Human Factors in Aerospace

by Cynthia Rando

Aerospace

Sunlight rising over Earth

Human Factors Methodologies At Work

 

The technology with which pilots and astronauts interact with to complete their tasks is incredibly complex and, at times, needs to be very precise. Be it through traditional methods like task analyses or display design, or applied methods like strategic planning or process flow review – the implementation of Human Factors is a crucial step for the development of safe and effective technology in the aerospace industry.

 

Services In Highest Demand

  • Project Review/Assessment
  • Project Planning/Management
  • Focus Groups/ Contextual Inquires
  • User Design Requirements/ Interpretation
  • User Risk Definition
  • User Testing/Test Protocols
  • Human Factors Engineering Reports
  • Internal HF Programs

Why Invest In Human Factors

  • Increase Risk Mitigation
  • Safer Products, Services, and Environments
  • Faster Growth
  • Catalyze Innovation
  • Increase Market Acceptance
  • Reduce Cost
  • Improved User Experience
  • Optimized Organizational Efficiency 

Human Factors in Aerospace

International Space Station hovering over Earth
In aviation and space exploration, there is zero room for error. Even in extensive attempts to mitigate risk, human error remains the primary cause of incidents. The aviation industry invests in new equipment and systems hoping that the technology will decrease error rates. But these updates do not always solve the problem – it is important to anticipate how the user will react and how their experience with the system will change. The user needs to feel fully supported by the technology to accomplish their task, be it during landing of a Boeing 737 or during an extra-vehicular activity in space. Human factors is key to understanding our abilities and limitations when we interact with new technology, systems, or communication structures.

Accidents Are Never An Option

We are more likely to act when something bad happens but it should never take a tragedy to incorporate Human-Centered Design. By having a proactive view of how a user will react to changes in technology, we can avoid events which could lead to loss of life.