Human Factors and the Built Environment
An important emerging area within the discipline of human factors and ergonomics concerns applying the principles and concepts of user-centered design to the built environment. In essence, it consists of learning about and understanding the needs of intended users to facilitate successful designs. Moreover, it applies state-of-the-art research about their capabilities and limitations to carefully design interactions that create a safe and ideal user experience. Appropriately crafted solutions should:
- Increase safety, health, productivity, reliability, quality, comfort, satisfaction, and ease of learning & use.
- Decrease accidents, injuries, illnesses, fatigue, physical stress, absenteeism, turnover, and maintenance costs.
User-centered design seeks to positively impact all users of the built environment including customers, employees, management, maintenance, and other similar facility users. Appropriate solutions can have dramatic effects on all users including special populations such as older adults, children, prisoners, or other special needs populations. Moreover, they can also address the growing trend of accepting sustainable design elements within the building industry.
User-centered design can be applied to the all types of built environments including:
- Schools
- Hospitals and health care facilities
- Retirement communities
- Next-generation office space
- Manufacturing facilities
- Retail stores
- Communities and urban planning
Print This Post
