NIAR

Human factors psychology is the study of how humans accomplish work-related tasks in the context of human-machine system operation, and how behavioral and non-behavioral variables affect that accomplishment (Meister, 1989). Human factors psychologists apply their knowledge of a person's sensory and cognitive processes, e.g., capabilities and limitations, to the design of products and systems. Incorporation of the user into the design through iterative experimentation is one of the principal ways in which efficiencies and effective improvements to products and systems are accomplished.

The Human Factors Laboratory is in existence for three basic reasons: the need for pragmatic solutions to human error incidences, advances and complexities in technology and linguistic developments. Unfortunately, many design errors have led to human failures, resulting in both life and equipment losses. Most human factors errors are mistakes that could have been predicted and prevented based on the design of the equipment. Human factors psychologists have applied their knowledge of cognition and perception to proactively identify potential errors and improve the design of aviation systems and components, power plants, communication and technology, as well as everyday products–anything with which there is human interaction–to prevent usage error.

Maintenance human factors: The evaluation and design of maintenance documentation used by aircraft maintenance technicians (AMTs).
Pilot training: The evaluation of new pilot training programs are designed to improve pilot judgment, weather decision making and information management.
Multitasking performance: Investigation of the factors limiting human operators’ abilities to perform multiple tasks in complex environments, e.g., flying, driving.
Digital human modeling: The lab conducts human factors and ergonomic evaluations using CATIA Human
Builder and/or Jack 4.0.