Question 1

What is Human Factors? I've never heard of it?

Accepted Answer

Firstly, welcome to the world of Human Factors!

Human Factors is a scientific approach to improving interactions between people and systems, products or services. People think, move, feel, sense, take in and process information to make meaning of the world. Considering these aspects influence how likely people will use, engage, experience or move through your system, product or service experience. Positive outcomes include efficiency, ease, comfort, engaged users and design that is intuitive.

People have great capabilities and being human, we also have limitations. Considering these limitations in your workplace, product or service design also matters. If interactions are well matched and 'fit', benefits include improved experience, safety, culture, engagement and system resilience. This also translates to fewer negative outcomes such as adverse events, inefficiencies and staff turnover.

Interested to learn more? The ThinkHuman website has some great practical and innovative examples to spark the possibilities, I invite you to take a look here.

Question 2

I don't know if Human Factors is right for our problem...

Accepted Answer

Human Factors is far reaching and that's the beauty of diverse application in real-world settings.

All things need to be designed with people in mind, I work with all people.

Whether proactively:
designing new builds
reviewing processes and workflows
procuring new plant and equipment that meets your workforce and system needs, or
early stage human factors integration in product or service design via deep user needs analysis

Or in contrast, addressing design misalignments:
work systems creating workplace stress and turnover
repeated incident and injury patterns requiring systemic analysis
addressing service and product user experience complaints.

Given the range of problems or challenges above and more, Human Factors Innovation collaborates with a range of stakeholders to add value:

OHS, Quality & Safety Leaders, Managers, Advisors or Risk professionals
Service Designers, Entrepreneurs, Start-Ups, Business owners or providers
HR, Training, Learning and Development Professionals
Project Managers or Officers

The possibilities are endless for collaboration and innovation on real-world problems.

Question 3

How can Human Factors Innovation improve workplace safety and regulatory compliance?

Accepted Answer

I use a range of Human Factors frameworks and methods to evaluate physical and psychosocial hazards in the workplace. This includes cognitive, physical, organisational ergonomics as well as environment, workspace design and systems-thinking based safety analysis. These are combined with relevant standards and legislation to provide workplace safety recommendations in partnership with your team.

Question 4

What industries do you have expertise in?

Accepted Answer

I bring expertise across a diverse range of industries and Human Factors is applicable in any setting or industry. 
What sets Human Factors Innovation apart from other organisations is I come in and partner with you. I enjoy and actively seek and value learning and understanding your sector expertise, recognising your industry knowledge is invaluable for innovation and sector solutions. I value collaboration, understanding and empathy. Let's innovate together.

Question 5

Where and how do you work?

Accepted Answer

I am available face-to-face or digitally via remote work arrangements to serve your needs. I am available to travel locally in Melbourne, nationally across Australia and internationally to work with valued clients.  
Start with a discovery call, analysis and proposal, delivery and iteration with ongoing support.
Contact to discuss further and what would work for your situation and project.

Question 6

What is your approach to product and service user experience?

Accepted Answer

I approach with a science-informed, practical and collaborative lens. Focusing on bridging the gap between human capabilities and system design. Human Factors Innovation aims to enhance safety, productivity, and well-being through tailored solutions considering the genuine experience of the range of users. This includes empathy and the emotional experience, as well as the practical experience of good design that keeps people coming back.