Question

How does the design and operational phases of a products life cycle take into account the human factors element?

Answer 1

Human factors are accounted for in the design phase in the following manner:

1. Different product designers will have different skill set and hence the speed might vary.
2. Input from different resources may depend on their dependency on their subordinates or other team members.
3. Availability of resource to complete the product (taking into factor attrition, leave etc.)
4. User Acceptance testing is dependent on the availability of the user.

Human factors are accounted for in the operational phase in the following manner:

1. End users may have difficulty adapting a new product and may need extensive hands-on training.
2. Due to wrong usage, some error may occur and needs to be rectified, which needs to be accounted for in time calculation.
3. End users may ask for additional customization which needs to be accounted for.