Sample interview questions: Can you discuss a time when you used human factors principles to optimize the design of a medical device?
Sample answer:
As a Human Factors Psychologist, I have had the opportunity to apply human factors principles to optimize the design of a medical device. In one instance, I was involved in a project where we were tasked with redesigning a surgical instrument used for minimally invasive procedures.
To begin, we conducted a thorough task analysis to understand the specific user requirements and workflow involved in the surgical procedure. This involved observing surgeons and other healthcare professionals in action, interviewing them to gather their perspectives, and studying existing literature on the subject.
Based on our findings, we identified several key areas for improvement in the design of the surgical instrument. One of the main issues was the lack of ergonomic design, which was leading to discomfort and fatigue among the surgeons. We recommended changes in the handle shape and size to provide a more comfortable grip, as well as adjustable features to accommodate varying hand sizes.
Additionally, we discovered that the existing instrument had poor tactile feedback, making it difficult for surgeons to accurately gauge the amount of force being applied during the procedure. To address this, we suggested incorporating force sensors and haptic feedback mechanisms into the design, allowing surgeons to have a better sense of the forces they are exerting.
Another aspect we focused on was the usability of the device. We found that the controls and buttons on the instrument were not intu… Read full answer
Source: https://hireabo.com/job/7_0_18/Human%20Factors%20Psychologist