42-662 Special Topics: Human Factors for Medical Device Development

9 units, Carnegie Mellon University

This course introduces human factors and ergonomics principles as applied to medical device design. Students learn anthropometry, user interface and interaction design, workplace and task analysis, hand tool design principles, and the biomechanics of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Additional topics include human error, regulatory expectations, particularly FDA guidance on applying human factors, and methods for conducting human factors studies. Emphasis is placed on the role of human factors in product development, regulatory submissions, and risk management. Through lectures and hands-on activities, students gain practical experience analyzing device-user interactions and applying human-centered design methods. A team-based design project reinforces and integrates course concepts.

Prerequisites: none listed

Offered: Fall 2026

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