What are Human Factors?

Definition

Human Factors and Ergonomics (HF/E) is the discipline focused on designing systems that fit human capabilities and limitations — physical, cognitive, and organizational.

Goals

Reduce errors and harm
Improve performance and efficiency
Increase accessibility and inclusion
Enhance satisfaction and trust

Domains

Physical (anthropometrics, biomechanics, environment)
Cognitive (attention, memory, decision-making)
Organizational (teams, procedures, culture)

Outputs

Principles and design guidance
Prototypes and evaluations
Standards alignment and safety cases

References

ISO 9241-210 — Human-centred design: https://www.iso.org/standard/77520.html
HFES (Human Factors & Ergonomics Society): https://www.hfes.org/
W3C WAI — Accessibility Fundamentals: https://www.w3.org/WAI/fundamentals/