Systematic research methodologies (the most common being design research methodology (DRM)) focus on addressing problems and issues of direct relevance to a user's life. We use these methodologies to capture problems, create opportunities, investigate, evaluate, and then deliver to you reliable and effective solutions. In our own independent projects, we evaluate current support guidelines or tools through evidence-based research. Through this, our guidelines and tools are enhanced in the light of an increased understanding of the existing issues to help medical device or system designers and manufacturers even better understand their users, challenges, devices or systems, and the environment.

 

How to combine different human factors methods in different projects to collect, analyse and evaluate data is one of the vital parts of achieving effective solutions. The main aspects we consider when choosing methods are namely, the target users, the type of participants, the number of participants, the type and function of devices or systems, the using environment, the deadline of a project, the focus of our clients, and where the results or solutions will be used in the near future. We also need to assess the latent risks in a project and how to mitigate these risks. Frequently overlooked, is the importance of asking the right questions during an interview or a questionnaire, with ineffective questions wasting time and resources, leading to unreliable results. For the greatest success of a project, it is essential to use the right human factors methods and ask the right questions. 

 

We also conduct validation studies by using different subject methods, with human factors methods for some design projects, such as evidence-based co-design or user centred design. Choosing the right methods to be used together leads designers and manufacturers to create safe and effective medical devices or systems.