Course 1 provides an overview of human factors, systems and human errors. It covers the key concepts and applications of human factors and introduces various methods for reducing human error.
What is the Human Factor in Design?
Give your career the gift of Coursera Plus with $160 off, billed annually. Save today.
What is the Human Factor in Design?
This course is part of Human Factors & Usability Engineering: Designing for Humans Specialization
Instructor: Robert Gray
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level
Recommended experience
10 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
You will learn about human factors and will identify key human factors applications as well as compare and contrast methods for reducing human error.
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
5 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
This course is part of the Human Factors & Usability Engineering: Designing for Humans Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 5 modules in this course
In this course, you will explore the foundational concepts of human factors, the significance of a systems approach, and key human error types. The course provides the opportunity to learn strategies to reduce errors and optimize performance in various industries.
What's included
2 videos1 reading
In this module, you will be introduced to the field of human factors and its importance in understanding and reducing human error. You will learn about the basic concepts of human factors and how they are applied in various industries. You will also learn about the different types of human error and the factors that contribute to them. Lastly, you will explore the different methods for reducing human error and the importance of taking a systems approach. By the end of this module, you will have a good understanding of what human factors is and how it can be used to improve safety and performance in various industries.
What's included
3 videos6 readings2 assignments
We have learned why, when, and how humans fail and how this can lead to catastrophic events. In Module 2, we will explore how we can reduce the frequency of human errors and, when they do occur, reduce their impact on our safety and well-being. Welcome to the field of “human factors,” where we use our understanding of what humans can and can’t do well to improve the design of all parts of the systems around us (e.g., transportation, medicine, education, etc.).
What's included
3 videos4 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
In this module, we will delve into the different types of human error, exploring their underlying factors and the methods used to study them. By understanding the various categories of human error, we can better address their root causes and implement effective strategies to mitigate their impact on overall system performance. Through engaging examples, readings, and videos, you will learn how to identify, classify, and compare different human error types and the methods used to study them.
What's included
3 videos4 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
While it may be impossible to eliminate human error completely, there are effective ways to reduce its occurrence and impact. In this module, we will explore various methods and strategies for minimizing human error in different contexts. By understanding and applying human factors principles, you'll learn how to identify potential sources of error and implement targeted interventions to mitigate their effects. Through engaging examples, readings, and videos, you will discover the tools and techniques necessary to improve system performance and safety by reducing human error.
What's included
3 videos6 readings1 assignment1 peer review
Instructor
Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Mechanical Engineering
Johns Hopkins University
University of Virginia
Fundação Instituto de Administração
University of Michigan
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.