Human Factors (HF) is the study of the human-machine interface: how people use technology. For mission-critical products, human factors’ engineering must be considered during all phases of product development – planning, analysis, design and development, testing, and evaluation.
A primary focus of HF studies at RBC is on the product’s user interface, including the controls, displays, logic of operation, form and shape, weight and weight distribution, labels, and instructions.
The goal of these efforts is to design products that users can operate safely in real-world situations, leading to increases in worker productivity and improved performance at the point-of-care.
Other benefits of RBC’s emphasis on human factors include:
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More intuitive products
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Better understanding of device status and operation
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Reduced reliance on user manuals
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Safer devices (i.e. inter-device connections, power cords, leads, tubes)
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Easier repair and maintenance