Topic 1 Human Factors

“Human factors” and “ergonomics” are interchangeable terms—the term “human factors” is more commonly used in some parts of the world, such as the United States (US), and the term “ergonomics” is more widely used in other countries. Human factors analyse the interactions between humans and other elements in a system and then applies principles, information and data to a design to maximize human well-being and system performance. Human factors design ensures that products, organizations, environments and systems are compatible with the needs and limitations of people.

The term Human Factors is used for the combination of ergonomics and anthropometrics

Human Factors is also known as comfort design, functional design, and user-friendly systems is the practice of designing products, systems or processes to take proper account of the interaction between them and the people that use them.

Human Factors aims to:

• Reduce stress and fatigue on people, as they will be able to do things faster, more easily, more safely and make fewer mistakes (reduce errors)

• Increase safety

• Increase ease of use

• Enhance operational comfort

• Improve system performance, reliability and maintenance