A paradigm for sequential experimentation

Abstract

Most human factors design problems involve large data spaces with so many factors that a single experiment investigating all of these factors simultaneously is unreasonable. An alternative is the use of sequential experimentation. In this paper, an integrated research paradigm for sequential experimentation is presented. Specific methods and procedures are described for the four steps: planning research strategy, selecting, describing and optimizing design variables. A hypothetical example is provided to illustrate the use of the research paradigm. The usefulness of this overall strategy for sequential experimentation in conducting ergonomics research is discussed.