Presentation
A Prescription for Usability: Practical Tactics for Simulating the Right Clinical Environments
DescriptionIn medical device usability testing, the fidelity of the simulated clinical environment is a critical factor in uncovering actionable insights that lead to safer, more effective device design. Our presentation, offers a practical framework for enhancing the realism of usability studies through scalable simulation strategies that reflect the complexity and variability of real-world healthcare settings.
Clinical environments are inherently dynamic, shaped by a multitude of contextual factors that influence how healthcare professionals interact with medical devices. In our work, we deconstruct these environments into key components—ambient noise, lighting conditions, emotional stress, spatial constraints, and workflow interruptions—and examine how each element affects user behavior, decision-making, and device interaction. By understanding and replicating these factors, usability practitioners can better anticipate real-world challenges and design devices that support safe and efficient use under pressure.
Drawing from a series of usability studies across various clinical domains, we present best practices for incorporating environmental realism into lab-based simulations. These methods are designed to be adaptable, allowing teams to tailor their approach based on study goals, user profiles, and regulatory expectations. For example, we will discuss how to simulate auditory distractions typical of emergency departments, replicate the constrained spaces of intensive care units, and introduce time pressure or emotional stressors that mirror high-acuity scenarios. Importantly, these strategies are not only feasible within typical testing budgets—they also enhance ecological validity and improve the relevance of study findings.
Through detailed case examples, we will demonstrate how realistic environmental conditions have led to the identification of critical usability issues that would have gone unnoticed in neutral or overly controlled settings.
We will also emphasize the importance of tailoring environmental conditions to the specific roles and contexts of target user groups. Whether testing with ICU nurses, emergency physicians, or outpatient technicians, aligning the simulation with their unique workflows and stressors can uncover role-specific usability challenges and inform more targeted design improvements. This approach not only supports safer device use but also contributes to more effective training and onboarding strategies.
Ultimately, Prescription for Usability advocates for a shift in how usability testing is conceptualized and executed in the medical device industry. By embracing the complexity of clinical environments and integrating realistic simulation elements, human factors professionals can generate deeper insights, meet regulatory expectations, and contribute to the development of devices that truly support clinicians in delivering high-quality care.
Clinical environments are inherently dynamic, shaped by a multitude of contextual factors that influence how healthcare professionals interact with medical devices. In our work, we deconstruct these environments into key components—ambient noise, lighting conditions, emotional stress, spatial constraints, and workflow interruptions—and examine how each element affects user behavior, decision-making, and device interaction. By understanding and replicating these factors, usability practitioners can better anticipate real-world challenges and design devices that support safe and efficient use under pressure.
Drawing from a series of usability studies across various clinical domains, we present best practices for incorporating environmental realism into lab-based simulations. These methods are designed to be adaptable, allowing teams to tailor their approach based on study goals, user profiles, and regulatory expectations. For example, we will discuss how to simulate auditory distractions typical of emergency departments, replicate the constrained spaces of intensive care units, and introduce time pressure or emotional stressors that mirror high-acuity scenarios. Importantly, these strategies are not only feasible within typical testing budgets—they also enhance ecological validity and improve the relevance of study findings.
Through detailed case examples, we will demonstrate how realistic environmental conditions have led to the identification of critical usability issues that would have gone unnoticed in neutral or overly controlled settings.
We will also emphasize the importance of tailoring environmental conditions to the specific roles and contexts of target user groups. Whether testing with ICU nurses, emergency physicians, or outpatient technicians, aligning the simulation with their unique workflows and stressors can uncover role-specific usability challenges and inform more targeted design improvements. This approach not only supports safer device use but also contributes to more effective training and onboarding strategies.
Ultimately, Prescription for Usability advocates for a shift in how usability testing is conceptualized and executed in the medical device industry. By embracing the complexity of clinical environments and integrating realistic simulation elements, human factors professionals can generate deeper insights, meet regulatory expectations, and contribute to the development of devices that truly support clinicians in delivering high-quality care.
Event Type
Oral Presentations
TimeMonday, March 2310:52am - 11:15am EDT
LocationMorgan
Simulation and Education