Review

Human-Centered Design in Industrial Engineering: Integrating User Needs, Design Decisions, and Social Impact Assessment

Volume: 38 Number: 1 March 1, 2025
EN

Human-Centered Design in Industrial Engineering: Integrating User Needs, Design Decisions, and Social Impact Assessment

Abstract

Industrial engineering, with its emphasis on optimizing processes, is theoretically centered on human factors, but in practice, this focus is often underrepresented within complex systems. This paper proposes a paradigm shift by advocating for the integration of Human-centered design principles. HCD offers a robust framework for understanding user needs throughout the design process, leading to the creation of not just efficient, but also usable, effective, and ultimately, sustainable industrial systems. We argue that human-centered design transcends traditional efficiency measures. By incorporating user research methods like ethnographic studies and usability testing, industrial engineers gain deeper insights into user capabilities, limitations, and motivations. This knowledge informs design decisions that optimize not just output, but also human-system interaction, leading to improved safety, operator well-being, and ultimately, increased system effectiveness. Furthermore, the paper emphasizes the crucial role of Social Impact Assessment (SIA) within the human-centered design framework for industrial engineering. SIA encourages engineers to move beyond user-centric design and consider the broader societal implications of their creations. This ensures that industrial systems not only function flawlessly for users, but also contribute positively to the surrounding environment and communities. By outlining a potential workflow that integrates HCD and SIA, this paper proposes a holistic approach to industrial engineering project development. This approach prioritizes user research, iterative design based on user feedback, and a comprehensive evaluation of potential social impacts. By adopting this methodology, industrial engineers can redefine efficiency, creating not just productive but also user-centric, sustainable, and socially responsible systems that contribute to a more equitable future.

Keywords

References

  1. [1] Narkhede, S.S., Firke, V.L., Sharma, D.B., “Design and analysis of runout measuring machine using FEA”, International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development, 3(6): 111-115, (2019). DOI: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd28028.pdf
  2. [2] Pawar, S., “Application of industrial engineering techniques for continuous improvement in plastic industry”, International Journal of Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology, 9(9): 1918-1935, (2021).
  3. [3] Zhang, S., Wang, J.Q., Cai, Z.Q., Gao, H.Y., “The framework and methods of quantitative assessment for education reform in industrial engineering”, Proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management 2018, Singapore: Springer, 237-246, (2019).
  4. [4] Niess, J., “Moving from human-centred to society-centred design of health technologies”, European Journal of Public Health, 32(Supplement_3): ckac129-149, (2022).
  5. [5] Al Mahmud, A., Wu, J., Mubin, O., “A scoping review of mobile apps for sleep management: User needs and design considerations”, Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13: 1037927, (2022).
  6. [6] Smeenk, W., “Societal impact design: Empathic and systemic co-design as a driver for change”, In: Applied Design Research, 1st ed., CRC Press, 10, (2022). Available from: file:///C:/Users/USER/Downloads/10.1201_9781003265924-13_chapterpdf.pdf
  7. [7] Richards, D.C., Stevenson, P.D., Mattson, C.A., Salmon, J.L., “Integrating social impact measures into the airship design process”, Proceedings of the Design Society, 1: 1877-1886, (2021).
  8. [8] Arce Fariña, E., López Vázquez, J.A., Fernández-Ibáñez, I., Suárez-García, A., Míguez-Álvarez, C., “Experiencia APS en proxecto STEMBACH baixo enfoque de deseño centrado en humanos”, In: Xornadas de Innovación Docente (6ª. 2022, A Coruña), A Coruña: CUFIE, Universidade da Coruña, 13-22, (2022).

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Ergonomi and Human Factors Management

Journal Section

Review

Early Pub Date

February 4, 2025

Publication Date

March 1, 2025

Submission Date

June 15, 2024

Acceptance Date

November 22, 2024

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 38 Number: 1

APA
Azodo, A. (2025). Human-Centered Design in Industrial Engineering: Integrating User Needs, Design Decisions, and Social Impact Assessment. Gazi University Journal of Science, 38(1), 181-198. https://doi.org/10.35378/gujs.1501493
AMA
1.Azodo A. Human-Centered Design in Industrial Engineering: Integrating User Needs, Design Decisions, and Social Impact Assessment. Gazi University Journal of Science. 2025;38(1):181-198. doi:10.35378/gujs.1501493
Chicago
Azodo, Adinife. 2025. “Human-Centered Design in Industrial Engineering: Integrating User Needs, Design Decisions, and Social Impact Assessment”. Gazi University Journal of Science 38 (1): 181-98. https://doi.org/10.35378/gujs.1501493.
EndNote
Azodo A (March 1, 2025) Human-Centered Design in Industrial Engineering: Integrating User Needs, Design Decisions, and Social Impact Assessment. Gazi University Journal of Science 38 1 181–198.
IEEE
[1]A. Azodo, “Human-Centered Design in Industrial Engineering: Integrating User Needs, Design Decisions, and Social Impact Assessment”, Gazi University Journal of Science, vol. 38, no. 1, pp. 181–198, Mar. 2025, doi: 10.35378/gujs.1501493.
ISNAD
Azodo, Adinife. “Human-Centered Design in Industrial Engineering: Integrating User Needs, Design Decisions, and Social Impact Assessment”. Gazi University Journal of Science 38/1 (March 1, 2025): 181-198. https://doi.org/10.35378/gujs.1501493.
JAMA
1.Azodo A. Human-Centered Design in Industrial Engineering: Integrating User Needs, Design Decisions, and Social Impact Assessment. Gazi University Journal of Science. 2025;38:181–198.
MLA
Azodo, Adinife. “Human-Centered Design in Industrial Engineering: Integrating User Needs, Design Decisions, and Social Impact Assessment”. Gazi University Journal of Science, vol. 38, no. 1, Mar. 2025, pp. 181-98, doi:10.35378/gujs.1501493.
Vancouver
1.Adinife Azodo. Human-Centered Design in Industrial Engineering: Integrating User Needs, Design Decisions, and Social Impact Assessment. Gazi University Journal of Science. 2025 Mar. 1;38(1):181-98. doi:10.35378/gujs.1501493