Human Factors Theory and Practice

Learn Human Factors Engineering fundamental methods such as workload assessment and human error, and apply your skills in task analysis and interface design.

Knowledge/experience needed

Basic familiarisation with Human Factors Engineering purpose and concepts.

Who should attend? 

This course is suitable for engineers, designers, and project managers that have some familiarity with the basics of Human Factors Engineering, but are not experts.

Why should you attend? 

Learning about workload, use error, and applying task analysis and interface design enables you to tackle real-world challenges in your projects, leading to more effective solutions and innovations in your field.

In addition, the assignments and open-book tests offer practical experience with HFE methods and tools. This hands-on approach ensures that you can apply what you've learned directly to your work, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

What will you learn?

This course is about the scientific principles, models, and frameworks that are used to understand human behaviour and performance in the context of human-system interaction.

It will give you an opportunity to learn about fundamental concepts such as workload and use error, and to apply your skills in task analysis and interface design.

Expected outcomes

At the end of this course you will be able to:

• Understand the theory and practice behind the analysis of human-system interactions
• Understand the HFE approach to system design
• Gain experience of using fundamental HFE analysis and design methods
• Understand the HFE approach to data collection and analysis

Course content

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

The modules are:

• Introduction to Human Factors Theory and Practice
• Ergonomics / Human Factors Engineering Principles
• Task Analysis
• Cognition and Workload
• Human Error
• Design Theories and Tools
• Interaction Design
• Work Design
• Data Collection and Analysis

Assessment

This course has five assignments that should take you 2-3 hours to complete. The assignments will be marked and reviewed by the Instructor, who will give you feedback on your progress. A pass mark is required on each assignment before the course can be completed.

The lessons have ‘open book’ tests which require an 80% pass mark in order to demonstrate competence and 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.