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Mistake proofing is a design or process that is intended to reduce human error. The following are illustrative examples.AutomationAn airborne collision avoidance system that makes automated maneuvers to attempt to avoid an imminent mid-air collision.
Color CodingColor coding things so that they aren't easily mistaken. For example, pipes at a factory may be color coded so that maintenance teams don't confuse a water pipe with a pipe that contains something more dangerous.Visual CuesVisual symbols such wrong-way signs.SortingPill boxes that allow a patient to organize their pills by day and time so that they don't accidentally take too many.Exact LocationsCreating an exact location for items so that they can't be misplaced. Aircraft maintenance teams store tools in exact locations to make it highly visible if a tool was left behind in an engine.
SystemsSystems such as asking customers to take a number so that you don't accidentally serve people out of turn.Automatic StopDevices that automatically stop such as a microwave that stops when you open the door.WarningsA car that beeps if you try to drive without your seat belt fastened.Operational RestrictionsA car that refuses to hit things. For example, a car that won't go in reverse if a child runs behind the vehicle.
ValidationA stock trading system that forces a user to confirm if they enter a price that is too far from the current market price. In some cases, such systems will refuse orders that are too far from market. This prevents situations such as the customer entering the quantity as price and vice versa.InterfacesA battery for a device that physically can't be inserted any way but the correct way.AssemblyFurniture that is designed such that there is no possible way to put it together wrong.
InstructionsAssembly instructions may be arranged such that each subsequent step can not start if the previous step was done incorrectly.Active OperationA machine or vehicle that requires the operator to actively hold down a pedal or clutch for it to run.RoutinesRoutines such as physically pointing where you are looking during an inspection. Known to help prevent oversights.ChecklistsMaintenance procedures based on task checklists that are checked as they are completed, not at the end as an afterthought.
InformationA car that tells the driver when the road becomes slippery.Actionable WarningsActionable warnings that tell a person exactly how to avoid a mistake. For example an aircraft might strongly warn "go up" repeatedly if an aircraft lacks clearance over upcoming terrain.Multisensory warningsSounds, visual symbols and tactile warnings used together to ensure that they are noticed. For example, a car may warn with beeps and visual symbols when it drifts out of its lane. At the same time, tactile warnings on the road itself such as a centerline rumble strip may send vibrations through the vehicle.
OrderOrdering things so that mistakes are less likely. A bank machine may give the customer the receipt first, then the bank card, then the cash. This is done because it's unlikely the customer will forget the cash but is generally more likely to forget a receipt or bank card.
Reliability Engineering
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