Burgeoning issues in ergonomics, 1975–1980

Abstract

Ivan came to ergonomics via the route of engineering and psychology, the first practically based in the Royal Engineers and industry and the second founded upon academic qualifications in psychology. He is at present the Assistant Director of the Medical Research Council's Applied Psychology Unit, which has been the inspiration for so much work in that area of ergonomics, and through the laboratories of which many have passed to spread the word world wide. While there, as well as publishing a plethora of research papers he has acted as consultant to many of the U.K.'s national service industries, playing a not inconsiderable part in the development of human factors within British Telecom and the British Post Office. The combination of engineering and psychology gives him a unique insight into his present chief interest road traffic accidents. Ivan Brown following his tenure in the chair of the society, was elected as the first President of the Ergonomics Society when in 1982, after more than 25 years of existence, it felt that it was time to have a figurehead of standing who could represent it in the corridors of power. With wisdom, vigour, humour and efficiency he chaired the Scientific Programme Committee of the 9th I.E.A. Congress 1985. These same qualities he had brought to this journal during his time as Editor between 1975 and 1980.

Keywords:

• Ergonomics
• Job design
• Man–computer interface
• Work design