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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors

@human-factors.bsky.social
96 followers 14 following 365 posts

UK membership body for professionals who apply human factors to make life better

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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
An affordance is what you can do; a signifier tells you how to do it. A pull handle on a push door sends the wrong message. A plate is better. Human factors helps us understand these interactions and design systems that work with people, rather than expecting people to work them out for themselves.
Illustration of a person trying unsuccessfully to pull open a push door by a handle that looks like it should be pulled. A second person is confidently walking towards the same door that has a 'Push' label.
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
A system exists on paper. Behaviour exists in practice. Where they diverge, you get a workaround or a desire path, and the workaround is useful data. Treat the desire path as a finding: it's telling you, for free, where your model of the task and the real task have diverged. See buff.ly/g730aCP
Photo of a park bench with a path of worn grass near it
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
To mark World Space Week, we're revisiting a brilliant discussion with Astronaut Instructor Susan Charlesworth who shared her extensive insight into high-performing teams in extreme conditions. Find out more buff.ly/7bFS9B4
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
UN International Day of Older Persons theme: "The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives." Longevity isn't just about designing for older users. Prevention starts decades before retirement. Age-inclusive labour markets need jobs designed to flex with changing ability.
Photo of an older man working at a sewing machine. Photo credit: Andrea Piacquadio at Pexels
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Preparing for a human factors job interview? At a recent members-only meet-up, we heard practical advice on interviews, career transitions and demonstrating your skills. CIEHF membership connects you with a community ready to share experience and advice like this. Join us: buff.ly/BMYTskr
Photo of desk showing laptop, documents and notepad with interview preparation.
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Submitting to IEA2027? A 2–3 page paper is short so every line must earn its place. Research paper: go deep on one finding, spell out the "so what." Case study: be honest about constraints, trace problem → intervention → outcome, say what you'd do differently. See buff.ly/1c4bn4m
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Automation success makes the people behind it invisible: nothing breaks, nobody notices, it seems as though the system runs itself. Don't remove humans from the loop, free them from repetitive work so they can focus on the decisions that matter. HF helps this happen. See buff.ly/EpKxgiG
buff.ly
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Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Not sure if your work belongs at IEA2027? Here's why it does. If you've wrestled with a tricky problem, your results have surprised you, it didn't go perfectly, you've explained it often or you can point to what changed because of it - we want to hear about it. Details: iea2027.com
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
At our Nuclear Sector Group meet-up, we explored how nuclear reactors with autonomous control are turning operators into supervisory monitors and how we need to better capture supervisory failure modes and human-automation handoffs. Join us and hear more insights. See buff.ly/BMYTskr
Illustration of SMR
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Occupational health and human factors share a common goal: creating healthier workplaces. OH brings expertise in work and health, while HF helps us understand how work is designed. This Occupational Awareness Week, let’s recognise the value of both and encourage early support. See buff.ly/z3451F3
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
What do musicians, clinicians, teachers & GPs have in common? They’re all in the latest issue of our eNewsletter, Think! Explore how HF is helping tackle performance injuries, safer healthcare, workplace risks, digital safeguarding and the future of GP visits. Read and subscribe: bit.ly/think-i79
Masthead of Think eNewsletter showing a photo of a female violinist taken over her shoulder
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
World Patient Safety Day 2026 on 17 Sep focuses on noncommunicable diseases. Theme: "Safe care for life!" HF is already reducing harm: smart infusion pumps, SBAR handovers, better-designed insulin pens & inhalers, smarter shift design. Find out more about the campaign: buff.ly/XtJXk3D
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
World Patient Safety Day 2026 on 17 Sep focuses on noncommunicable diseases. Theme: "Safe care for life!" HF is already reducing harm: smart infusion pumps, SBAR handovers, better-designed insulin pens & inhalers, smarter shift design. Find out more about the campaign: buff.ly/XtJXk3D
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Skill lives in muscle memory, habit, automatic judgement, so relearning doesn't just add something new, it temporarily gets in the way of what already works well. What's a method, tool or habit you know isn't optimal, but the cost of unlearning it or changing is higher than the cost of keeping it?
Photo of a laptop keyboard
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Our Professional Competency Checklist is more than a framework, it’s a mirror for your expertise. Reflect on competencies from human-centred design to professionalism, see strengths, identify growth and plan your next steps in human factors practice. See: buff.ly/H02zS9J
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
A webinar, hosted by Posturite on 23 Sep at 11:00 BST will unpack our latest guide on designing better mobile working environments. It will explore why the spirit of the original DSE regulations matter more than ever in a world of laptops, phones and constant connectivity. See buff.ly/PfTZLpY
Illustration of the cover of the guidance document
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Thinking of making a submission to IEA2027? Please spare an hour to come along to a webinar on 15 Sep at 16:00 BST. We'll be talking about what type of submissions we're looking for, how to develop your idea, using templates, the submission app, reviews and what happens next. See buff.ly/Ok49N3Q
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Sometimes we can't switch off from looking at the world through human factors. Is this an example of neuroplasticity? Do new synaptic paths form in our brains that strengthen every time our attention is diverted and our curiosity kicks in? Do we develop an 'HF brain'? See buff.ly/O9FPU4i
Illustration of a human brain with the words 'human factors' above it and yellow synapses linking the two
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
New online Knowledge Exchange launched by Health Services Safety Investigations Body for patient safety investigations. Resources give real-world insight and include video discussions, after action reviews and a learning response tool. More resources to follow. See: buff.ly/c8oL9kE
Close up photo of pocket on scrubs with stethoscope and pen
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Robust vs Resilient: Robust systems are designed to withstand disruption. They keep working when things go wrong. Resilient systems are designed to adapt. They help people respond when something unexpected happens and recover safely.
Illustration of two people, one showing a map on a device with no electricity but full battery, the other showing a map on a device with little battery but with a paper map.
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
The UK's Office for Nuclear Regulation are looking for feedback on their updated Safety Assessment Principles. They've created a video which details what they're looking for, who they want to get involved and how to submit a response. Deadline: 18 Sep. See buff.ly/bkFBWFI
Photo of nuclear power plant including two cooling towers
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Our magazine The Ergonomist, available exclusively to CIEHF members, shows how human factors is shaping the biggest stories. In this issue: World Cup final performance, AI agents in the workplace, ambulance crews under strain, and autonomous systems reshaping systems. Join now buff.ly/6N1gbMY
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Thinking of making a submission this year for IEA2027? Please spare an hour to attend a webinar on 21 Sep at 16:00 BST. We'll be talking about what type of submissions we're looking for, how to develop your idea, using templates, the submission app, reviews and what happens next. See buff.ly/37CmR4u
Illustration of London skyline in background with details of webinar overlaid
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
60,000 ironing board seats on Thameslink trains are to undergo an upgrade. Reported on BBC R4's PM prog on 26 Aug, behavioural scientist Pete Dyson noted that human factors plays a big part in journey comfort. Hear the full discussion on BBC Sounds. The clip starts at 26:04 mins in - buff.ly/isYzXMS
Photo of an ironing board
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Discover is a free 45-minute bitesize learning experience about human factors. Through 4 real-life video examples, you’ll explore mistakes, workplace layout, decision-making and teamwork. Quick questions reinforce what you've seen, showing how human factors improves life. See buff.ly/ObqAkPD
ergonomics.org.uk
Discover
Your first glimpse into the exciting and often surprising world of human factors
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Membership isn’t just about what you get from the profession. It’s about what we can achieve together. Join the CIEHF and be part of something bigger. It's quick and easy to join us and get started. Find out more: buff.ly/zmeN6Jf
Heading '5 ways we can support you. Part 5: enabling you to be part of something bigger' overlaid on a photo of some jigsaw pieces
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Where do you go for trustworthy human factors info? Textbook, journal, a LinkedIn voice, Google? Fun fact: how we answer is itself human factors. Satisficing + information foraging theory say we don't search exhaustively, we stop at "good enough" and weigh effort vs payoff. So, where do you go?
Photo of a pile of human factors books in front of a monitor showing a Google search page.
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
What do mobile working, breast cancer recovery, surveillance systems and automated transport have in common? They all raise important HF questions. The latest issue of Think explores how better design can support wellbeing, inclusion and safety across very different settings. See bit.ly/think-i78
Masthead of Think showing the new guide on designing better mobile working environments
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
An 'Are you sure?' question can be a life-saver sometimes if the action you're about to take is irreversible. But in this case, during an attempt to buy a train ticket, the response choices made me hesitate too. The more you think about this Q&A combo, the more confusing it seems. Your choice?
A screen showing a dialogue box that says, "Are you sure you want to cancel the ticket buying process? Any unsaved progress will be lost." The options are 'Exit' and 'Cancel'.
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Chartered status is the highest level of professional recognition available to human factors professionals – and we're the only body in the world that can award it. A big step? We're here to help. Join us first as an Associate Member and then work on your application. See buff.ly/RQJTGqL
Illustration of '5 ways we can support you, part 4: giving you professional recognition. With an image of a trophy and garland.
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Start with an idea. Shape your idea into a something tangible, write it all down, submit it, get feedback from reviewers, refine your work and, if accepted, share it with an audience. We've mapped out the journey, from idea to presentation, so you can see what's involved. Try it out for iea2027.com
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
1-minute insight: workload vs effort. Workload is the demand placed on someone by the task and the wider system – how much they have to process, remember, decide, monitor and do. Effort is what the person has to put in to meet those demands. It's an important difference.
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
5 WAYS WE CAN SUPPORT YOU: Part 3: By keeping you up to date. Our profession never stands still.If you want to keep learning, stay connected and stay relevant in a rapidly changing profession, membership is a great place to start. It's quick and easy to join us and get started. See: buff.ly/RQJTGqL
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
What have an exercise station, spicy sauce, a gaming chair, a healthcare app, a tour guide programme and a wheelchair poncho all got in common? They're all winners of a new Human-Centred Design Award! Find out more buff.ly/ZGIIumE
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Event announcement: Invisible Design: What People Only Notice When It Goes Wrong, 15 Sep, Birmingham and online. How HF, accessibility & inclusive thinking play a critical role in creating systems that work seamlessly for all. See buff.ly/6Z06yla
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Biggest barrier to embedding HF in healthcare? Organisational understanding. Biggest enabler? Leadership support. Our survey of 61 practitioners shows why HF specialists and clinical allies need to work together to embed HF across healthcare. We're building a stronger community across healthcare.
Photo of someone's hands pulling on a pair of surgical gloves
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Struggling to find trusted human factors learning? We’ve built a competency guide to show your strengths and gaps, plus bitesize modules, CPD, accredited courses and Learning Pathways. Members also get mentors, meet‑ups and eBooks. Join us: buff.ly/V7MJJVY
Illustration showing an arrow in a target and the words "5 ways we can support you , Part 2: targeted learning"
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Myth: "You need to be an academic to present at a human factors conference." Reality: Human factors advances with research AND practice. Challenges you solve, lessons you learn and changes you make in the real world help shape the profession's future. Share your work at IEA2027. See iea2027.com
Illustration of exploding colours with the words 'Conference Myth Busters: Submissions'
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Mobile working has changed. Has the way we design work changed with it? Our new guide explores how ergonomics and human factors can help create healthier, safer and more effective workplaces, wherever people work. Download your free copy today:
buff.ly
Designing Better Mobile Working Environments
Ergonomic guidelines for inclusive, safe and effective technology-enabled workplaces
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
We've got a friendly 2000+ human‑factors community that's ready to chat, answer questions and share insight. With active forums, monthly online meet‑ups, and annual conferences, it’s easy to connect with people who understand your challenges. Joining is quick, simple and welcoming: buff.ly/JjUFzpS
Photo of almost 300 people in a group looking at the camera and waving
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Every accident is an incident, but not every incident is an accident. The distinction matters. Incidents, including near misses, help us understand how systems really work and where improvements are needed before harm occurs. That's where valuable learning happens. See buff.ly/yyDJ0cs
Illustration of someone walking along carrying a box, having narrowly missed a falling hammer but being about to slip on a banana skin on the floor.
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Tomorrow, 25 July, is the UN World Drowning Prevention Day with the theme 'Unite to turn the tide'. Fit to Float is a UK campaign to try to help those who find themselves in difficulty but new research shows the demands of floating vary widely between people, see ergonomics.org.uk/asset/233411...
ergonomics.org.uk
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Think you don't have anything worth sharing? Think again. If you've used ergonomics and human factors to solve a real-world problem, your experience could help others. You don't need to be an academic or an experienced speaker. Everyone starts somewhere. Make IEA2027 your first. See: iea2027.com
Photo of conference audience smiling and clapping
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Discover is a free 45-minute bitesize learning experience. Through 4 real-life video examples, you’ll explore mistakes, workplace layout, decision-making and teamwork. Each video has quick questions to reinforce learning, helping you see how human factors improves life and work. See
buff.ly
Discover
Your first glimpse into the exciting and often surprising world of human factors
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Great example of superb user experience. This is a company that knows what's important to their customers. This is part of life's admin. It should be quick, easy and purposeful. So Starling make sure it is. (Other banks are available.)
A new bank card next to the packaging it arrived in, showing simple, uncluttered design.
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Big ideas in the newest issue of our monthly eNewsletter, Think: global conversations ahead of IEA2027, heat controversies in sport, safer dentistry, smarter rail crowding, workplace heat protection, and the future of car seating. Read the issue and subscribe for more bit.ly/think-i77
Masthead for Think featuring London skyline
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Ever found yourself working on usability, safety, workplace design or system performance without calling it ergonomics? You might be an accidental ergonomist. If so, there's a community ready to help you build your knowledge, confidence and professional recognition. Join us: buff.ly/dSyl5hT
Illustration of a yellow warning triangle with an exclamation mark inside it on a green background
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
This insightful video from Sky Sports F1 shows how human performance compares in a Formula 1 team and an Air Ambulance crew. One exists to win races, the other to save lives. But they're both remarkable examples of what high-performing teams can achieve. See the video
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Inside a meeting between F1 Teams and an Air Ambulance crew
► Subscribe to Sky Sports F1: http://bit.ly/SubscribeSkyF1 ► Watch Sky Sports with NOW: https://bit.ly/NOWF1YT Representatives from Mercedes-AMG Petronas, Aston Martin, McLaren, and Williams F1…
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
What makes IEA2027 different? Human factors challenges don't stop at sector boundaries, and neither do we. Join a global community sharing ideas across healthcare, transport, manufacturing, design, AI and more. 23–25 August 2027, ExceL London. See iea2027.com
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Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors @human-factors.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Recovery at the World Cup is about far more than ice baths. Long flights, time zones, poor sleep and packed schedules all affect decision-making as well as physical performance. The best teams don't just recover better, they build systems that help players adapt and stay sharp.
Photo of an ice bath in a locker room
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