Human Capabilities and Limitations

Design with people in mind. Use Human Factors Engineering to consider human capabilities and limitations in the design of products and systems.

Knowledge/experience needed

You should have at least a passing familiarity with the basic concepts of HFE (for example, as reflected in the course Principles of Human Factors Engineering).

Who should attend? 

This course is suitable for engineers and designers that need to know more about the fundamental capabilities and behaviours of people, so that these can be supported better through design.

Why should you attend? 

The course teaches you how to design systems that fit well with human abilities, making you a more skilled designer.
With the knowledge gained, you can create products that are easier and more enjoyable for people to use, increasing both safety and user satisfaction.

What will you learn?

In this course, you'll learn about what people are good at and what they struggle with when they use different systems and tools. You'll discover how to study and design these systems so they fit better with what people can do easily and what they find hard. This will help you make things that are easier for people to use, making both the users and the systems work better together.

Expected outcomes

At the end of this course, you should have an understanding of the following:

• The major capabilities and limitations of humans, in the following areas:
  • Physical capabilities and limitations;
  • Environmental influences on human performance;
  • Individual differences;
  • Human information processing factors such as perception and decision making; and,
  • Group and organisational factors.
• An appreciation of how this information can be applied during Human Factors Engineering (HFE).

Course content

The course has seven modules, the first of which is available as a free sample. 

The modules are:

• Introduction to Human Capabilities and Limitations
• Ergonomics / Human Factors Engineering Principles
• Physical Capabilities and Limitations
• Environmental Factors
• Individual Factors
• Human Information Processing
• Group and Organisational Factors

Assessment

This course does not have any marked assignments.

Each module has an 'open book' test which requires an 80% pass mark in order to proceed to the next stage of the course.

At the end of the course, a certificate of completion will be awarded.

What’s included?

The modules are entirely on-line and self-paced, and are supported by video lectures, written notes, case studies, and interactive exercises.

You will be assigned a personal tutor from Liv Systems consultancy when you enrol on the course. Interaction with the tutor is encouraged: you will be provided with an initial orientation call where the tutor will understand what you want to get out of the course. Follow-up messages and questions are encouraged and on-line question and answer sessions are to be expected, so that you can develop your expertise.

About Liv Systems

Liv Systems is an independent Human Factors consultancy that applies Psychology and Ergonomics to make products and services that are safe and easy to use.
Our mission is to tame technology and provide meaningful, safe, and enriching circumstances for the general public and people at work.

Find out more