Human Factor

The "human factor" aspect of a product or service refers to its ability to integrate into the user’s environment, and that users can use the product as it was intended without error. Aspects of human factor design include product design from an external perspective – appropriateness for the workspace, functionality within the workspace, impact to other products, potential for errors or abuse, and adoptability by the workforce.
Attention to human factor requirements starts in the product design phase and continues through testing phases. The approach, similar to quality design, uses a series of questions that drive design requirements and test criteria. Failure to address human factor aspects can result in products that work well in the “lab” but fail when introduced into commercial environments. Examples of problems addressed by human factor design:

Functionality does not suit the workflow of users (wrong menus)
Menus, buttons, or features are difficult to understand (e.g. “programming a VCR”)
Products are easily mistaken (drug names)
Products are not designed for the environment (inappropriate plastics that crack)
Products cannot be stored adequately
Products can be used adversely in ways that were never intended
Products are not safe to use

Abinsi can help your organization through a Human Factor Assessment that approaches the analysis of your product in the context of your target market. Our assessment methodology involves the perspectives of the market stakeholders throughout the product's lifecycle. This includes manufacturing, distribution, retail purchase, end-use, and disposal. Expected outcomes:

An independent review describing the product in context with its target environment(s).
Additional business requirements to guide product design
Acceptance test criteria
Models that describe how the product integrates with other environment factors
Strategies to introduce new products including change management and end-user training
Risk assessment and identified impacts/liabilities related to the new product