Human factors psychology is a branch of experimental psychology often associated with industrial/organizational psychology because it concentrates on the interaction of people and machines. Good human factors engineering can make a product convenient and easy to use, rather than frustrating and confusing.
What is Human Factors psychology? Human Factors as a discipline was stimulated by pilot errors that cost many lives during World War II. Analysis of flying accidents revealed that many were due to the confusing layout of instruments in airplane cockpits. Pilots were faced with a bewildering array of dials and gauges in the cockpit, yet they were expected to keep track of all pertinent information and respond appropriately in emergencies. Human Factors psychologists helped to identify problems in cockpit design. They attempted to design instrument panels that were clear and easy to use for humans.
