Presentation
MDD20 - Maximizing Human Factors Impact in Product Development - Gaining Leadership Support Early
SessionPoster Session 1
DescriptionAt what stage of the product development lifecycle do medical device leaders believe Human Factors and Usability work occurs? Many medical device companies limit the role of Human Factors Engineers (HFEs) to later stages in the development lifecycle, often relegating their contributions to formative evaluations, summative testing, risk management analyses, and post-market complaint analysis. This reactive approach, while valuable, overlooks the strategic role HFEs can play in shaping the design from the very beginning. Even within a company that advocates for user experience, it can be difficult for HFEs to get a seat at the table early in the process.
The presentation will briefly discuss an overview of product development, identifying points at which HFE involvement can occur in the early stages. By positioning HFEs as strategic partners in the pre-concept phase, companies can leverage design thinking and user-centered methodologies to proactively address usability challenges. The company is then poised to have the greatest impact while developing products that solve the right problems and delight users.
The core of the presentation will focus on an example of how HFEs were involved from the outset to facilitate a design-thinking workshop that shaped the direction of product development. We will share the challenges faced in organizing and designing the workshop, what went well, what did not go so well, and key learnings that can be applied to future design-thinking workshops.
This presentation will conclude with practical insights into how to advocate for early buy-in from leadership for HFE involvement, offering attendees actionable strategies to influence product definition and development in their organizations.
The presentation will briefly discuss an overview of product development, identifying points at which HFE involvement can occur in the early stages. By positioning HFEs as strategic partners in the pre-concept phase, companies can leverage design thinking and user-centered methodologies to proactively address usability challenges. The company is then poised to have the greatest impact while developing products that solve the right problems and delight users.
The core of the presentation will focus on an example of how HFEs were involved from the outset to facilitate a design-thinking workshop that shaped the direction of product development. We will share the challenges faced in organizing and designing the workshop, what went well, what did not go so well, and key learnings that can be applied to future design-thinking workshops.
This presentation will conclude with practical insights into how to advocate for early buy-in from leadership for HFE involvement, offering attendees actionable strategies to influence product definition and development in their organizations.
Event Type
Poster Presentation
TimeMonday, March 314:45pm - 6:15pm EDT
LocationFrontenac Foyer
Digital Health (DH)
Simulation and Education (SE)
Hospital Environments (HE)
Medical and Drug Delivery Devices (MDD)
Patient Safety and Research Initiatives (PS)