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What is the Human Factor in Design?

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What is the Human Factor in Design?

This course is part of Human Factors & Usability Engineering: Designing for Humans Specialization

Instructor: Robert Gray

2,613 already enrolled

Included with

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5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

20 reviews

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

20 reviews

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete

at 10 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 assignments¹

AI Graded see disclaimer

Taught in English

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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

There are 5 modules in this course

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.

Module details

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

3 videosTotal 31 minutes

To Err is Human9 minutes
Reducing Errors by Understanding Human Factors5 minutes
Some Success and Failures in Human Factors18 minutes

6 readingsTotal 68 minutes

Introduction: To Err is Human2 minutes
Human Factors in Real-Life: Large Gasoline Spillage Incident10 minutes
Introduction: Reducing Errors by Understanding Human Factors2 minutes
Human Factors Engineering I 70 High-Profile Projects45 minutes
Introduction: Some Success and Failures in Human Factors2 minutes
YouTube: Introduction to Medical Human Factors7 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 45 minutes

Human Error Case Analysis30 minutes
Check Your Knowledge - Module 115 minutes

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

3 videosTotal 25 minutes

Where Did the Field of Human Factors Come From?6 minutes
Reducing Human Errors by Taking a Systems Approach 8 minutes
Why Should We Take a Systems Approach?11 minutes

4 readingsTotal 10 minutes

Introduction: Where Did the Field of Human Factors Come From?2 minutes
Introduction: Reducing Human Errors by Taking a Systems Approach 2 minutes
Introduction: Why Should We Take a Systems Approach?2 minutes
Systems Thinking: What, Why, When, Where, and How? (Optional)4 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Check Your Knowledge - Module 230 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 30 minutes

The Importance of a Systems Approach in Real-Life Scenarios30 minutes

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

3 videosTotal 18 minutes

Examples of Human Error3 minutes
Methods for Studying Human Error4 minutes
Types of Human Error 11 minutes

4 readingsTotal 29 minutes

Introduction: Examples of Human Error2 minutes
Podcast: Performing and Choking Under Pressure 23 minutes
Introduction: Methods for Studying Human Error2 minutes
Introduction: Types of Human Error 2 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Check Your Knowledge - Module 330 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 30 minutes

The Impact of Human Error Types and Methods30 minutes

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.