Human Factors Psychology

Industrial/Organizational (I/O) psychologists apply principles of psychology to the workplace. Professionals in this field can be involved in a variety of activities, including developing employee selection procedures, designing training programs, developing motivational programs, and designing the workplace to make it safer, more productive, and more enjoyable. Workplace design is often carried out by psychologists with special training in human factors psychology. This exercise takes a look at this interesting yet little-known subfield of psychology.

1. Do a Web search for sites related to human factors. List the titles and addresses of the two most valuable sites you find.

2. What is the other name for the field of human factors?

3. Examples of bad human factors abound. Any time a piece of equipment is difficult to use--whether it's a VCR control, a computer program, or a restroom urinal--it's an indication that "human factors" were not considered. Browse through the collection of often-humorous "Bad Human Factors Designs" at http://www.baddesigns.com. Select three examples and--before reading the authors' design recommendation--describe how you would correct each particular problem.

4. A hilarious example from the "Bad Human Factors Designs" Web site is called "This is a Mop Sink." The author further explains that "There is no urinal in the men's restroom. The fixture in the corner affords a certain activity." Think of a similarly humorous or frustrating encounter with a poorly designed item from your own life. Describe the problem and provide a solution.