Teaching Human Factors Design Skills: Science OR Engineering Doesn't do the Trick

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to describe a laboratory approach to teaching human factors design skills to Master's level students. A description of this approach, utilizing both engineering and scientific approaches to determine optimum design solutions is discussed. In addition, this teaching methodology is contrasted with the more common “either or” approaches found in human factors programs contained within engineering or psychology departments. The paper will also describe the training of human factors design as a skill in the form of a “hands-on” laboratory setting as opposed to a “how-to” lecture setting.

Papers such as this provide an opportunity for educators to exchange ideas and approaches to human factors education. This is particularly important for a field as diverse as human factors, where several differing viewpoints exist.