Applying ergonomics and human factors to congress organization in uncertain times

Nancy L Black; W Patrick Neumann; Ian Noy; Colleen Dewis

doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103862

Applying ergonomics and human factors to congress organization in uncertain times

Appl Ergon. 2023 Jan:106:103862. doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103862. Epub 2022 Aug 22.

Authors

Nancy L Black¹, W Patrick Neumann², Ian Noy³, Colleen Dewis⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Université de Moncton, Moncton, NB, E1A3E9, Canada. Electronic address: nancy.black@umoncton.ca.
² Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3, Canada. Electronic address: pneumann@ryerson.ca.
³ HFE Consultant and Forensic Expert, Toronto, ON, Canada. Electronic address: iea2021chair@gmail.com.
⁴ Department of Industrial Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H4R2, Canada. Electronic address: cdewis@dal.ca.

PMID: 36007452
DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103862

Abstract

Organizational Design and Management (ODAM) elements of Ergonomics and Human Factors (E/HF) apply to congress organization. Exemplary delegate and organizer E/HF experience is constrained by shifting requirements, time pressures and financial constraints. E/HF application while organizing the International Ergonomics Association's Triennial Congress in 2021 (IEA2021) is described focusing on delivery platforms considering typical and exceptional (pandemic) constraints, emphasizing ODAM E/HF principles and generalizable lessons. Post-Congress feedback from delegates, session chairs and Congress organizers reveal the Congress as experienced. Presenting virtually allowed on-demand recording access following live sessions and increased question-and-answer flexibility. Frustrations included navigating multiple platforms and insufficient communications. Stakeholders' differing expectations increased organizer workloads and delegate frustration. Maximum virtual presentation benefits require efforts to ensure integrated, human-centered platform development. Simply digitizing traditional Congress sessions ignores potential enhancements. Embracing innovations would help meet delegate communication needs via careful selection and deployment of evolving virtual meeting technologies. Organizational learning strategies can support these efforts.

Keywords: Conference; Organizational design and management; Software; Virtual.

MeSH terms

Communication*
Ergonomics*
Humans