Module Leader

Dr Nejra Van Zalk
n.van-zalk@imperial.ac.uk

Design Engineering encompasses a particular emphasis on human factors, or the study of the way humans behave physically and psychologically in relation to certain environments, products, or services. Understanding human factors therefore requires basic knowledge in psychology, which is the scientific study of the human mind and its functions - specifically those affecting behaviours in a given context. This module provides design engineers with basic tools to take into account human behaviour in order to affect lasting design solutions to global challenges.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students will be better able to:

  • Have an understanding of basic psychological processes that govern human behaviour, emotions, attitudes, and decision-making processes 
  • Have an understanding of fundamental aspects of user interface design 
  • Have an understanding of basic behavioural and social science methodology and psychometrics, including ethics 
  • Demonstrate designing and implementing a simple behavioural intervention


Description of Content

The module structure includes a general introduction to design psychology and methodology, followed by conducting a joint experiment during Draw Week so as to practice application. The module will end with an introduction to user experience design. The following topics will be covered:   

Human behaviour & experience
Human-technology interaction
Psychometrics
Behaviour change by design 
Design ethics
Emotion mapping and designing for well-being
Being a clever consumer of social science
User experience design