Human Factors & Usability Engineering: Designing a Better World for Humans

In our increasingly complex world, the need for user-friendly and efficient systems, products, and environments has never been greater. This is where the field of human factors comes into play, bridging the gap between human capabilities and technology demands. Recognizing the critical role of human factors in optimizing interactions and performance, the "Human Factors & Usability Engineering: Designing for Humans" Specialization course offers a comprehensive journey into this multifaceted discipline.

Offered through a series of five courses, this specialization delves into the fundamental concepts that underpin human factors, exploring how they shape the design of products, systems, and environments. Participants will gain valuable insights into human cognition, perception, and behavior, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to create user-friendly interfaces and seamless interactions.

Highlights:

Course 1: What is the Human Factor in design?
This course introduces the field of human factors and its importance in understanding and reducing human error. Students will learn the basic concepts of human factors, including the field's definition, scope, and brief history. The module will emphasize the significance of considering human capabilities and limitations in accident prevention and performance improvement across various industries.

Course 2: How Can We Measure and Study Human Error?
The course teaches you to distinguish between different methods for studying human error. You will also learn about human-centered design and usability and how to compare and contrast different methodologies for evaluating the usability of products, technologies & systems.  

Course 3: The Limits of Human Perception
This course explores the perceptual capacities and limitations of humans and computers. It discusses various types of visual, auditory, and tactile displays and how they can be used to create effective interfaces.

Course 4: Human Cognitive Capacities & Limitations
This course presents an overview of cognitive capacities and limitations. You will distinguish between different types of attention, compare and contrast different types of memory, and identify the most common strategies and heuristics humans use for decision-making and problem-solving.

Course 5: Anthropometry, Biomechanics, and Motor Skills in User Design
This course examines the role of anthropometrics, biomechanics, and motor skills in human performance, as well as key factors that influence how humans produce and sense motion and how these can be applied to training and testing performance.

Throughout the specialization, participants will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge through case studies and usability analysis assignments. The culminating project involves identifying a product, technology, or system, conducting usability evaluations, and presenting the findings in a video summary.

This specialization is designed for a diverse audience, catering to both seasoned professionals and those just beginning their journey in human factors. This course will equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to make a significant impact in today's interconnected world.

This course is designed and instructed by Associate Professor Robert Gray, who is an undergraduate program chair in Human Systems Engineering at Arizona State University's Polytechnic School. Associate Professor Gray's expertise lies in perceptual-motor control, focusing on demanding actions involved in driving, aviation, and sports.  Gray has received several prestigious awards, including the Distinguished Scientific Award for Early Career Contribution to Psychology from the American Psychological Association. He had this to say about the course “Understanding the human factor is crucial in any complex system involving people. This course provides a comprehensive look at the different types of human error, their underlying causes, and most importantly, practical methods for reducing their likelihood and mitigating their impacts. By taking a systems approach, students will learn how to create environments, interfaces, and procedures that support human performance rather than undermine it.”

By mastering the principles of human factors, you will not only contribute to creating safer and more efficient systems but also play a pivotal role in shaping a future where technology seamlessly integrates with human capabilities, improving lives and driving progress across various industries.

Enroll here today, and learn at your own pace!