A Method for Quantifying Control Accessibility

Abstract

A method of statistically quantifying the accessibility of controls was proposed and validated. The resulting index of accessibility (Ia) takes into account three sources of variability: operator's reach envelope, frequency of use, and relative physical position of controls with respect to the operator. Operator ratings and measurement (percent of controls reached) were significantly correlated with Ia values, lending support to the notion that Ia is a valid and sensitive measure of control placement.