HumanFactorsErgonomie

HumanFactorsErgonomie is an interdisciplinary field that studies how humans interact with systems, products, and environments, applying theory, data, and methods to optimize safety, usability, and performance. It covers cognitive, physical, and organizational dimensions, and emphasizes user-centered design and inclusive solutions.

The field has its roots in mid-20th century work on aviation and manufacturing, and has since expanded to information technology, healthcare, transportation, and services. It draws on psychology, engineering, design, anthropology, and computer science to understand tasks, errors, workload, and interaction patterns.

Methods include task analysis, anthropometric data, usability testing, cognitive modeling, hazard assessment, and iterative design. Practitioners conduct user research, build prototypes, run simulations, and evaluate designs against established usability metrics.

Applications span consumer electronics, software interfaces, industrial systems, medical devices, and workplace design. Benefits include reduced errors, faster task completion, fewer injuries, and improved satisfaction and accessibility.

Standards and professional practice emphasize human-centered design. ISO 9241 provides a framework for usability and safety across contexts, with domain-specific guidelines for medicine, aviation, and automotive systems.

Career paths include human factors engineer, ergonomist, usability analyst, and user experience designer. The field intersects with human–computer interaction and participatory design, always aiming to align systems with people’s abilities, limitations, and needs.