Students and seasoned professionals alike can gain insight form reading a variety of books.
Reading about the history of engineering gives engineers a better understanding of how various techniques and technologies have evolved over time and how they have been applied in the past to solve various problems. Engineers often face new and challenging problems and reading about how similar problems were tackled in the past can provide valuable perspective to solve current challenges.
Engineering in the Ancient World by J. G Landels provides examines the engineering advancements and the fascinating achievements of some of the oldest civilizations. The book covers a wide range of topics, including the development of the wheel and the creation of roads and bridges, as well as the use of water wheels and other machines for power. Engineering played a critical role in the development and success of these societies and their innovations continue to influence the world we live in today.
The modern Engineer can gain some appreciation for how engineering was a driving force behind the success of many ancient civilizations, as it allowed them to build structures, create systems for transportation and communication, and harness the power of nature. The book covers how different civilizations used engineering to adapt their environment and meet the needs of their people, very similar to what happens today.
The Greeks were known for their advances in architecture, including the construction of temples, theaters, and public buildings. They also made significant contributions to the fields of mathematics and engineering, which laid the foundations for modern science and technology. The Romans, meanwhile, were renowned for their engineering feats, including the construction of roads, aqueducts, and public baths. These developments were critical as they allowed the Romans to maintain a vast network of roads, communicate with their citizens, and provide clean water to their cities.
Reading about the history of engineering can help engineers appreciate the contributions of past engineers and the role that they have played in shaping the field as it is today. Engineers often need to explore the broader context in which engineering operates to help them solve the vast variety of problems faced today.
Understanding Human Error
When designing safe systems, the importance of anticipating the interaction between operators and the systems they interact with can not be overstated. The Field Guide to Understanding Human Error by Sidney Dekker provides insight into how and why humans make mistakes, and how these mistakes can be prevented or mitigated in the future. Engineers need to understand that, in many instances, the design of the system is the cause of the human error and that trained and knowledgeable people, faced with the same problem, will make the same mistake.
According to Dekker, human error is a normal and inevitable part of human performance, and it cannot be completely eliminated. This means the focus of design should be on how to create systems and processes that accommodate and recover from human error, rather than trying to prevent it altogether. Engineers and designers must embrace the concept of “resilience engineering,” which involves designing systems that can adapt and recover from unexpected events or failures. This includes designing for flexibility and adaptability, as well as having contingency plans in place to deal with potential problems.
Minimizing human error can be done through human factors engineering, which focuses on designing systems that are easy to use and understand. Providing clear instructions, using simple and intuitive controls, and considering the needs and limitations of the people who will be using the system is a large part of a successful design. Implementing robust processes and procedures, such as thorough training programs, checklists, and thorough testing of systems before they are put into use are some of the ways to reduce human error.
A key concept discussed in the book is the idea of “latent conditions,” which are the underlying causes of human error. These can include inadequate training, lack of resources, or even just poor communication within an organization. By identifying and addressing these latent conditions, organizations can reduce the likelihood of human error occurring.
This book is a valuable resource for those working in engineering as it provides a comprehensive overview of the causes of human error and offers practical strategies for designing systems that can accommodate and recover from these mistakes. By understanding and addressing the underlying causes of human error, organizations can improve the safety and reliability of their systems and processes, ultimately leading to better outcomes for all involved.
EveryDay Design
The Design of Everyday Things was written in 1988 by Donald A. Norman and was just recently updated. It discusses the importance of good design in everyday objects and how this can impact our lives. The concepts of good design are explored by taking a closer look at objects that we see everyday. One key theme of the book is the idea that good design should be intuitive and easy to use, and that bad design can lead to frustration and confusion. Good design is not just about aesthetics, but about creating products that are functional and user-friendly. Designers must consider the needs and limitations of their users and to create products that are accessible and usable by a wide range of people.
The book begins by discussing the concept of “affordances,” which are the properties of an object that determine how it can be used. Norman argues that good design should make it clear how an object can be used therefore minimizing the possibility of error or confusion. Using examples as common as a door handle helps the reader visualize and understand the point being made. How an object is used can be guided by “constraints,” which are the limitations that guide our actions and help us to understand how to use an object. A good design should provide the right constraints to make it easy for people to use an object, while also allowing for flexibility and adaptability. Throughout the book, Norman uses examples from a wide range of everyday objects, including kitchen appliances, light switches, and office equipment. These serve to illustrate his points and demonstrate the principles of good design.
The book also discusses the role of psychology and human cognition in design and how designers can take these factors into account to create more effective and user-friendly products.
