Engineering Psychology

What is Engineering Psychology?

Engineering psychology is defined as a field of psychology that centers on the relationship between man and machinery. The field specializes in exploring the correlations between human beings and the products that they use daily. It studies how individuals relate with, recognize, and are influenced by certain goods and technologies on the market. Engineering psychology is also important for adapting technology, products, machinery, or work environments to improve human behavior and capabilities.

Although it first established as a subfield of experimental psychology, engineering psychology grew so rapidly during World War I and II that it became its own field. At that time, the expertise of these psychologists was vital to creating more efficient weaponry and equipment that would not malfunction or fail due to human error. Today, engineering psychology is expanding faster than expected as individuals are increasing their interactions with technology. According to the American Psychological Association, increased demand in engineering psychology is also attributed to the need for designing medical equipment and operating room layouts to reduce medical errors.[1]

Why do we Need Engineering Psychologists?

Today, with the boom of the technological industry and consumerism, the field of engineering psychology has exploded. We are surrounded by machines, computers, and software, and it doesn’t seem to be going away any time soon. Consumers and businesses are now calling for technological devices and software that is safe and easy to use. Engineering psychologists are necessary, because they have a hand in making these products more user-friendly, more efficient, and easier to use. Read more on the employment opportunities for engineering psychology.

What do Engineering Psychologists Do?

Engineering psychologists typically perform research and work as consultants in fields such as engineering, product design, and software development.

One of the main duties of engineering psychologists is to perform research on what consumers want and need when it comes to their products. Psychologists might do this by creating focus groups, test panels, and consumer surveys. In doing so, engineering psychologists are often able to study how people interact with products and spot potential problems, such as safety issues or difficult to use features. By consulting with engineers and developers, engineering psychologists can help create products that are less likely to result in problems due to human error.

Demographics and user abilities are also a big part of engineering psychology. For example, engineering psychologists are often asked to research which types of people are more likely to buy certain products, based on looks and functionality. They might also be asked to help change a product so that consumers find it easier to use or more appealing.[2]

Sources; [1] [2]

Categories: Psychologist