Overview
Human factors is the scientific study of how the capabilities
and limitations of people shape the way they use products,
machines, and systems in their environments. We analyze
human cognition and behavior to guide product design decisions
for better safety and usability.
Knowledge of the characteristics of human beings also provides
a better understanding of how accidents occur. Our scientists
study and apply research on factors that influence human information
processing, perception, and movement. We examine the effects
of fatigue, alcohol and other drugs, stress, and environmental
factors such as darkness and noise levels. The impact of safety
information and training on changing human behavior and reducing
accidents is an active area of ongoing research.
Our services include:
Operator Decision Making in Motor Vehicle Accidents
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Vision, perception, fatigue and alcohol impairment |
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Response to unexpected events |
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Roadway lighting and vehicle conspicuity |
Control of Human Movement
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Pedal errors by operators of vehicles and aircraft |
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Variation in gait and balance and their role in trip-and-fall
accidents |
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Performance errors in the execution of recreational
activities |
Industrial Safety
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Hazard communication and training |
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Guarding of machinery and hazardous work environments |
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Robotics and material handling |
Child Safety
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Child development and product use |
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Accident patterns unique to children |
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Child resistant design strategies |
Warning labels and safety information
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Development and testing of labels and instruction manuals |
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Evaluation of failure-to-warn claims |
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Assistance with product recalls |
Human factors in product design
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Accident and risk analysis of consumer products |
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Biomedical device safety review and design consultation |
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Usability testing of product by end users |
In addition to using accident data and scientific literature,
our staff conducts experimental and observational research
with questionnaires, focus groups, interviews, and performance
studies. We measure the performance of children and adults
engaged in a variety of different tasks (e.g., using a new
pointing device for a computer, jumping on a trampoline, or
driving a motor vehicle) to quantify human capabilities and
responses to real-world stimuli and settings.
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