What is the primary focus of human factors and ergonomics?

The primary focus of human factors and ergonomics is enhancing user comfort and interaction. This field is dedicated to understanding how people interact with systems, designs, and environments. By applying principles of psychology, physiology, and design, human factors and ergonomics aim to create spaces and products that prioritize the needs, capabilities, and limitations of users, ultimately resulting in improved comfort, safety, and usability.

This emphasis on user experience ensures that designs are not only functional but also intuitively meet the needs of those who will use them. For instance, in residential interior design, taking into account the way people move through space, their physical requirements, and how they interact with furnishings can lead to a more livable and enjoyable environment.

While aesthetic design, environmental sustainability, and manufacturing efficiency are all important considerations in broader design practices, they do not encompass the foundational goals of human factors and ergonomics, which is rooted firmly in improving the user experience and satisfaction.