Human factors engineering applies knowledge of human physiology and psychology to design technological systems that are easy for people to use safely and reduce the chance of errors. Human factors engineers work in various fields, including aviation, manufacturing, and telecommunications, and require a background in psychology and interface design.
Human factors engineering, sometimes referred to as ergonomics, is a career field that applies knowledge of human physiology and psychology to the study of how humans interact with their environment and with machine or computer interfaces, such as flying an airplane or driving a car. Most human factors engineers work in consulting firms, in government, or in the military, medical, and aviation fields. Transportation, manufacturing, and telecommunications are also common fields in which human factors engineers find employment. Any field that develops tools or systems to interface between humans and technology can employ human factors engineers to increase the security and usability of systems. Some human factors engineers work in research and academia.
In industry, the goal of human factors engineering is to design technological systems that are easy for people to use safely and reduce the chance of errors, increasing the effectiveness of the system. Human factors engineers working in the industry often need to have experience with their employers’ product line, as well as familiarity with how people are likely to use the product. The designer creates a system that functions as a natural extension of the user, meeting their needs.
The field of aviation uses human factors engineers to reduce pilot error and the risks associated with flying an airplane. Pilots rely heavily on instrument panels to fly a plane and ensure the safety of passengers. Your decision-making skills depend on efficient interaction between the pilot and the instrument panel interface.
The computer industry uses human factors engineers to make workstations meet a worker’s needs. Due to advances in human factors engineering, computers have become much easier to use, utilizing computer screens that resemble the more familiar physical desktops. Other technology, including cell phones, personal digital assistants and smartphones, is designed to be easier to use.
Human factors engineers can work in research, design, or both. Research involves observing user situations and collecting information related to the problem. Design is the application of collected information to viable solutions. A skilled engineer must have the ability to anticipate potential problems and conflicts and have the flexibility and creativity to brainstorm possible solutions.
A career in human factors engineering typically requires a master’s or doctoral level. In addition to engineering proficiency, backgrounds in psychology and interface design are required for a career in human factors engineering. Human factors engineering combines a variety of areas such as psychology, physiology, engineering and industrial design. Many human factors engineers come from other disciplines such as industrial/organizational engineering, systems engineering, or research psychology.
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