Usability engineering
EE-600 / 3 credits
Teacher(s): Carrara Sandro, Lang Virginia, Stradolini Francesca
Language: English
Remark: Next time: Spring 2025
Frequency
Every year
Summary
Introduction to Human Factors/Usability Engineering theory and research methods. Human Factors Engineering/Usability is interdisciplinary and focuses on human cognition, behavior and ergonomics in design. The course focus on human systems integration and human functions in machine/product systems
Content
Introduction to Human Factors/Usability Engineering theory and research methods.
Examples of devices, not necessarily electronics, with reference to their usability
Definitions of Devices' Usability and related Human Factors Engineering
Human Factors Engineering/Usability is interdisciplinary and focuses on human cognition, behavior and physiology (ergonomics) in the design, development and evaluation of product components and complete products. Usability Engineering focuses on the testing/evaluation of product components and complete products to ensure users can use the product safely and effectively.
This course will focus on human systems integration and human functions in human-machine/product systems:
- Examples of devices with reference to their usability: both complete and in design
- Definitions of Devices' Usability and related Human Factors Engineering
- Human Cognition and Product Design:
- Human Perception, Human Learning, Human Memory and Attention
- Human Physiology and Product Design:
- Human Factors and the Product Design and Development Process
- Human Factors and Usability Research Methods
- Ergonomics
Applications (typically inspired by the PhD of each individual student) maybe also while not exclusively on:
- Software
- Medical Devices
- Consumer Products
- Transportation
Note
Introduction to Human Factors theory and research methods that are used to design and evaluation usable, safe, and effective devices. Application of these Human Factors methods and theories will be accomplished by means of course exercises and a final project.
Master students are welcome.
Keywords
Usability, design, human factors, biomedical.
Learning Prerequisites
Required courses
Statistics, Engineering Design Course, System design Course.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the student must be able to:
- Design Design at system level product that takes into account applied Human cognitive and behavioral processes (i.e., Human Factors)
- Design Design at system level product that takes into account Human physiological characteristics: ergonomics Design usability research test
- Design Complete a usability research test, typically based on the PhD subject of each individual student at the course.
- Complete
- Use Understand and use different Human Factors standards and best practices to design a system in the following area: Software Application, Medical Devices, Consumer Products, Transportation
Teaching methods
Ex cathedra, project, and exercises
Assessment methods
Project report: oral exam, typically developed on the PhD research of each individual student.
Resources
Bibliography
- Book: Norman, D. (2013), The Design of Everyday Things. MIT Press.
- Book: Sanders, M. S., & McCormick, E. J. (1993). Human factors in engineering and design (7th ed.). Mcgraw-Hill Book Company
Ressources en bibliothèque
Notes/Handbook
Course slides
Websites
Moodle Link
In the programs
- Exam form: Project report (session free)
- Subject examined: Usability engineering
- Courses: 24 Hour(s)
- Exercises: 9 Hour(s)
- Project: 12 Hour(s)
- Type: optional