Principles of HFE Course Project

This course has a project that you will need to submit for review by the Instructor for you to be awarded the course completion certificate.

This project will give you a chance to apply, in a practical setting, some of the things that you learn on this course.

At the end of each module you will be asked to complete an assignment in relation to your project. The assignments build on each other, and therefore the choice of the topic of your project, and the work that you do each step along the way, is important.

If you carry on and complete the other courses in this series you will be able to take forward the project that you start here.

You have a choice as to the topic of your project.

You should choose a topic that has a reasonable scope (not too small and not too big) and is related to a HFE question that you can clearly express.

Ideally, your project topic should be related to your current job.

If you can’t think of a project, you can choose from the following topics:

1. Designing an ergonomic workstation: A graphic designer is at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders due to prolonged sitting and repetitive motions. The HFE issue to be solved is to design a workstation that minimises the risk of injury and discomfort by accommodating the designer’s physical and cognitive needs.
2. Evaluating a consumer product: Improve a blender used for making smoothies. The problem is that the blender is difficult to use, potentially leading to user error, accidents, or injuries. The HFE issue to be solved is to identify the design flaws that contribute to the difficulty of using the blender and propose changes to improve its usability and safety.
3. Conducting a workplace safety analysis: Conduct a workplace safety analysis for a warehouse that handles heavy machinery and equipment. The problem is that the warehouse is at risk of workplace accidents or injuries due to poor workplace design or inadequate worker training. The HFE issue to be solved is to identify the safety hazards and risks and propose changes that improve the workplace design, equipment layout, or worker training programs to reduce the risk of accidents or injuries.

Background information on each of these potential projects can be found on the ‘materials’ tab.

Please contact your Instructor to confirm that you have a suitable project topic.