ERGONOMICS AND HUMAN FACTORS
Three-Day Programme
Loughborough University
26–28 January 2027
TUESDAY 26 JANUARY 2027
09:30 – 10:00
Welcome to Loughborough
Presenter: Prof Mike Fray
Welcome and introduction to the programme.
10:00 – 11:00
Introduction to Ergonomics
Presenter: Prof Simon Hodder
An introduction to the focus and philosophy of ergonomics and human factors, including the science, principles and approaches underpinning the discipline.
11:30 – 13:00
Cognitive Ergonomics
Presenter: Prof Andrew Morris
When people are treated in radiotherapy, they need to engage with the process and system. This is a cognitive interaction as well as a physical one. This session will explore that interaction.
13:00 – 14:00
Lunch
14:00 – 15:00
Task Analysis: Practical Activity for HTA
Presenters: Prof Mike Fray & Prof Simon Hodder
One of the core skills in ergonomics and human factors is developing a full understanding of processes through task analysis. This skill can be used to formally evaluate Work as Imagined (WAI) against Work as Done (WAD).
15:30 – 16:30
Human Movement: Posture, Position and Human Force
Presenter: Prof Mike Fray
Physical size interacts with human movement in the use of spaces and equipment. This session will explore ranges and types of movement and an individual's ability to apply force for different functions.
WEDNESDAY 27 JANUARY 2027
09:30 – 11:00
Anthropometry for Equipment Design
Presenter: Prof Steve Summerskill
Including: Measuring people · Scanning people · Use of anthropometric datasets
Measuring people, understanding human size and knowing how and when to use anthropometric data are essential for inclusive design. This activity will provide an understanding of these choices and how to apply them.
11:30 – 12:30
Design Activity
Presenter: Prof Mike Fray
A design problem will be introduced to explore access and egress to treatment areas, applying the principles of human size and movement covered previously.
12:30 – 13:30
Lunch
13:30 – 14:30
Design Solutions
Presenter: Leo Cancer Care
Examples of current furniture and support equipment will be presented, demonstrating how ergonomics and human factors principles can inform design solutions.
15:00 – 16:00
AR/VR Demonstration
Presenter: Prof Gary Burnett
A hosted tour of the Digital Labs, showcasing digital opportunities including digital cadavers, virtual reality experiences and explorations of the human body.
Evening
Evening Activity – Planned Excursion
A trip to a local restaurant will be arranged and funded by the programme.
Weather permitting, an outdoor activity will also be arranged to take in a local historical landmark.
THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2027
09:30 – 12:00
Patient Safety and Quality Improvement
Presenters: Prof Thomas Jun & Prof Mike Fray
Including: Incident Investigation · SEIPS · AcciMap Activities
Patient safety and improving service quality have received significant investment in recent years. Understanding system failure and designing improvements can be supported through systems evaluation tools such as SEIPS and AcciMap.
12:00 – 13:00
Lunch
13:00 – 14:30
User Journey Mapping Techniques
Presenter: Dr Val Mitchell
Health services are increasingly recognising that user journey mapping can support the improvement of service design. This session will introduce a rapid approach to investigating health services using appropriate journey-mapping tools.
15:00 – 16:00
User Requirements for Future Design
Presenter: Prof Mike Fray
A final closing session bringing together the different topics covered over the three days. The session will focus on needs, requirements, assistive technology and identifying the best solution to support the application of ergonomics and human factors.