Cognitive Design

I am always on the lookout for unique approaches to designing for how minds work (cognitive design).  Recently, I recieved a note introducing me to  perception-based engineering at Purdue University.

Definitely an approach to cognitive design and a very rigorous one as you might expect.  Mathematical models of the key design parameters or features of the product are linked to information processing models of perception, memory and decision making and the resulting framework is used to optimize the design based on its impact on cognition. Amazingly, special attention to “human responses” in the form of comfort, pleasure, perception of quality and decisions made are included in the approach.

Purdue coined the phrase perception-based engineering and has granted more that 25 Ph.Ds. in the area and has some notable successes in industrial and automotive design using it.  Perhaps more importantly, Purdue’s program in Healthcare Engineering, sees it as part of the solution for our healthcare crisis:

“The efficiency and quality of healthcare delivery can be enhanced by perception-based engineering- optimal design for the human-interface aspects of machines and environments in engineered healthcare systems. Informed inclusion of cognitive and sensory processes in design of these facilities, instruments, and machines can greatly improve the working environment for healthcare providers and, most importantly, improve the quality of care and patient safety. This mode of engineering compliments the systems analysis and modeling expertise present in the Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering.”

Perception-based engineering is supported by many departments at Purdue including the Herrick laboratory which just completed an $11M fund raising.  Once renovations are complete, Purdue will be operating one of the foremost perception-based engineering laboratories in the world.  Go Boilermakers!