2nd Annual Medical Device Human Factors and Usability Conference in October 23-24, 2018 in Arlington, Virginia.
Sean Hägen, principal with BlackHägen Design, is moderating “Design Validation vs. Human Factors Validation” on Wednesday, October 24 at 11.00am. In addition, BlackHägen Design is exhibiting at the conference. Come see us in the Networking Gallery.
About the Conference
Executives responsible for human factors and usability testing play an integral role during the product’s design and postmarket operations in order to ensure medical devices are intuitive for HCP and patient use. Human factors teams are able to maintain a product’s seamless usability through comprehensive safety validation strategies and by also working with end-users in the products’ intended environment. As regulatory expectations for new and legacy products continually become more stringent, understanding how to quickly and cost-effectively conduct usability testing that not only validates products but provides deep insights into the true function of the product has never been more essential. HF engineering is a critical component to identifying and remediating potential user errors associated with devices, ensure regulatory compliance through the completion of summative studies, and create human-centered device designs that meet the needs of the end-user.
Building on conference knowledge share and successes of past years, the 2018 program will showcase industry experts in human factors and usability testing, who as presenters will share experiences and knowledge that will be of great benefit to all attending delegates. Industry leaders will address a multitude of topics ranging from preparation strategies for FDA dossiers, EU MDR impact on IFU standards, and the utilization of heuristic evaluations. Through case study driven presentations, as well as interactive panel discussions complemented by multiple networking opportunities, the program will foster a sense of collaboration and promises to be a valuable program to those who are looking to streamline and enhance usability operations.
Sean Hägen, a Principal with BlackHägen Design, is moderating the 11.00am panel on October 24.
Panel: Design Validation vs. Human Factors Validation
Human factors teams are constantly striving towards improving device designs to promote ergonomics and ease of use, but a lack of consensus regarding which usability and design changes require formal validation testing has led to roadblocks in improving the usability of a device. Formalized validation studies can be both time consuming and costly; and differentiating between usability feature that effects the safety and efficacy of a device as
opposed to a usability feature that will improve the user experience but not modify safety or efficacy is a point of ambiguity for human factors team. Clarity into regulatory expectations regarding human factors as well as discussion around industry consensus of when design revalidation is required will enhance a manufactures ability to justify human centered device design without unneeded validation retesting.
•Validating user safety vs. user needs
•Parameters for revalidation in usability
•Efficacy of device vs customer preference
Panelists:
Tressa Daniels, Manager of User Experience, Infusion Division, BECTON DICKINSON (BD)
Christina Reinhart, Manager, User Experience and Human Factors Engineering, ILLUMINA