Elephant in the break room: The use of modified Operational Sequence Diagrams for the determination of zoo exhibit inefficiencies

Nicholas Kelling, Diann Gaalema, Angela Kelling

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Although human factors has been applied to situations involving animals, it has not been formally used in zoo exhibit design. Zoo exhibits with their varied, and possibly conflicting, goals of three distinct user groups present a unique opportunity to apply human factors to improve the design process. Treating zoo staff, visitors, and animals as co-workers, each with input into the exhibit system, allows the design process to be optimized in order to maximize efficient use of time and better meet the needs of all users. Ideally, well designed exhibits will maximize animal welfare while increasing the efficiency and safety of zoo staff. Additionally, exhibits should enhance the visitor experience, allowing them to connect with the exhibit and learn from it, ideally by viewing species-typical behavior. The current paper uses a novel approach, a modified Operational Sequence Diagrams, to examine the needs of the zoo system. This methodology is used because of its flexibility and ease of understanding for zoo personnel not trained in human factors. An example diagram is provided for scatter feeding in an elephant exhibit.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 56th Annual Meeting, HFES 2012
Pages1519-1523
Number of pages5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012
Externally publishedYes
EventProceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 56th Annual Meeting, HFES 2012 - Boston, MA, United States
Duration: Oct 22 2012Oct 26 2012

Publication series

NameProceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
ISSN (Print)1071-1813

Conference

ConferenceProceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 56th Annual Meeting, HFES 2012
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBoston, MA
Period10/22/1210/26/12

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Human Factors and Ergonomics

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