Industrial Product Designer
Human factors, also known as ergonomics, is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance. In industrial design, this translates to creating products and systems that are not just aesthetically pleasing but also intuitive, safe, and efficient to use. Think of it as designing with humans in mind, rather than forcing humans to adapt to poorly designed objects.
Ultimately, the goal of human factors industrial design is to minimize user error. User error isn't always the user's fault; often, it's a direct result of poor design. By understanding human capabilities and limitations, industrial designers can create products and systems that are less prone to mistakes and improve the overall user experience. After all, who wants to struggle to open a pickle jar when they could be enjoying its contents? That’s where thoughtful human factors come into play, transforming frustration into seamless interaction.
We must consider the cognitive load of the user. How much mental effort is needed to complete a task using our product? If the cognitive load is too high, this can lead to errors and frustration. By designing for a comfortable level of cognitive load, we can significantly reduce user error.
One of the most common causes of user error is overly complex interfaces. Think of a remote control with 50 buttons – most people only use a handful, but the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. Simplify! The key here is to identify the core functionalities and prioritize them. Remove unnecessary features and streamline the interaction flow.
A good example of this would be modern UI/UX design in web applications. Think of dashboards, if they are designed well, all the information that the user needs is easy to find at a quick glance. This is what we want to translate into the physical world.
Consider using visual cues, clear labels, and intuitive navigation. Well-placed icons and color-coding can significantly improve usability. Rather than bombarding the user with information, guide them through the process step-by-step. Remember, less is often more. A recent study by Nielsen Norman Group showed that simplified interfaces lead to a 35% reduction in user errors. That's a huge improvement!
Affordances are the qualities of an object that suggest how it should be used. A door handle affords pulling or pushing, a button affords pressing, and so on. Designers must ensure that the affordances of their products are clear and intuitive. If an object looks like it should be used a certain way, it should work that way.
For example, if you're designing a water bottle, the shape should clearly indicate where to grip it and how to open it. A poorly designed cap that's difficult to twist off, or a bottle shape that's uncomfortable to hold, violates the principle of affordance. When affordances are well-designed, users can interact with a product without conscious thought, minimizing the potential for error. Make the intended action obvious and natural.
Consider the positioning of buttons on an interface. Does the position suggest the sequence they should be pressed in? If this isn't clear, the user may press them in the wrong sequence.
Users need constant feedback to understand the status of their interactions. This feedback can be visual, auditory, or tactile. Without feedback, users are left guessing, which can lead to confusion and errors. If a button is pressed, there should be a visual or auditory confirmation that it has been activated. If a process is running, there should be a progress indicator.
Consider a coffee machine. If you press the brew button, a light should illuminate, and you should hear the sound of the machine starting up. This feedback confirms that the machine is working as intended. Likewise, if the machine encounters an error (e.g., low water level), it should display an error message. Clear and immediate feedback helps users understand what's happening and allows them to correct any mistakes.
Ensure that feedback is timely, relevant, and easy to understand. Use clear and concise language, avoid jargon, and provide visual cues that are universally recognized.
Prevention is better than cure. Instead of relying on users to avoid errors, design products that prevent errors from occurring in the first place. This can be achieved through various strategies, such as implementing constraints, interlocks, and foolproofing mechanisms.
Constraints limit the possible actions a user can take, guiding them towards the correct action. For example, a USB port is designed so that a USB connector can only be inserted in the correct orientation. Interlocks prevent a device from operating if certain conditions are not met. For example, a microwave oven will not operate if the door is open.
Foolproofing, also known as poka-yoke, is a design strategy that makes it impossible for a user to make a mistake. For example, a gas tank might have different sized openings to prevent the user from accidentally putting diesel into a petrol car. By incorporating these error prevention strategies, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of user error.
Consistency is key to usability. When controls and displays are standardized, users can quickly learn how to operate a product or system without having to relearn the basics each time. Imagine if every car manufacturer used different symbols for the turn signals – driving would be much more challenging. Standardization reduces cognitive load and minimizes the potential for confusion.
Use consistent layouts, colors, and symbols across different products and platforms. Follow established standards where possible, and document any deviations clearly. For example, emergency stop buttons are typically red and prominently displayed. This standardization allows users to quickly identify and activate them in critical situations. By adhering to standardization principles, you can create products that are easier to learn and use.
Think about the layout of a typical stovetop. The burners are usually arranged in a similar pattern, and the corresponding controls are often placed in the same relative positions. This standardization makes it easier for users to operate different stoves without having to relearn the control scheme.
Not all users are the same. Industrial designers must consider the diverse abilities of their target audience, including factors like age, physical limitations, and cognitive abilities. A product that is easy for one person to use might be difficult or impossible for another. Inclusive design aims to create products that are accessible and usable by the widest possible range of people.
Consider the needs of elderly users with limited dexterity when designing packaging. Large, easy-to-grip handles and easy-to-open containers can make a significant difference. Similarly, consider the needs of visually impaired users when designing displays. Large, high-contrast fonts and tactile markings can improve accessibility. By designing for different user abilities, you can create products that are more user-friendly and inclusive.
Consider designing products that are accessible to people who are colour-blind. It is often a good idea to also offer the use of alternative visual cues such as patterns or symbols as well as colours.
Design is an iterative process. No product is perfect on the first try. Thorough testing is essential to identify usability issues and refine the design. Conduct user testing with a representative sample of your target audience. Observe how they interact with the product, identify pain points, and gather feedback.
Use various testing methods, such as usability testing, A/B testing, and surveys. Analyze the data and use it to improve the design. Iterate on the design based on the feedback received, and repeat the testing process. Continue to refine the design until it meets the usability goals. Remember, user feedback is invaluable – it's the best way to ensure that your product is truly user-friendly. And don't be afraid to admit mistakes! Even the best designers make them; it's how you learn and improve.
Look at the example of the 2024 Tesla Cybertruck, the release was delayed due to a few problems that cropped up during design and testing stages. The initial design had issues such as sharp edges which were safety risks for pedestrians. It is always better to identify these issues during testing, rather than after releasing the product to the masses.
By embracing human factors principles, industrial designers can create products that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also intuitive, safe, and efficient to use. Remember, the goal is to minimize user error and improve the overall user experience. Simplifying interfaces, designing for affordances, providing clear feedback, incorporating error prevention strategies, standardizing controls and displays, designing for different user abilities, and testing and iteration are all essential components of human factors industrial design. So, go forth and design with humans in mind – and let's prevent future "oops!" moments together! It is imperative that we consider the needs and abilities of all users, not just the "average" user. By focusing on inclusive design, we can create products that are accessible and usable by a wider range of people. Remember that good design isn't just about aesthetics; it's about creating products that are easy to use, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.
Related to current events, the increased need for accessible medical devices following the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of human factors design. Remote monitoring equipment, for example, needs to be intuitive for elderly patients to use at home without constant assistance from healthcare professionals. This underscores the real-world impact of well-designed human-centered products.
Human Factors - Ergonomics - User Experience (UX) - User Interface (UI) - Cognitive Psychology - Industrial Design - Product Design - Interaction Design - Usability Testing - Accessibility - Inclusive Design - Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) - System Design - Safety Engineering - Cognitive Ergonomics - Physical Ergonomics - Organizational Ergonomics - Design Thinking - User-Centered Design - Poka-Yoke