Human factors & ergonomics

Human and Machine: Here's to Good Cooperation!

 

Digitisation influences our working world to a very high degree. Increasingly intelligent machines are taking over parts of our actions. The human being leverages these new technologies and communicates and interacts with ever more complex systems.

We ensure that the interaction between human and technology runs smoothly, concentrating on the human-machine interface (HMI). Together with our customers we work on configuring and implementing working and training environments where the highest priority is given to safe operation, usability, product experience, acceptance and learning (Human System Integration).

We are guided by the basic concept of ergonomics: Working conditions are adapted to humans and not vice versa (human-centred design). We focus on human thinking and human actions and thus the formal and informal working processes and structures (Human Factors). No matter whether we are devising a control console, a control centre or inter-organisational work systems, the underlying concept of our work is always the same:

A human-oriented system and work concept leads to increased productivity, motivation, satisfaction and health of the workers and subsequently reduces interruptions and enhances efficiency.

We begin with the work analysis. In-depth organisation and process consulting is followed by concrete recommendations regarding concept and structure. To optimise usability we employ modern methods such as eye-tracking analyses, design thinking, user experience surveys, virtual reality simulations and web analytics.

We elaborate our solutions in interdisciplinary teams: We include the latest findings of cognitive psychology, physiology, software design and engineering. Together we answer questions like:

“How are users dealing with this new software technology?" and "Can the operation be improved so that the human being is relieved mentally and physically?"

“What tools do we need to improve communication among teams?"

“Which internal processes boost our safety culture?"

 

Our Services

Analysis and Design of Complex and High-Risk Working Environments

Ergonomics and Requirement Analyses Concerning User Experience

We employ modern methods, e.g. virtual reality combined with eye tracking to analyse attention, tiredness and distraction at the workplace.

Task and Workflow Analysis

We organise expert workshops and monitor workplaces to determine the expected demands on operators and operating safety.

Personnel Assessment and Diagnostics

We support you in selecting appropriate methods and in preparing, conducting and evaluating personnel assessments.

Field and Simulator Investigations Specially Conceived for Human Factor Analyses

We combine subjective questioning with objective measurements via eye tracking, for example, and system parameters like process times or the evaluation of system input by operators.

Field Study of Practice and Training

This includes written and oral interviews, participatory observation and sometimes video recordings.

Project Support and Assistance in Requirements Engineering

We tailor the requirements and technical equipment regarding information, communication and control systems to the user.

Design Thinking

We run workshops to establish a user dialog for the design of human-machine interfaces (HMI).

Development of Recommended Actions

We help customers develop suitable courses of action and refine concepts. For this we address

• Workplace configuration with human-machine interfaces (HMI)
• Workplace safety
• Personnel development and qualification
• Personnel assessment and personnel diagnostics
• Safety culture and organisational development

Human Factor Training

Not only because this is demanded by risk and safety management systems: Human factor training is useful not only, but in particular, for those people working in high-risk sectors. Our training offering is available on the pages of our IABG Safety and Security Academy.