A student in the Cooke Lab interacting with a user interface and multiple screens at a terminal.

Human Systems Engineering

Building better machines using psychology and cognitive science.

Students become experts in human interaction with engineered systems by applying the methods of experimental psychology and cognitive science. Broad applications include aviation human factors, consumer psychology, teamwork, health and hospital safety, learning, product usability, social cognition, sports performance, threat detection and user-centered design.

Projects presented at the Innovation Showcase involve the application of psychological principles to problems and questions determined by a client sponsor. For example, students might work with a startup company to provide website or product usability evaluations, consult with a community organization to develop improved methods for real-world practices, or perhaps develop a new piece of software.

  • This team aims to research and identify effective methods for creating constructive online communities that foster helpful interactions, minimize toxicity and promote meaningful discussion and understanding among users. Sponsor

  • This research study involves a questionnaire to assess ASU students’ attitudes towards the use of gen artificial intelligence, or AI, chatbots, like ChatGPT, in education, with a focus on trust. The goal is to understand students’ concerns and challenges with…

  • This project addresses global waste management challenges by applying Human Systems Engineering principles to develop a cost-efficient Smart Recycling Bin, or SRB, with verbal instruction features. By integrating real-time feedback, gamification and IoT-based monitoring, the SRB aims to improve user…

  • This poster explores Automatic Target Recognition, or ATR and human to artificial intelligence, or AI, interactions, focusing on future systems where human oversight and speed are crucial. It addresses situational awareness, user engagement and cognitive workload distribution to optimize the…

  • This literature review examines the effectiveness of in-vehicle information systems, or IVIS, in modern cars, focusing on their impact on driver safety. With variation in display screens and input designs across vehicles, the review evaluates how these systems — ranging…

  • This project focuses on identifying usability issues on the Aquarium Co-Op website, particularly with navigation, account creation and membership sign-up. Users often experience confusion, leading to site abandonment. The team will conduct a think-aloud walkthrough and survey to identify pain…

  • This project aims to design intuitive and accessible visualization interfaces for sports training systems. It focuses on making complex data easier to understand, offering real-time analysis and ensuring accessibility. The goal is to improve athletic performance by bridging the gap…

  • This project compiles literature on air traffic controller training protocols over the past fifty years, assessing their effectiveness. The goal is to review past and present training methods to guide future research and improve training practices, with a focus on…

  • This project explores the challenges visually impaired individuals face when navigating the web, comparing existing and emerging web design technologies aimed at aiding them. The goal is to produce a literature review that guides future research and improves web design…

  • This team’s literature review examines approaches to reducing automation bias in artificial intelligence medical imaging due to missing demographic data on race and sex. It explores how these biases impact clinician trust and diagnostic accuracy, particularly for women and racial…

  • This team addresses parking issues at ASU’s Polytechnic campus, where limited spaces and traffic congestion create stress for students and faculty. Using human systems engineering principles and surveys, the team will identify pain points and propose data-driven solutions for improved…

  • This team focuses on linguistically diverse teams, where varying native languages can complicate communication. However, research suggests that, with proper management, linguistic diversity can enhance team adaptability and success. This literature review aims to explore how language influences thought and…