Search Results for: human factors and usability
‘Just around the Vend’ – Human Factors and Usability of Vending Machines
As a human factors and usability consultant I talk about usability a lot, unfortunately – but also understandably – most people do not share my enthusiasm; that is, until I apply it to something they find absolutely infuriating. This can range from tin openers to a local council website, whatever it may be it puts the problem in context. There’s one particular product that I find most people have a problem with, a product that irritates me so much that I will join in any conversation involving it. Admittedly there aren’t very many of these conversations, but they’re almost always focused on the criticism of usability; let’s see if you agree.
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Consultant – Human Factors & Usability, London
We have a new opportunity for a consultant-level Human Factors Engineer to join an established team based in Hammersmith. You will apply your knowledge of human factors tools and methodologies to the design and development of a wide range of medical, consumer and industrial products.
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NMPA Human Factors Draft Guidance: Navigating Healthcare Opportunities in China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 This article builds on our expertise to interpret the latest draft guidance from the perspective of medical device companies looking to release products in China
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Human Factors – more than simulated use
Advances in medical technology are opening up new possibilities within the health care domain.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Medical Device Usability Engineering, a first-hand perspective
I’ve only been at PDD a matter of months as a Human Factors and Usability consultant, but to say that my feet have barely touched the ground, would be an understatement. I’ve travelled to four different countries, and observed 100 participants. In this article, I take a look at why going into the field is so important in identifying device development opportunities…
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Medical Device Usability
Last week Polly Shelton, one of PDD’s Human Sciences consultants, spoke at theLEG (London Ergonomics Group) and UKUPA (Usability Professionals’ Association) event at UCL’s Interaction Centre.
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The link between ethnographic research, human factors engineering and risk management in injection device development
Last week I spoke at the Injectable Drug Delivery International Conference on the essential link between ethnographic research, human factors engineering and risk management in injection device development, a subject close to my heart. We come across many medical companies that engage in ‘over the fence R&D’, a process that can, and does, lead to gaps in device development.
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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.
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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.
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Senior Consultant – People Centred Research, London
You will need to understand our clients’ business challenges to propel their products, experiences, services and brands into the future and deliver new, relevant and engaging propositions to their target audiences.
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