Interaction with their product is the thing businesses are mostly concerned about. They pay a lot of attention to the design of the products so that they can minimize the psychical effort the consumers put. However, they also factor in psychological considerations. That’s where engineering psychology comes in.

So what Is Engineering Psychology?

Engineering psychology is a branch of psychology that uses an understanding of people's mental processes to design products, systems, workplaces, and environments. The focus is on maximizing HCI or human efficiency and safety during HCI by reducing inefficiencies and errors. Examples of engineering psychology issues include efficient workplace design, reducing the risk of injury while operating complex machinery, and explaining work items in a way that people can understand and succeed.

What courses will you study in Engineering psychology?

Most engineering psychology programs provide students with the technical skills and relevant theories needed to conduct psychological research. Students can expect to take some of the following courses while completing their studies.

Human—Computer Interactions

Many programs offer specific courses on how computers affect people. These courses often provide the opportunity to integrate and apply the knowledge gained in previous psychology or computer science courses. Students learn about the psychological factors associated with the use of digital user interfaces and how websites and software can be designed ethically.

Psychological research statistics

The ability to classify and analyze data is essential for technical psychological research. Some of the applications of statistics in the behavioral sciences are commonly taught in engineering psychology majors. The outcome of this type of learning is of course the ability to read and understand statistical reports, conduct research methods and establish a framework for statistical research.

Principles of human—centered design

Technical psychology is about the user's experience with technology. These courses introduce the basic design process required to achieve a seamless human—machine interface. Students can learn design thinking skills to define a problem, prototype a solution, and iterate the process.

Sensation and Perception

Students pursuing a degree in engineering psychology may also take courses that focus on how people feel and perceive the world around them. In this course, students will learn about human sensory systems in general and how these systems process information through the brain. Some advanced courses allow students to conduct independent research into the processes of human cognition.

What does a technical psychologist do?

Engineering psychologists help design machines and systems for human use, making them safer and more efficient. Robots can be programmed to behave in certain ways, but humans are much more complex. Psychologists know that systems, products, and environments must be designed around how people process information and interact with the environment.

The engineering psychologist's work is evident when applied to industry. For example, aerospace and engineering are huge fields that require psychology. Psychologists help design cockpits and instruments so pilots can quickly find the correct controls in emergency situations. Even the shape of the instrument—a landing lever shaped like a wing—can help save lives.

Other areas that engineering psychologists are involved with include:

• Healthcare systems

• Technology

• Marketing and business

• Workplace safety

• Environmental safety

• Usability

• Human performance

• Telecommunications

• Transportation

• Education and training

• Virtual reality