FireDOC Search

Author
Rubin, A. I.
Title
Automated Office: An Environment for Productive Work, or an Information Factory? Executive Summary.
Coporate
National Bureau of Standards, Washington, DC
Sponsor
General Services Administration, Washington, DC
Report
NBSIR 83-2784-2
December 1983
Distribution
Available from National Technical Information Service
Keywords
office buildings; environments; design; human factors engineering; acoustics; illuminating; comfort; job analysis; quality of life; automation | ergonomics
Abstract
This study is a report of research findings and recommendations covering topics which influence automated office design. The subjects covered are: office design, office information systems, organizational factors, ergonomics, technology and communications. Advances in technology, coupled with the explosive growth of office-based work have resulted in the automation of many offices. To date, technology has provided the major impetus for automation, with mixed results. Systems frequently do not meet the need of the end-user because of the lack of appropriate planning. Design issues are particularly neglected during planning, resulting in problems with the visual, thermal, and acoustic environment in many offices.