing Human Factors Engineering support for hardware and software systems development to achieve program objectives. Will participate in IPT environment in support of development programs. The position requires experience in the generation and execution of Human Factors Program plans, HFE test and evaluation plans, review of technical material for HFE implications, directing HFE efforts using assets that may be drawn from several organizations, participating in program and design reviews, performing HFE analyses to support the development of systems to execute an operational concept, and evaluating HFE products delivered by other organizations. Experience with the government acquisition procedures and documentation, including specifications and statements of work, and the ability to develop, review, and revise the documentation is also required. Desired experience will include (depending on job position):
The position requires working closely with the customer, operational users, maintainers, vendors, and R&D organizations. For further information contact:
Scientific and Technical Advisor for Human Factors
Air Traffic Services Human Factors Specialist
Federal Aviation Administration, Washington, DC
The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Office of the Chief Scientific and Technical Advisor for Human Factors will soon recruit for multiple Scientific and Technical Advisor for Human Factors positions and Air Traffic Services Human Factors Specialist positions. These positions require the incumbent to provide expertise and technical support for a variety of human factors projects in the acquisition of air traffic control systems. The incumbents will be required to identify and assess existing or potential issues, risks and solutions by conducting analyses and evaluations, collecting and evaluating data, recommending alternative solutions, and coordinating proposals to resolve or mitigate human performance issues.
The FAA is currently engaged in a modernization effort where human performance issues require extensive attention. This environment is a challenging and rewarding one for human factors specialists that support the acquisition of new systems and develop the requirements for far-term improvements to the National Airspace System (NAS). There is a need for the application of innovative human factors concepts to promote and enhance air traffic control safety and to enhance human performance in a variety of arenas. We are seeking candidates that can apply new human factors tools and contribute to the development of new systems. The FAA users of these systems are air traffic controllers, traffic management coordinators, flight service specialists, maintenance technicians, meteorologists, and system managers. The increased use of advanced technology requires that we consider the impact of our systems on pilots, the flying public, and other users of the NAS. Systems integration is increasingly important as we make use of data networks and design our systems to meet the needs of this wide variety of users.
Candidates will be evaluated on their ability to apply human factors, human engineering or ergonomics science, and best practices to the design and procurement of systems, procedures, and environments. Candidates will also be evaluated on their skill in managing human factors acquisition, research, or engineering projects. Experience in aviation systems and operations especially civil aviation will be beneficial.
All candidates must possess a degree in the field of human factors, experimental psychology, industrial psychology or a related degree. Positions will be available for recent graduates and graduates with experience and advanced degrees. Duty locations are in Washington, D.C. Travel is required. U.S. citizenship is required. The salary range will be $33,000 to $95,000, commensurate with education and experience. Additional information will be available on the FAA’s Web site at http:/jobs.faa.gov
Usability Engineers
GE Global eXchange Services
Rockville, MD
GE Global eXchange Services is a leading, worldwide provider of eCommerce solutions and services such as Extranets, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and is currently seeking applicants to fill Usability Engineering positions. The Usability Engineering group provides user interface design and evaluation for commercial products on various delivery platforms. There are positions at our global headquarters in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Brentwood, Tennessee, and also in Farmington Hills, Michigan.
As a Usability Engineer, you will be responsible for the full range of activities including:
Qualifications/Requirements
Job Description:
The Usability Engineering group at GE Global eXchange Services is seeking applicants for six-month to one-year positions as paid student interns at our Gaithersburg, Maryland headquarters. GE Global eXchange Services is a leading, worldwide provider of eCommerce solutions and services such as Extranets, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) applications. The Usability Engineering group provides user interface design and evaluation for commercial products on various delivery platforms.
Student interns have the opportunity to work with our interface professionals to complete various user interface design activities (e.g., task analysis, prototyping, standards writing) as part of the software development lifecycle. The intern will work in our Usability Lab collecting and analyzing data, producing recommendations for improving product usability and reporting results to cross-functional product development teams. This internship is an opportunity to observe and participate in a well-established, cross-functional usability engineering group and to gain a great deal of experience in real-world design atmosphere.
Requirements:
Application:
Internship sessions start in May/June and again in August/September. Please indicate with session you are interested in being considered for. To apply please send a summary of your educational background and experience to:
Usability Professional
HumanCentric Technologies (HCT)
Cary, NC
HumanCentric Technologies (HCT) is looking for talented people to help us continue to provide exemplary usability services to our expanding client base. HCT is a robust and growing human factors and usability services company located in Cary NC, near the Research Triangle Park. HCT provides design and evaluation services to high technology firms developing the latest in consumer products, web sites and applications, and in-vehicle control and display systems. Our clients include companies such as Thomson Consumer Electronics, IBM, Ericsson, Johnson Controls Incorporated, and Nortel Networks.
We are looking for highly motivated, skilled, and experienced usability professionals to join our growing staff who can provide strong technical and project management leadership. Qualifications include:
If you are interested, please contact or send a resume to either:
http://www.humancentrictech.com
Information Architect
iXL
Vienna, VA
Job Description: Designs user-centered Web-based and multimedia solutions for iXL clients, including applying user-centered analysis and evaluation techniques to determine effective design specifications.
Company Description: iXL offers a comprehensive set of strategic Internet services and creates lasting business partnerships. We offer a full range of interactive and multimedia services which can assist any business in creating a solid interactive media foundation. Our reputation for customer service and client satisfaction is unequaled in the new media industry. We are looking for highly motivated people who want to work for the fastest growing and most exciting new media company in America. For more information about iXL, please see our Web site at http://www.ixl.com.
Minimum Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Contact:
Cancer Research Training Award Fellowship
National Cancer Institute’s International Cancer Information Center
Bethesda, MD
The Usability Office of the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) International Cancer Information Center announces a Cancer Research Training Award (CRTA) Fellowship. The Fellow will assist in a wide range of usability design and testing activities including: identifying user groups and designing data collection instruments; creating user interface designs and prototypes for cancer Web sites and other health communication technologies; designing and conducting usability tests at various stages of the development process at testing facilities across the country; analyzing and reporting test results; and developing usability guidelines.
Applicants should hold a graduate degree in human-computer interaction, cognitive psychology, communications, human factors, education, or information dissemination with an emphasis on electronic information transfer and user interface design and engineering. Fellowships are awarded for an initial 2-year period, with potential for renewal up to 5 years. Fellows receive a stipend commensurate with his or her education and experience ($22,000 - $27,000). Benefits include health insurance, paid Federal holidays, and travel when appropriate. Fax (301-480-8105) or mail resume, a statement of interest explaining why you are interested in the CRTA Fellowship program, and three references to:
NCI IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Research Positions (see below)
National Rehabilitation Hospital
Washington, DC
Along with the traditional rehabilitation departments, NRH has a Rehabilitation Engineering Service with a staff of ten. Of these, seven are engineers; one is rehabilitation scientist with advanced degrees in linguistics; and one is a senior research physician specializing in post-polio and spinal cord injury. The RE Service collaborates extensively with the other hospital departments and is linked to the currently-developing Neuroscience Program.
The RE Service commits two FTE’s to clinical services in assistive technology and quantitative assessment, while the remainder of its effort is devoted to R&D. Its R&D activities are supported by two federal center grants. One is the Assistive Technology and Neuroscience Research Center (ATNRC) funded by the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command and the other is the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Telerehabilitation underwritten by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. The combined budget of the two centers is two million dollars annually.
Partners in the two Centers are the Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Nursing and Psychology at the Catholic University of America (five-minutes from NRH); Sister Kenny Institute in Minneapolis, part of a Minnesota-wide telehealth network; Eastern Carolina University, a pioneer in telemedicine; and Anthrotronix, a Maryland start-up working at the intersection of virtual reality, CHI, Internet applications and assistive technology for children.
R&D projects in the NRH RE Service are concentrated in the following areas:
New and renewed center grant funding has opened two new engineering R&D positions in the RE Service at NRH. One needs to be filled by a Masters-level individual with particular strength in applications of electrical engineering and computer science to our areas of concentration. The other is open to a Doctoral-level person whose primary expertise is in human-machine systems, electro-mechanical design and virtual reality. Both engineers will be directly involved in current and future projects whose outcome will be innovative products and strong-inference experimental results. The candidates selected could begin work immediately.
Contact Mike Rosen, Director, at mjr2@mhg.edu
Electrical Engineer – Computer Scientist
Required skills, knowledge and experience
Preferred skills, knowledge and experience
Human-Machine Systems Engineer
Required skills, knowledge and experience
Preferred skills, knowledge and experience
User Interface Designer/Engineer
SpaceWorks, Inc. (http://www.spaceworks.com)
Rockville, MD
Overview:
SpaceWorks, Inc., a leading provider of business-to-business, sell-side Web commerce solutions, is looking for an experienced user interface design specialist to design high-end Web-based software applications for our Web Business Manager Suite product line. The UI Engineer will also work with developers to develop the user interface pages by implementing CSS and to ensure cross-browser compatibility.
The environment is fast-paced, challenging, and rewarding. Working closely with development team members and incorporating user-centered design principles, the UI designer will focus primarily on understanding product requirements and prototyping Web-based applications.
As the company grows, so do the opportunities to integrate more rigorous and established Human Factors practices in the development process. The UI designer will work with peers to develop and maintain such practices.
Position Description:
Requirements:
Consultant (Ergonomics Analyst)
Susan
Evans & Associates, Inc.
Vienna, VA
Susan Evans & Associates, Inc. is a management consulting firm based in the Washington, DC metropolitan area specializing in business processes improvement, human-centered information management solutions, and ergonomics program management services. Our clients include Ford Motor Company, General Motors, the International Monetary Fund, and the Social Security Administration.
Duties: SEA is searching for experienced analysts to aid clients in designing and managing their ergonomics programs using innovative e-business solutions. Related activities include reengineering business processes, facilitating user-oriented design sessions, gathering functional and technical requirements for new program management solutions, serving as a user advocate during the software development cycle, and guiding clients through the implementation of new business processes and software applications.
Basic/Minimum Qualifications: Candidates must have a Bachelors degree in related field and five years related experience. Demonstrated experience in the fields of industrial ergonomics and safety, human-computer interaction or information design. In addition, candidates must have outstanding analytical and oral communication skills, excellent document writing and editing skills, and outstanding interpersonal and leadership skills. Candidates must be able to work comfortably in cross-functional teams and have good negotiation and problem-solving skills. Candidates should have outstanding proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite of software.
Post-Grad Qualifications: MA/MS in Human Factors, Ergonomics, HCI, User-centered design, Information Science, or related field and experience in one or more of the following areas: usability testing or interface design and the application of user-centered design theory and methods, design session facilitation, project management, instructional design, technical writing, requirements gathering using a variety of techniques, process and data modeling, and database management.
Salary: Negotiable, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Outstanding benefits, including medical, dental and vision care, insurance, 401(k) and matching contributions.
When Available: Immediately
Employer's URL: www.sea-home.com
How to Apply: Send resume and cover letter to:
Chair, Department of Information Systems
University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC)
Catonsville, MD
The Department of Information Systems invites applications for the position of Chair. The successful candidate will be an experienced leader and researcher with scholarly accomplishments that qualify for the rank of full professor. The new chair will lead a department with diverse research interests, help the Department become more visible in the national and international IS arena, relate effectively to all levels of personnel, and network effectively with public and private enterprises. Additionally, the Chair should possess an entrepreneurial spirit, actively promote our Department’s collective expertise to further increase our visibility on/off campus, and help lead and coordinate the possible expansion of our IS program to other sites.
Information Systems, which offers B.A., B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees and certificate programs, plays a major role in educating a large proportion of the State of Maryland’s IT workforce. The IS Department has 24 full-time faculty members who excel in Decision & Knowledge Systems, Database Management, Human-Computer Interaction, IT Policy, Health Informatics, Networking & Telecommunications, and Systems Analysis & Design. There are 1300 undergraduate, 120 MS, and about 35 doctoral students majoring in IS. The IS Department has a strong commitment to further our research reputation. Laboratories in the IS Department include the User System Environment Research Laboratory, Laboratory for Healthcare Informatics, Performance Analysis Research Center, Laboratory for Knowledge Management, and Laboratory for Interactive Systems Design. A highly innovative, competency-based, distance education MS is planned for 2001 to meet the demands of companies and those that cannot attend traditional classes. UMBC is located on the Baltimore/Washington corridor and close to key Federal Government agencies.
This Department will be moving into a new building which will be completed by December 2002, with additional laboratory space, state of the art networking, a decision room, and a distance education laboratory. Expansion of our IS program is planned for Shady Grove/Montgomery County and possibly other parts of Maryland. The Technology Center, new Research Park, new Center for Entrepreneurship, and the top Chess team in the country at UMBC are major indicators for continued research, outreach, and excellence.
We welcome your statement of interest, curriculum vitae, and a list of 4-6 references. Kindly send to Dr. Jay Liebowitz, Department of Information Systems, UMBC, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, Maryland 21250. Preference will be given to applications received by October 15, 2000. Applications from women and minorities are particularly encouraged.
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Starting date is expected to be July 1, 2001 or earlier. For more information, please contact www.ifsm.umbc.edu.
UMBC is an EO/AA Employer
Internships in Usability Engineering
UserWorks, Inc.
Silver Spring, MD
UserWorks, Inc., is a consulting firm located in Silver Spring, MD and specializing in usability engineering, user interface design, and human factors research. We have immediate opportunities for one or more student interns.
Inquiries should be directed to
For more information on UserWorks, please visit our Web site at:
Research Scientist
Veridian/ERIM
International
Chantilly, VA
Veridian/ERIM International, a recognized world-wide leader in cutting edge technologies related to imaging systems, information extraction, knowledge generation and dissemination, is seeking a Research Scientist to work in our office in Chantilly, VA.
The responsibilities will include performing statistical data analysis for imagery evaluations, conducting algorithm validation for different scientific models, and leading one or more evaluation projects.
The successful candidate should have a current TS/SCI clearance. A Master’s degree is acceptable, but a Ph.D. is preferred. Relevant disciplines include, engineering/experimental/educational or I/O psychology, statistics, applied operations research, or applied mathematics.
Please visit our website at http://www.erim-int.com
Please
send resumes to:
Pbecker@erim-int.com or dougg@erim-int.com.
Mail to:
US Citizenship required. Veridian/ERIM International is an equal opportunity employer.
Is it a he or she??
An English teacher was explaining to his students the concept of gender association in the English language. He stated how hurricanes at one time were given feminine names and how ships and planes were usually referred to as "she."
One of the students raised their hand and asked "What "gender" is a computer"?
The teacher wasn’t certain which it was, so he divided the class into two groups, males in one, females in the other, and asked them to decide if a computer should be masculine or feminine. Both groups were asked to give four reasons for their recommendation.
The group of women concluded that computers should be referred to in the masculine gender because:
The men, on the other hand, decided that computers should definitely be referred to in the feminine gender because:
It is time to nominate Chapter officers who will hold office in calendar year 2002. We need candidates for the following positions:
The terms for President, Secretary, and Treasurer run for three years -- Year 2001 being elect, 2002 acting, and 2003, past. Thus, they will serve three years on Executive Council. The Director-at-Large term runs from 2001 through 2002, so that person will serve two years on the Executive Council. Please nominate anyone you regard as capable and willing to run. Do not overlook yourself. Self nominations are perfectly acceptable.
Nomination form
HFESPOC
President ______________________________
Secretary ______________________________
Treasurer ______________________________
Director-at-Large ______________________________
Forms can be either faxed or mailed to Doug Griffith at
President
Doug Griffith
ERIM
Phone: (703) 803-0100, x4120
email:
dgriffith@erols.com
President-Elect
Dino Piccione
Federal Aviation Administratio
Phone: (202) 366-0128
email: dino.piccione@faa.gov
Past President
Jack Laveson
Integrated Systems Research
Phone: (703) 642-3677
email: j.l.laveson@ieee.org
Secretary
Cliff Baker
Carlow International Incorporated
Phone: (703) 208-3454
email: cliff@carlow.com
Secretary-Elect
Susan Evans
Susan Evans & Associates
Phone: (703) 281-1445
email: evanss@sea-home.com
Past Secretary
Don Weitzman
TRW Government Information Services
Phone: (202) 651-2280
email: don.ctr.weitzman@faa.gov
Treasurer
John Ruffner
DCS Corporation
Phone: (703) 683-8430 x243
Email: jruffner@dcscorp.com
Treasurer-Elect
Kris Knutson
National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Phone: (301) 435-6624
email: krisknut@msn.com
Past Treasurer
Dino Piccione
Federal Aviation Administration
Phone: (202) 366-0128
email: dino.piccione@faa.gov
dino.piccione@faa.gov
Directors-at-Large
Dennis Faust
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Phone: (301) 240-4278
email: dennis.faust@LMCO.com
Jimmie H. Johnson
Consultant
Phone: (703) 448-9035
email: jjohn72928@aol.com
Awards
Tyson Rose
IBM/ISSC
Phone: (301) 803-3378
email:ctrose@vnet.ibm.com
Membership/Directory
Kris Knutson
National Institute for Neurological Disorders
and Stroke
Phone: (301) 435-6624
email: krisknut@msn.com
Newsletter
Dick Horst
UserWorks, Inc.
Phone: (301) 431-0500
email: dhorst@userworks.com
Student Affairs
Vacant
Phone:
email:
Public Affairs/Corporate Membership
Vacant
Phone:
email:
Program
Vacant
Phone:
email:
WebMaster
Jack Laveson
Integrated Systems Research
Phone: (703) 642-3677
email: j.l.laveson@ieee.org
Local Arrangements
Vacant
Phone:
email:
Recent
Meetings:
March, 1999
Bob Ochsman, "Human Factors Management - A View from the
Manager's Perspective"
April,
1999
Lawrence Sklar, "Foundations of the Theory of
Machine Learning"
May, 1999
Tom Granda, "FHWA's Human Centered Systems Program at
THFRC"
June, 1999
Tour of National Airport tower/TRACON visit
September, 1999
Larry Schleifer, "Field Evaluation of Supplemental Work
Breaks"
October, 1999
Jake Pauls, "Safety of Stair Design"
December, 1999
Steve Corrie, "A Pilot's Perspective on Human Factors in
Automation"
February,
2000
Mike Fineberg, "A New Vision for CSERIAC: The Right
Information to the Right People at the Right Time"
July, 2000
Aliza Geretz, "America Online: Bringing Consumers into Product Development"
