Human-Centered Design in Industrial Engineering: Integrating User Needs, Design Decisions, and Social Impact Assessment

Abstract

Industrial engineering, with its emphasis on optimizing processes, is theoretically centered on human factors, but in practice, this focus is often underrepresented within complex systems. This paper proposes a paradigm shift by advocating for the integration of Human-centered design principles. HCD offers a robust framework for understanding user needs throughout the design process, leading to the creation of not just efficient, but also usable, effective, and ultimately, sustainable industrial systems. We argue that human-centered design transcends traditional efficiency measures. By incorporating user research methods like ethnographic studies and usability testing, industrial engineers gain deeper insights into user capabilities, limitations, and motivations. This knowledge informs design decisions that optimize not just output, but also human-system interaction, leading to improved safety, operator well-being, and ultimately, increased system effectiveness. Furthermore, the paper emphasizes the crucial role of Social Impact Assessment (SIA) within the human-centered design framework for industrial engineering. SIA encourages engineers to move beyond user-centric design and consider the broader societal implications of their creations. This ensures that industrial systems not only function flawlessly for users, but also contribute positively to the surrounding environment and communities. By outlining a potential workflow that integrates HCD and SIA, this paper proposes a holistic approach to industrial engineering project development. This approach prioritizes user research, iterative design based on user feedback, and a comprehensive evaluation of potential social impacts. By adopting this methodology, industrial engineers can redefine efficiency, creating not just productive but also user-centric, sustainable, and socially responsible systems that contribute to a more equitable future.