Human Factors & Ergonomics Methods
<p>The intent:</p>
<p>By visualising knowledge about human factors & ergonomic (HFE) methods, this product aims to:</p>
<ul>
<li>to collate information about HFE methods and tools</li>
<li>to inform users and potential clients about HFE expertise and range of application. </li>
</ul>
<p>The scope:</p>
<ul>
<li>The application of HFE methods is applicable to complex systems, design and organisational management.</li>
<li>Human factors, ergonomics and usability cover the interface of humans and the systems , equipment and tools with which they interact. Together this forms one system in itself.</li>
<li>I have used the term 'HFE' to include the terms: Human factors, ergonomics, human factors engineering, and usability. These terms are used interchangably to suit various contexts.</li>
<li>Methods and tools are included. A method provides the underlying principles or rules that need to be applied in completing an operation, whereas a tool is a specific instrument that is based within a method to achieve a particular aim. </li>
<li>By 'systems' I mean the full scope of society, organisations, software, places, equipment and products and how they inter-act and inter-relate with the people.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Why?</h3>
<p>Making systems work better saves us all a lot of grief, waste and most importantly helps us to perform at our best.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Being better informed about the potential for human centred design and HFE methods to deliver better systems helps to make designers, managers and consumers better.</p>
<p>It is said to cost over 10 times more to retrofit or change an existing system then to adopt the change in the early design stages (David C. Alexander, 1998)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I have created a poster to relate common domains or categories for HFE methods. The poster was presented at the Safety Institute of Australia's May 2019 Conference. The domain categories in the poster image are based on categorisation in research publications and may change in the future as I explore this topic. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>I hope you enjoy exploring this product about HFE methods and tools.</em></p>
<p><em>Lizzy Smith CPE</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p> (c)<em> WorkSmith</em> May 2019</p>