ABSTRACT
In the division "Comparative Stress and Strain Analysis of Conventional and Computer Aided Design-Work" design-engineers and ergonomists together created a job-anAlysis-method which has already been tested in a laboratory study. The point of interest thereby shifted from the temporal structure of work to mental processes in design-work. As the latter are inaccessible to direct observation, there is also a trend toward theories and methods influenced by psychological research. There are an increasing number of laboratory studies. Besides that, there are surveys aiming at assessment of technology evolution, seeing CAD-applications as an example for new technologies in the field of skilled white collar work without being primarily interested in the design process. The laboratory experiments in the first period of the project were worked out to clarify in abstract view machine design work consists of information processing. One camera shows the progress of work on the screen of the CAD-system or on draftboard respectively, the second camera shows the whole workplace.
