The Discipline of Human Factors Engineering and Ergonomics

Abstract

This chapter gives an overview of the historical and conceptual background of human factors and ergonomics (HFE). It explains how system design remains an essential methodology for the analyst/designer. This design serves the purpose of clarifying important dependent variables and interactions in design. If possible, it would be necessary to conceptualize and predict cause-effect relationships. The chapter describes how a large battery of methods to analyze and/or design systems and artifacts exist. Design constraints will usually determine the method to choose. The ergonomics standards published by the International Standards Organization (ISO) and other standardized organizations are based on thorough research and international consensus. These are very important in the forensic perspective. The HFE profession is driven by design requirements from users, markets, industries, organizations, and governments and the chapter describes how HFE must be able to quickly respond to the changing needs of society. Training programs in HFE must be able to incorporate new areas of interest and certification programs for HFE professionals must be flexible enough to reconsider changes in current needs, and teaching programs must incorporate new knowledge. Formal education in HFE is required in order to understand how methods for analysis and design of HFE systems can be used. For forensic purposes it is most appropriate to refer to HFE experts who have been certified.