Learn more about human factors engineering, when to engage it, continental differences and best practices.

Tests in your product development cycle represent key milestones to success. Getting a product to market is difficult whether you are a struggling startup or an established original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Understanding some of the tools available on the front end of product development will help you avoid downstream problems, before they become time and money wasters. Preclinical testing is not always viewed this way, but really is one such tool. Designing for learning from studies instead of succeeding in them will help you consider issues such as how people interact with your device so that the product is used correctly—every single time. This is “Successful Failure” thinking. It may include building in safe guards that prevent misuse, especially important with devices used in life and death environments.