Physiological and Psychological Factors of Design

Psychological Factors The issue People are psychologically complex Design touches every part of the human experience Data pertaining to stuff that cannot be seen (touch, taste, smell) are often expressions of opinion rather than fact.

Psychological factors are those that impact operations including effects of environmental conditions such as: stress lighting temperature humidity noise Vibration These need to be taken into account by the designer in order to improve the user experience.

Physiological Factors of Design

Designers study physical characteristics to optimize the user’s safety, health, comfort, and performance. Use the following when designing for physical characteristics: Physiological factor data (how major organs work and function) Blood pressure, eye movement, lung capacity, balance, etc. Comfort and Fatigue studies Design for comfort/discomfort Biomechanics The study of mechanical laws relating to the movement of living organisms (mostly humans and animals)

More on Biomechanics

Within all designs there are assumptions about the biomechanical capabilities of a user population: Strong enough to turn the top of a bottle? Enough dexterity to open a small hatch on packaging?

Biometric design assumptions are not just guesses Based on anthropometric data (dynamic and static) Some groups do not fit the usual data patterns The elderly, sick, or disabled Design for inclusion

Biometric analysis may be used to examine data related to the use, misuse, or difficulties surrounding product design. May result in age appropriateness suggestions

Biomechanics also come into play with design of packaging. Lids Drink caps Ring pull openers