Human Factors

Yes – that yearning to learn has bitten and I’ve decided to supplement my professional development by pursuing my doctorate in psychology. Specifically, the study of human factors.

What does that mean exactly? Well, it turns out that psychologists are the people who are most interested in how man works with machines. Whether it’s in manufacturing, like making airplanes for Boeing, or if it’s in an office setting working with computers.

A small slice of this pie is the way that humans interact with the internet. And here in Wichita Kansas, at Wichita State University, there is a “usability lab” where research is done and people are tested while interacting with computers and the web.

Being the sort of person who loves learning about the internet and sharing what I’ve learned with others, human factors appeals to me greatly and it’s something I’m sure that I’ll be using when working with my clients to improve web performance.

If you want to know more about the WSU research in this area you can visit their website: UsabilityNews.org And stay tuned – I’ll be sharing what I’ve learned as I progress through the program!