Human Factors is about the fit between people and the things they use. Human Factors specialists are involved in developing or choosing technologies or products that are user-friendly: that serve the needs and fit the tasks and capabilities of their users.
At Humansystems® we use the term "Human Factors" but there are other terms. "Ergonomics" is common, especially in Britain and Europe, as well as "Human Factors Engineering" or "Human Engineering". Closely related terms include "Cognitive Engineering" and "Engineering Psychology".
Collectively, these terms refer to an established body of knowledge and methods. There are professional associations for Human Factors or Ergonomics in most countries working under the umbrella of the International Ergonomics Association. "Human Factors" is not a synonym for "Human Resources".
Human Factors specialists use Human System Integration methods to identify and address individual and team performance and well-being issues. Methods focus on human performance issues such as task speed and accuracy, decision-making, comprehension, human error and reliability as well as training, team work, work-load, comfort, health, safety and job satisfaction - among others.
Better human systems integration between people and the things they use can be achieved with numerous products and technology, such as clothing, tools, equipment, work stations, decision support software, displays, job design, and communication systems, to name a few.
Human Factors knowledge and methods are grounded in human sciences such as psychology, anthropometry, physiology, and biomechanics.
The goal of Human Factors and Human Systems Integration is to enable users to perform their assigned tasks and functions safely and to the desired standard.
