Human Factors

Human factors is the science of understanding the human body, mind, and cognitive processes that relate to how users use products and information. While tied to the concepts of user-centered design and user research and analysis, human factors is unique in that it extends to the physical and physiological realm of what human characteristics impact a user's ability to effectively use a product.

Technical communicators that understand human factors issues can provide expertise on everything from ergonomics of product and system to cognitive processes that impact the way users process and use information.

A good resource for learning about the basics of human factors is NASA's Human Factors 101 tutorial and the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.

Credits

Elizabeth Filippo created this page to support the usability needs of persona Margy Statler