DEA 3510/6510 Human Factors and Inclusive Design

This 3-credit course provides an intermediate-level overview of the concepts and principles of human factors with a focus on design for inclusivity. The course will introduce students to how human factors can be systematically considered and implemented in the development of products (e.g., the capabilities and constraints of the physical, cognitive and cultural makeup of human beings). The course incorporates specific studies of human requirements, including not only the non-disabled adult but also the aged and those who are disabled, and consider implications for different user populations. Through the lectures and course activities (e.g., student-led seminaries and project), students will develop competencies in human factors and inclusive design for academic research and professional practice.

• To develop knowledge of the main concepts of human factors including human capabilities / limitations and how they can be incorporated into designed systems
• To understand the history, concepts, and process of inclusive design
• To develop the practical skills to plan and design a product incorporating the goals of both human factors and inclusive design

• An ability to articulate key concepts of human factors and inclusive design including human information processing, cognitive and physical human-product relationships, and design exclusivity assessment
• Evidence-based reasoning and make critical judgments about both inclusivity and human factors issues.
• Theoretical knowledge of and practical skills to initiate, design, and report an empirically-based project that addresses issues of human factors and inclusive design.
• Critical skills to improve the ergonomic aspects of a product and knowledge of aging- and disability-related design challenges

Syllabus download (2019 Fall—PDF file)