The profession we know as Human Factors got its start during World War II, when design shortcomings in aircraft cockpits caused many accidents. Pioneers in the field helped re-design cockpit controls so they were easier to use and less likely to cause errors. From those wartime beginnings, Human Factors has spread into nearly every product- and system-related domain.
Human Factors professionals concern themselves with human performance, perception, cognition, and behavior. Our goal is to ensure that products and systems take into account the capabilities and limitations of users.
The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) was formed in the late 1950's. As the only US-based professional organization for human factors practitioners, it currently identifies nearly 5,000 members. The HFES is affiliated with the International Ergonomics Association (IEA), which is the home of human factors professionals in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
The Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics (BCPE) is an independent certifying body for human factors practitioners. The terms "human factors" and "ergonomics" are typically used interchangeably.
