Human Factors Engineering or Cognitive Engineering is concerned with research, design and development of the features of systems that take account of human-system interaction and the relevant performance capacities of humans, especially where these considerations play a significant role in the success of failure of the resulting design. The processes associated with accomplishing these results are often referred to as human-centered design.
Human factors involve the study of human psychological, social, physical, and biological characteristics as they pertain to the incorporation of the human element into a system.
A multidisciplinary science that studies human biological, physical, psychological, and social characteristics and applies information about those capabilities and limitations to the design, operation, and evaluation of tools, tasks, procedures, and environments for safe, effective, and productive human use. Syn. Ergonomics.
Research conducted to understand the impact of automated technology on human decision-making and driving behavior. For instance, studies are being done to investigate whether the use of cellular phones while driving distracts drivers to the extent that more accidents occur with their use.
See Ergonomics Information Architecture How information is best organized to be easily accessible to the end user. This includes determining how to best navigate between pages, and how to create a hierarchical organization that makes sense to the user.
the study of variables that impact humans working with machines, particularly on external variables such as workstation or display design, or input and output devices
Considering design and engineering in order to better match the capabilities, limitations, and needs of people.
an important study in website design. Websites should always be designed with an eye toward human limitation i.e. the design of the website must address the real world issues.
A multidisciplinary effort to generate and compile information about human capabilities and limitations; and apply that information to equipment, systems, facilities, procedures, jobs, environments, training, staffing, and personnel management for safe, comfortable, effective human performance.
A term synonomous with 'ergonomics', is the branch of this science that began in the US and focuses on cognitive performance of humans.
H uman factors is considered to be synonymous with ergonomics, however it is essentially an American term, having its scientific roots grounded in psychology, whereas ergonomics which, as a science/practice, was formalized after WW2 in Britain, considers a very broad range of sciences (e.g. anatomy, psychology, physiology, industrial medicine, design, architecture, illumination engineering, etc.)
the characteristics of human beings that are applicable to the design of systems and devices of all kinds. It furthers serious consideration of knowledge about the assignment of appropriate functions for humans and machines, whether people serve as operators, maintainers, or users in the system. And, it advocates systematic use of such knowledge to achieve compatibility in the design of interactive systems of people, machines, and environments to ensure their effectiveness, safety, and ease of performance.
In the broadest sense, a discipline devoted to the effects of user interface design, job aiding, and personnel training in the operation, maintenance, and installation of equipment
A multidisciplinary field devoted to optimizing human performance and reducing human error. It incorporates the methods and principles of the behavioral and social sciences, engineering, and physiology. It may be described as the applied science which studies people working together in concert with machines. Human factors involve variables that influence individual performance, as well as team or crew performance.
A body of scientific facts about human characteristics. The term covers all biomedical and psychosocial considerations. It includes, but is not limited to, principles and applications in the areas of human engineering, personnel selection, training, life support, job performance aids, and human performance evaluations ( DODINST 5000.2). Operational testing includes examination of those elements of system operation and maintenance which influence the efficiency with which people can use systems to accomplish the operational mission of the system (e.g., arrangement of controls and displays); the work environment (e.g., room layout, noise level, temperature, lighting, etc.); the task (e.g., length and complexity of operating procedures); and personnel (e.g., capabilities of operators and maintainers).
A discipline concerned with designing machines, operations, and work environments so that they match human capabilities, limitations and needs. Includes any technical work (engineering, procedure writing, worker training, worker selection, etc.) related to the human factor in operator-machine systems.
HSE has defined human factors (also known as Ergonomics) as the environmental, organisational and job factors, and human and individual characteristics that influence behaviour at work.
The multidisciplinary study of human biological, physical, psychological, and social characteristics in relation to environments, objects and services. The practice of human factors applies to the design, operation, and evaluation of systems to ensure that that they are safe, efficient, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing to humans.