Human factors and ergonomics methods in practice: three fundamental constraints

Human factors and ergonomics needs to ensure that its methods are available, usable and used in practice. The majority of our methods tend to be developed by researchers situated in academic institutions, and published in scientific journals, books and conference proceedings. The intended or assumed end-users of HF/E methods, on the other hand, are often practitioners embedded in consultancies, producers, manufacturers, service providers, government departments and so on. The difference in context contributes to a research-practice gap, resulting in a number of issues such as reliance on old methods, low uptake of new methods and application problems. This commentary article outlines three key constraints from our own experience as practitioners and researchers - as tool users and developers - that affect the application of methods in practice. We suggest several implications and ways to improve the availability and actual use of HF/E methods.