Usability engineering

EE-600

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Class Readings

list of readings in support of classes

Course Description

Human Factors Engineering theory and research methods will be covered through an interdisciplinary focus on human cognition, behavior and physiology (ergonomics) in the design, development and evaluation of product technology. A final applied project will be completed to demonstrate Human Factors Engineering skills and Usability evaulation methods.

Introduction to Human Factors Session 1

Session 1 will provide a general overview of the course content, the course requirements and course resources.  In addition, the first lecture will contain information that defines the meaning of Human Factors, Usability and its interaction with Engineering Innovation.  



Readings for Session 1:  

MLA. Norman, Donald A. The Design of Everyday Things. MIT Press, 2013.

Sanders, M.S. and McCormick, E.J. Human Factors in Engineering and Design, McGraw Hill (1993).  Chapter 1.


Usability Engineering Session 2

In preparation for Session 2, please read:

Chapters 1, 3 and 10 in the text:

 Cognitive Psychology

This overview session will lay the theoretical ground work for Human Factors with respect to:
  • Research Methods 
  • History of Cognitive Psychology
  • Perception

Usability Engineering Session 3

In preparation for Session 3, please read:

Chapters 4, 5, and 11 in the text:

 Cognitive Psychology

These chapters cover the theoretical basis for Memory and Attention.  We will be using these theoretical concepts to understand Human Information Processing as it applies to Human Factors and the design of different devices.


Usability Engineering Session 4

In preparation for Session 4, please read: 

Chapters 3,4 and 6 in:

Sanders, M.S. and McCormick, E.J. Human Factors in Engineering and Design, McGraw Hill (1993). 

We be discussing Information Input and focusing on:

  • Information input and processing
  • Text, Graphics, Symbols and Codes
  • Auditory, Tactual, and Olfactory Displays




Usability Engineering Session 5

In preparation for Session 5, please read: 

Chapters 9, 11, 12 in

Sanders, M.S. and McCormick, E.J. Human Factors in Engineering and Design, McGraw Hill (1993). 

We will be discussing Human Output and Control with respect to following topics:

  • Motor Skills
  • Controls and Data Entry
  • Hand-tools and Devices

Usability Engineering Session 6

In preparation for Session 6, please read: 

Sanders, M.S. and McCormick, E.J. Human Factors in Engineering and Design, McGraw Hill (1993). Chapters 16, 17, 18,19

Please bring your "prototype" for the remote control you used. Be prepared to describe the changes you have made and the data that you have collected.

Usability Engineering Sesson 7

In preparation for Session 7, please bring to class the following standards, regulations, guidances in digital format: 

MIL-STD-1472G 11 January 2012; Medical Device Regulation; FDA Guidance for Human Factors; HE75:2009

These will be reviewed in the context of what you are considering for your project.


Usability Engineering Session 8

In preparation for Session 8, please bring your project proposal to present to the class.  Presentations should not be any longer than 15 minutes for presentation and 15 for class/instructors feedback.  


Usability Engineering Session 9

Product life-cycle process: combination of design and development activities with usability engineering

Human-Centered Design Process

Usability Engineering Session 10

During this session a review of your in class project will be conducted.  You should be ready with a presentation that covers your redesign and the relevant Human Factors components.  In addition, bring the results of your research and new recommendations.

During this session we will also explore relevant case studies in the medical device domain.


Usability Engineering Session 11

This is an IN CLASS working session on group projects.



Usability Engineering Session 12

This is an IN CLASS working session on group projects.

Usability Engineering Session 13

This is an IN CLASS working session on group projects.

Usability Engineering Session 14

Final Project Presentations will be conducted.  Each project group must provide a presentation of their project showing how Human Factors and Usability Evaluations contributed to the design.  Be prepared to include data and discuss how it was collected and analyzed.

Usability Engineering Session 15

This session will provide analysis and feedback on each of the projects.  In addition, a summary of the key "take away" from the course will be presented and discussed.