Connecting UX and Human Factors

The following article was published in the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Fall 2024 Newsletter.

HFES Fall 2024 Newsletter.pdf

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From April to September 2024, I worked as a Research Analyst at Root Cause Insights, a human factors consultancy specializing in healthcare products. This six-month co-op allowed me to gain hands-on research experience before entering my senior year at Drexel University. During my co-op, I collaborated with colleagues to plan and execute validation studies, analyze testing data, write FDA-submitted reports, and provide recommendations on user-facing instructional materials.

Coming from a User Experience (UX) Design background, particularly focused on design, this co-op was my first deep dive into real-world research practices. It opened my eyes to new considerations, such as identifying the right number of participants, determining their qualifications, and probing to understand user behavior without introducing bias. One of the most notable differences between UX and Human Factors was the emphasis on safety and efficacy. While UX focuses on user satisfaction, frustration, and the intuitiveness of an interface, Human Factors introduces a higher level of risk—where a lack of intuitiveness can lead to real harm.

This distinction became clear when I worked on a validation study for an injectable medication device. I observed worst-case scenarios, such as participants trying to touch the needle or failing to deliver a full dose. Through root cause analysis, I uncovered how these errors could stem from misleading instructional graphics, insufficient device labeling, or deviations in how the product operated compared to similar devices. It was fascinating to see how small details could have such significant consequences.

Initially, it was difficult to witness participants making the same use errors, knowing that only minimal changes could be made at a late stage in development. However, I realized that even with these errors, a product can still be safe when layers of mitigations are in place to reduce potential harm. I gained a new appreciation for built-in safeguards because it is impossible to predict every challenge a user might face.

My passion for UX Design remains strong, as I enjoy the iterative process of brainstorming, testing, and refining solutions that simplify people's lives and improve their interactions with technology. However, by the end of my co-op, I developed a deeper appreciation for the similarities between UX and Human Factors, both of which share a commitment to human-centered design. Applying my empathy and creativity from my UX perspective to healthcare products brought a new sense of fulfillment, knowing that identifying pain points and offering solutions could genuinely improve safety and well-being. Whether I focus on digital or physical product experiences moving forward, my user-centered approach will remain at the core of my work. Rather than confining myself to traditional UX or Human Factors ways of thinking, I will draw from my experiences in both disciplines to execute effective practices in research, design, and analysis.