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Artificial Intelligence & Human Factors Pathway

Designing for Humans & Beyond

Industrial and systems engineering intersects with human factors and artificial intelligence by focusing on the optimization of human-system interactions. Industrial and systems engineers study cognitive functions, work environments, and system designs to enhance productivity, safety and user satisfaction. They apply ergonomics and human factors principles to design systems that are compatible with human capabilities and limitations.

Explore Other Pathways

This pathway is a strong fit for students who:

  • Are fascinated by the human brain and how it influences behavior and performance.
  • Find satisfaction in designing workspaces and systems that match human capabilities and limitations.
  • Want to use their engineering skills to enhance the intersection of people, technology, and work.
  • Believe in the importance of privacy and security in our digital age.
  • Wish to apply technology and statistics to crisis management.

Example occupations:

  1. Human Factors Engineer
  2. Ergonomics Specialist
  3. User Experience (UX) Designer
  4. Crisis Response Analyst
  5. Workplace Design Consultant
  6. Neuroergonomics Researcher
  7. Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
  8. Cognitive Engineer
  9. Biomechanics Engineer
  10. Usability Analyst
  11. Accessibility Engineer

Common fields:

  1. Manufacturing
  2. Technology companies
  3. Digital agencies
  4. Healthcare
  5. Consulting firms
  6. Corporate enterprises
  7. Academia
  8. Aerospace
  9. Sports equipment manufacturing
  10. Software development firms

Do I need a graduate degree specializing in this area to be marketable to the field?

No, an undergraduate background in industrial engineering provides a solid foundation in this field. However, further specialization through graduate studies can offer deeper insights, and potentially open doors to more specialized roles.

What are some examples of real-world areas of application?

Applications of the Human Performance & Artificial Intelligence Pathway include:

  • Ergonomic Design: Creating workspaces and products that are safe, comfortable, and boost productivity.
  • Human-AI Collaboration: Designing systems where humans and AI work in harmony, maximizing the strengths of each.
  • Cognitive Workload Analysis: Understanding and optimizing the balance between task demands and human cognitive capacity.
  • Adaptive Interfaces: Developing systems that adjust based on user behavior and needs. Safety Protocols: Incorporating human factors to reduce errors and enhance safety in various work environments.

Does this pathway touch on global impact, equity and/or quality of life?

Yes. This field seeks to improve technology user experiences, safety and productivity globally. Optimized human-system interactions lead to more efficient workplaces, reduced risk of injuries, and overall improved quality of life. Additionally, ensuring that systems are designed with diverse user capabilities in mind promotes equity by making technology accessible and beneficial for all.

See how our remarkable alumni are using their ISE degrees in this field.

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Anna Jonsdottir

Human Factors Engineer, Center for Dialysis Innovation (CDI)
Ph.D. Candidate, University of Washington Industrial & Systems Engineering

Read Anna's Story

 

   

Human and Systems (HAS) Lab

The HAS Lab, led by Assistant Professor Ji-Eun Kim, is a research group devoted to investigating several areas within the fields of human performance modeling, neuroergonomics, and cognitive engineering, with a primary goal of designing work systems that better accommodate individual differences.

VISIT THE HAS LAB