Design Ergonomics and Human Factors
Design Ergonomics and Human Factors is a research theme within the Centre for Future Transport and Cities.
Focus of our research
Research within this theme builds on Coventry University's design heritage to bring together a multidisciplinary team of experts in design ergonomics and human factors, leading research and development into future transport systems.
We see the current state of change within the mobility industry as a great opportunity to ensure that transport solutions of the future are better equipped to serve the needs of a diverse population. This includes:
Putting users at the heart of the design process.
- Developing innovative Human Factors methodologies to enable real-world and virtual evaluation of user interaction.
- Focussing on inclusive design and considering the needs and abilities of all members of the population.
- Developing and using visualisation techniques to help people experience new products.
- Enhancing the passenger experience in future transport, ensuring they are trustworthy, engaging and accessible for all.
If you wish to find out more about this theme, please get in contact with Professor Paul Herriotts or Professor Stewart Birrell.
Key researchers
| Name | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| Dr Paul Herriotts | Professor of Transport Design | paul.herriotts@coventry.ac.uk |
| Dr Stewart Birrell | Professor of Human Factors for Future Transport | stewart.birrell@coventry.ac.uk |
| Dr William Payre | Assistant Professor | william.payre@coventry.ac.uk |
| Dr Safaa Sindi | Assistant Professor | safaa.sindi@coventry.ac.uk |
| Dr Arun Ulahannan | Research Fellow | arunulahannan@coventry.ac.uk |
| Paul Magee | Designer | arx218@coventry.ac.uk |
| Jamie Swinfield | Technical Officer | ac4925@coventry.ac.uk |
| Saif Alatrash | Senior Technician | ae2708@coventry.ac.uk |
| Adam Bogg | Research Fellow | ad8570@coventry.ac.uk |
Project spotlight
Research within our Design and Human Factors theme explores the future of transport design amidst a rapidly evolving mobility sector, identifying novel applications for both new and existing technologies. Find out more about some of our projects:
WiCET: Wireless Charging of Electric Taxis - Researchers from Coventry University have played a pivotal role in the UK’s first trial of wirelessly charged electric taxis by making the charging process effective and easy to use.
Designing sit-ski's for Great Britain's Para Nordic athletes - The sit-skis used by Great Britain’s athletes at the Beijing Paralympic Winter Games harnessed the power of cutting-edge research and design input from Coventry University.
Air-One: Designing and developing the 'world's smallest airport' - Within the Air-One project we will implement the first UKs first ‘pop up’ airport and charging hub for future electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft . Find out more by watching this video:
The National Transport Design Centre
The NTDC is located on Coventry University’s Technology Park and is housed in an 1800-metre-squared facility that has state-of-the-art equipment.
Since its inception, NTDC researchers have forged the way forward in designing user-centred experiences in emergent transport systems and have worked with some of the biggest names in the transport sector.
Facilities includes a 6-metre wide immersive ‘power wall’ which allows researchers to explore detailed design concepts in virtual reality, a driving simulator, a 15m clay milling facility and a multitude of other modelling technologies.
The NTDC's vision is to be recognised as a world leader in user centred design, enabling all future transport systems tobe designed to meet the needs of all people in society - enhancing people's lives, experiences and mobility.
