The control loop paradigm of ergonomics

A scientifically based ergonomic design of a technical device first of all requires a precise description of the task it is intended to perform. With the concept of the control loop, the flow of information can be described, which leads from the task via the person operating the machine (vehicle) to the result. With these means, the quality of the task fulfillment can be quantitatively described, especially under the aspect that the corresponding processes run dynamically. If the required quality limits are exceeded, this is referred to as a fault, which can have both technical and, in particular, human causes. The associated accident risk can be estimated and measures to reduce it can be derived from this.