Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS) Process Workflow & Information Management Redesign Practice Exam

Which dimension does NOT differentiate human factors from human-computer interaction?

1. Human factors emphasizes user safety

2. Human factors neglects user psychology

3. Human factors emphasizes innovative design

4. Human factors considers physical usability

The correct answer is: Human factors emphasizes innovative design

Human factors is a discipline focused on understanding the interactions between humans and other elements of a system, with particular emphasis on improving user performance, safety, and satisfaction. This field involves an in-depth analysis of human capabilities and limitations to ensure systems are designed in a way that accommodates how humans think and behave. The assertion that human factors emphasizes innovative design is less accurate because human factors primarily seeks to optimize design for user experience and safety based on existing user behavior, rather than striving for innovation in design per se. While innovative design can be a goal or byproduct of the analysis, it is not a defining characteristic that differentiates human factors from human-computer interaction. Human-computer interaction focuses more on the interface and usability of the technology itself to facilitate better user engagement. In contrast, the other dimensions prominently emphasize critical aspects of human factors, such as safety considerations, the psychological dimensions of user interaction, and the necessity for physical usability. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in informing the design of systems and interfaces to ensure they meet the needs and realities of human users.