DESIGNING *for humans

IDSA National Conference - The Human Element

Taking a new approach to the Austin-based IDSA national conference sessions, Monday September 18th will focus on "The Human Element".  This will be a panel session led by Stephen Wilcox (Human Factors section chair).  Panelists will include Bill Green (an expert on inclusive design), Bill Moggridge, Maureen Thurston, and Jamer Hunt.  They will be discussing how addressing humans has changed in design over the past few years.

Focusing on Ethnographic Methods

After focusing primarily on anthropometric data and methods for the last 18 months, we are shifting to spotlight ethnographic methods.  This is to reach a broader spectrum of design researchers who work on a range of product and design issues.  We'll continue to cover anthropometric data and sources in an ongoing manner.

Applied ethnography may be defined as ethnographic field work done to bring the consumer's or customer's point of view to the design and development of a new product. Applied ethnography can also be used to improve existing products. - Liz Sanders, provides an excellent overview of ethnography in product design research that defines and differentiates it from other methods and provides some basic tools and guidelines.

To continue learning on your own, here is some excellent background reading/references on ethnography for design.   Otherwise, stay tuned tune to the IDSA Human Factors site for forthcoming recommended content, case studies and methods.

BusinessWeek Innovation Quarterly

BusinessWeek has published the first quarterly section on Innovation.  Content includes a focus on user research, design and creativity.  Much of it is geared towards managers and executives, versus technologists or field researchers - its about increasing awareness and visibility.  Most notable is an article about Patrick Whitney of the IIT Institute of Design in Chicago. The article discusses the importance of design skills in the context of business and the value of user research and prototyping in the achieving successful products.

Human Factors in Healthcare Newsletter

I'm posting the latest newsletter for the Human Factors & Ergonomics Society - Healthcare Technical Group.  The newsletter includes information on FDA Critical Paths Opportunities, as well as the program for healthcare sessions at the HFES 50th meeting in San Francisco this fall.

The file is downloadable:  Download spring_2006_newsletter.pdf