Topics in Human-Centered Data Science: Applied Human Factors in Information Systems

This course introduces upper division Informatics students to Human Factors principles in the design, evaluation, and optimization of information systems. Students will learn to identify and mitigate performance and safety risks in complex socio-technical environments through case studies, simulations, and applied projects.  

The course includes modules on a multitude of HF principals including Situation Awareness (SA) — with potential guest lecture by Dr. Mica Endsley — Fuzzy Logic (Targeting Dr. Peter Hancock for collaboration), Team Performance (Dr. Steven Fiore, Dr. Florian Jentsch), Workload, and Signal Detection Theory, to name a few. There are several other guest speakers to consider beyond these.  

Each lecture and concept is paired with practical examples from operators and users in multi-modal, high-workload environments. Emphasis is placed on human-centered systems engineering, cognitive load management, error prevention, safety, and the role of Applied Research in Human Factors and the organizations they serve.