Presentation
Designing for Safety: The Expanding Role of Human Factors in Modern Aviation
SessionThursday Poster Session
DescriptionAs aircraft systems grow increasingly complex the need for rigorous, proactive human factors integration across the system lifecycle has never been greater. This panel brings together experienced practitioners to examine the evolving role of human factors in the design, evaluation, certification, and operation of modern flight decks. Panelists will reflect on how human factors practices have matured over time, including shifts in regulatory expectations and system safety approaches following high-profile accidents such as those involving the Boeing 737 MAX. Rather than focusing solely on retrospective analysis, the discussion will emphasize how these lessons are shaping contemporary human factors philosophies and influencing the future of certification.
The panel will explore critical questions facing the field today: How can human factors move beyond a compliance-driven activity to become a strategic contributor to safety? What methods are needed to evaluate increasingly complex human–automation interactions? Where do gaps remain in current guidance, regulatory frameworks, and organizational practices?
Finally, panelists will consider how aviation — long regarded as a global leader in safety — can serve as a model for other safety-critical domains. Attendees will gain insight into emerging challenges, unresolved tensions, and opportunities for innovation as the human factors discipline continues to evolve.
The panel will explore critical questions facing the field today: How can human factors move beyond a compliance-driven activity to become a strategic contributor to safety? What methods are needed to evaluate increasingly complex human–automation interactions? Where do gaps remain in current guidance, regulatory frameworks, and organizational practices?
Finally, panelists will consider how aviation — long regarded as a global leader in safety — can serve as a model for other safety-critical domains. Attendees will gain insight into emerging challenges, unresolved tensions, and opportunities for innovation as the human factors discipline continues to evolve.
Event Type
Poster
TimeThursday, October 22nd5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Location