Stereotypes, control actions

Population stereotypes - refers to the reaction a population expects from a control action, such as turning to the right increases machine activity. While the trend in the EU is for universal stereotyping this may be at odds with other nations, c.f. in the EU the light switch is down for ON whereas in the US it is up for ON. 

Task accomplishment and hazard control occur simultaneously in cases of this type, hazard control is perception-oriented the person is prepared to react quickly and correctly when hazard signals appear. Because control actions have been stereotyped, the person hardly has to consider how to react. 

In any event, designers and those involved in design review should be aware of user and operator stereotypes, ensure that they are not violated, and take extra care to describe the correct movement of controls or other situations in which confusion could occur, especially if incorrect actions could produce catastrophic results. The violation of stereotype is particularly important for actions that must be taken rapidly under emergency conditions because people tend to revert to stereotype in such situations, that is, take the action that seems most natural. ... 

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