Search Results for: human factors and usability
NMPA Human Factors Draft Guidance: Navigating Healthcare Opportunities in China
PDD is a founding executive member of the Human Factors Special Committee and has promoted HFE principles in China since 2015. This article builds on our expertise to interpret the latest draft guidance from the perspective of medical device companies looking to release products in China
Read More
Mitigating Usability Risks: The upcoming NMPA guidelines in China
Mitigating Usability Risks in Medical Device Development, in the light of the upcoming National Medical Product Administration (NMPA) guidelines in China.
Read More
The Human Value of Technology
Over the last year, connected technologies have become even more prevalent in healthcare. At a time when visiting a hospital has become increasingly difficult for patients, apps and software-enabled devices have become useful tools to facilitate access to services and self-care.
In this article, Marlies Havenith – Senior Consultant – Human Factors & Usability at PDD – explains why, as connectivity continues to permeate healthcare environments, keeping users at the centre is now more imperative than ever.
Read More
Human Factors and Anaesthetic Practice: Why the Equipment Makes a Difference
Ergonomics and Human Factors practice are inherently broad and multi-disciplinary, but one thing that unites us all is a focus on design.
Read More
Human Factors – more than simulated use
Advances in medical technology are opening up new possibilities within the health care domain.
Read More
Psychology of packaging and water consumption
A study published in the International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management pointed out that the visual appearance of packaging is the most important indicator of quality and can help customers build trust towards the brand and even give it a try, despite never having heard of it before.
Read More
How human-centred is space travel?
Exactly 50 years ago on this day, Neil Armstrong, Edwin Eugene (Buzz) Aldrin and Michael Collins embarked on the Apollo 11 spacecraft mission headed to the Moon
Read More
Dialogue on beta testing at the Human Factors for Medical Devices workshop
Dr Chris Vincent, Human Factors & Ergonomics Principal at PDD, joined the conversation on beta testing at the Human Factors for Medical Devices workshop which took place at the Museum of London earlier this June.
Read More
Human-Centered Design tames big data into information that your business can use
While we are all conscious that big data will be transforming our businesses and even our way of life, the best use and how to translate all of that data is not always immediately evident. Human-Centered Design helps find the most meaningful ways to translate big data into information that your business can use to the benefit of your organisation.
Read More
Human error or use error…Make the switch!
FMEAs (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis) are a common tool used in industry by device manufacturers to help members of R&D think of risk mitigation strategies to embed within their process whilst they are in the product development stages. FMEAs traditionally focus on system/component failures that can affect the operation of a device whilst UFMEAs (User Failures Modes and Effects Analysis) are intended to help members of R&D to focus on use-related errors. The term ‘Use Error’ has recently been introduced to replace the commonly used terms ‘Human Error’ and ‘User Error’, after the need to change the term was prompted by a high number of manufacturers commonly attributing errors to the users as opposed to investing in fixing error-prone device design.
Read More
PDD features in the New Design Magazine Yearbook 2020
Dr Chris Vincent, Principal – Human Factors & Ergonomics at PDD, discusses the importance of designing user-friendly medical devices, and the need for customised solutions within the healthcare environment.
Read More
Mind Matters: Designing the Future of Women’s Health
Women’s health challenges are complex. From menstruation to menopause, physical symptoms often go together with stress, isolation, and psychological strain — yet these experiences remain largely unsupported. This article explores the value of empathy and design research to challenge assumptions, unveil unmet needs, and help build the future women deserve.
Read More
Bridging the Gap: Advancing Women’s Healthcare Through Design Research
The data gap in women’s healthcare is real. From under-researched conditions to overlooked physiological differences, incomplete data has led to solutions that fail to meet women’s needs. This article explores how design research can help close the gap — driving equity, sparking innovation, and delivering better outcomes for all.
Read More
Routine to Ritual: Elevating Everyday Experiences
In our search for convenience and efficiency, many of our everyday chores have become monotonous routines. But what if those repetitive actions could instead become a way to bring joy into our lives?
In this article, Sarita Wilkinson, Insights Editor at PDD, explores the power of rituals and how consumer brands can elevate our everyday experiences, as we interact with the functional objects in our lives.
Read More
Healthcare Innovation – Managing Risk in a Remote World
As medical innovators we all want to support the design of safe and usable medical devices. Yet, in a healthcare environment that is going through fast, unprecedented change, where standard tools and processes are harder to apply, that aim is not without challenge.
Read More
The impact of light on healthcare operations
This article explores the impact that environmental factors such as light have on healthcare and considers how they can be optimised to support patient and staff well-being.
Read More
Aqualisa Q™ – Smart Digital Mixer Showers
Digital shower offers a smart personalised showering experience
Read More
FDA: Outlook on legacy devices
Chris Vincent and I recently attended an AAMI training course held in Dublin on Human Factors for Medical devices. EU manufacturers and consultancies all attended with the hope of having some questions answered by the FDA.
Read More