HUMAN FACTORS APPROACH TO TECHNOLOGY FOR THE COMMUNICATION-IMPAIRED TRAVELLER

The reported study focused on human factors relevant to use of communication aids in transportation terminals. The essential data were based on observations of subjects with sensory and speech deficits while using a number of such aids in simulated two-and one-way communication scenarios at Dorval Airport and Montreal Central Rail Station. Subjects verbal responses to subsequent probes by the investigator provided supplementary information. First, the Visual Ear, Form-a-Phase, Vocaid, and Cannon Communicator were tested in two-way communication processes with a carrier agent or other within-terminal staff. Next, two techniques - image amplification and infrared radiation broadcasts - were examined for use in one-way communication. A major conclusion of the study was that many of the sophisticated existing devices may not be suitable for use in terminals, unless a considerable amount of attention is given to the human factors relevant to their implementation. The nature of essential adaptations and developments is discussed.