Human Factors & Usability

Crux’s Human Factors team brings together usability-focused professionals with expertise across Design, UX, Bioengineering, Behavioural Science, Psychology, Mechanical Engineering, and Ergonomics. These diverse skills enable multi-perspective analysis, generating insights that guide product development and strengthen human factors strategies.

Image: Crux Product Design, Human Factors team in India conducting research in a remote part of India, two woman talking with face coverings by a hamock.

Impactful Human Factors

At Crux, the user sits at the heart of every decision. Understanding who they are and what they need is the foundation for creating products that are intuitive, enjoyable, safe, and effective. We push beyond conventional approaches, applying innovative and exploratory methodologies, from immersive ethnographic research to cutting-edge capability assessment, to reveal deeper insights into user behaviour. Through the translation of findings into actionable insights, we ensure that every development decision reflects real-world experiences and user needs.

Image: Human Factors & Usability testing, a user trying out a product and an engineer taking notes of how it is being used.

Image: A person in scrubs holding a drug delivery device and another person holding a phone, viewing a screen which displays the results of the medical device.

Integrated into Device Development

Embedding Human Factors expertise within multi-disciplinary teams unlocks user insights to support product success. Acting as user advocates throughout development, our specialists translate complex user needs into actionable design decisions. This seamless integration not only accelerates timelines by reducing and de-risking costly redesigns but also delivers superior, user-centric solutions that enhance safety, effectiveness, adherence, and commercial performance.

Global Reach

Crux’s global presence spans our Bristol Campus and Boston Office, enabling us to collaborate with partners and support usability engineering on both sides of the Atlantic. Alongside our capabilities for remote research, we conduct user studies worldwide to inform solutions which are globally suitable.

Expertise

Image: A human factors engineer in front of a laptop with headphones, reviewing recordings on three large screens of usability testing

Generative Research

Including users early ensures products are built on real needs. We apply generative research techniques, powered by a multidisciplinary team spanning UX, behavioural science, and design research.

Image: A medical device designed by Crux held in hand, in the other hand is the app with results, held in front of a table with a plant

Embedded Human Factors

Medical devices fit into complex workflows and environments. We examine the full user experience and device needs through contextual inquiry, diary studies, workflow mapping, and simulations.

Precision Study Execution

At Crux, we deliver Formative, Summative, and Validation studies in real-world and clinical settings. Our approach ensures smooth recruitment, compliance with 62366 and FDA guidance, and clear reporting.

Image: Two people sat at a table conducing usability studies with a laptop and products on the table

Cross-Sector Application

Our team apply the uncompromising rigour of medical system development across every sector, from consumer products to surgical instruments and diagnostic devices.

Image: A man with glasses and a medical mask, with a syringe

Beyond Safe and Effective

We go beyond safety and effectiveness, delivering insights that keep users central to device development. Through user requirements, documentation, and collaborative workshops, to drive solutions.

Image: A graph called the double diamond v1

Strategic Human Factors Integration

We provide expert consulting aligned with regulations, partnering with clients to shape Human Factors strategies that reduce risk, accelerate success, and embed usability from the start.

Image: Natasha Fosker, Human Factors Lead at Crux Product Design

“At Crux, our Human Factors team brings together specialists in engineering, design, psychology and behavioral science to tackle complex usability challenges. By combining diverse perspectives with cutting-edge practices, we partner to create solutions that not only meet regulatory standards but also set new benchmarks for innovation and user experience. “

Natasha Fosker Head of Human Factors

Contact Natasha

Further competencies.

Electronics & Software

Redefining the possible. From the microscale to the macroscale, our teams specialise in crafting custom electronics solutions for a wide array of tailored applications.

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Applied Sciences

We translate even the most complex challenges into real-world scientific principles decoding the solution space, enabling data-driven decision-making with confidence.

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Mechanical Engineering

From requirements to root cause analysis, testing to tolerance modelling, we boast an extensive range of capabilities to accelerate our clients’ development programmes.

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Design

Our designers sit shoulder-to-shoulder with usability & engineering experts enabling effective exploration of early designs through these intertwined perspectives.

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Project Management

Turning visions into reality by efficiently coordinating every aspect of your project.

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