Human Factors Cast

Human Factors Cast

Take a deeper look into the human element in our ever changing digital world. Human Factors Cast is a podcast that investigates the sciences of psychology, engineering, biomechanics, industrial design, physiology and anthropometry and how it affects our interaction with technology. Hosted by Nick Roome, Blake Arnsdorff, and Barry Kirby.

Episodes

January 9, 2026 • 61 mins

In this episode of Human Factors Cast, hosts Nick Roome and Barry Kirby discuss ten UX design trends projected for 2026. Major topics include the increasing importance of explainable AI, the future of voice interfaces, the evolution of augmented reality from prototypes to practical applications, and the rise of dynamic, personalized user interfaces. They also delve into the necessity for accessibility to become a foundational desig...

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Episode Link: https://www.humanfactorscast.media/311

In this episode of Human Factors Cast, Nick Roome and Barry Kirby delve into the work-life trends for 2025-2026, as reported by Glassdoor. Why does leadership trust continue to decline? How are layoffs shaping psychological safety? What is the role of AI in employee satisfaction? They also share their unique insights and experiences as leaders in the field. 

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This week on Human Factors Cast, Nick Roome and Barry Kirby dive into how AI is reshaping human factors and UX roles. First, we discuss seven emerging jobs due to AI, such as AI decision auditor and transparency designer. We debate which roles are actually new versus functions human factors professionals already perform. Then, we explore the implications of AI in creative fields and education. How should we adapt our teaching metho...

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November 14, 2025 • 59 mins

Episode Link: https://www.humanfactorscast.media/309

In this episode of Human Factors Cast, Nick Rome and Barry Kirby discuss AI video technology, mixed reality advancements, a return to physical controls in cars, and the introduction of humanoid robots in households. They reflect on their hiatus and share personal updates. Key topics include the evolution of AI-generated videos, the shift towards mixed reality, Euro NCAP's push fo...

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March 21, 2025 • 52 mins

Episode Link: http://www.humanfactorscast.media

In this episode of Human Factors Cast, join host Nick Roome with guests Meghan Michaels and Erin Gustafson as they cover their experiences at South by Southwest (SXSW) 2025. The episode covers the key takeaways regarding the representation of Human Factors, UX, and Human-Centered Design at the event. Megan and Erin also share unexpected moments, valuable networking experiences, and in...

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February 20, 2025 • 53 mins

Episode Link: http://www.humanfactorscast.media

Join Nick Roome and Barry Kirby in this live-recorded episode of Human Factors Cast as they delve into five recent high-profile aircraft incidents. They analyze the human factors aspects and discuss the challenges faced by air traffic controllers, pilots, and other aviation professionals. The incidents covered include a tragic mid-air collision involving an army helicopter and an Amer...

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    January 9, 2025 • 64 mins

    Episode Link: http://www.humanfactorscast.media

    In this episode, we dig into the most exciting and bizarre innovations from CES 2025. Topics include: emerging technologies like flexible displays, new robot vacuums, flying vehicles, and advanced AI applications. We also touch on trends in the automotive industry and the potential future of personal assistants and virtual companions.

    News:

    • https://www.ces.tech/

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    Episode Link: http://www.humanfactorscast.media

    In this episode of Human Factors Cast, Nick and Barry dive into the latest advancements in humanoid robots, including a collaboration between Boston Dynamics and Toyota Research Institute. They also discuss the exciting new spacesuits developed by NASA in partnership with luxury brand Prada for the upcoming moon missions. The conversation touches on various related topics, such as AI ...

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    October 25, 2024 • 42 mins

    Join Nick Rome and Frank Lacson as they dive into creating a custom GPT tailored for human factors, UX, and HCI professionals, incorporating key standards and guidelines. Highlights include a look at ergonomic design in contexts like X-Wing cockpits and high-speed boats, refining AI capabilities, and examining core human factors engineering principles. Engage with practical advice, community interactions, and innovative design prac...

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    Welcome to Episode 304 of Human Factors Cast, this episode dives into the FTC's click to cancel rule simplifying subscription cancellations; new pedestrian safety guidelines for large vehicles; Hilton's partnership with Be My Eyes to enhance accessibility for blind and low vision guests; and SpaceX's groundbreaking achievement in catching a Super Heavy Booster rocket. The conversation touches on the cultural impacts of vehicle desi...

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    October 11, 2024 • 57 mins

    In this episode of Human Factors Cast, hosts Nick Roome and Barry Kirby reunite to discuss their podcast's revival, sharing insights from the HFES Aspire conference and interactions with attendees. They preview the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors' 'Think Human' exhibition and introduce Google's AI tool, Notebook LM. The episode also covers our return to podcasting, focusing on content sustainability and quality....

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    In this episode of Human Factors Cast, host Nick Roome interviews HFES organizers at the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) ASPIRE conference, including Sylvain Bruni and Philippe Doyon-Pulin. They share information about the HFES Ombuds program, and the Aerospace Systems Technical Group.

    Sylvain Bruni: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylvainbruni/

    Philippe Doyon-Pulin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippe-doyon-poulin-79374011...

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    In this episode of Human Factors Cast, host Nick Roome interviews first-time attendees of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) conference, including Alex Wong, Lilia Bowden, and Algelia Burton. They share their backgrounds, initial impressions, and insights from the event.

    Alex Wang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-y-wang/

    Lilia Bowden: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maaliyah-bowden-2a391818a/

    Algelia Burton: https://www.lin...

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    May 17, 2024 • 40 mins

    In this thrilling episode of Human Factors Cast, your hosts Nick Roome and Barry Kirby dive deep into their experiences at the Ergonomics & Human Factors (EHF) 2024 conference, celebrating its 75th anniversary. They explore Barry's journey into the world of rail safety, wearables, and the intriguing world of AI in human factors, sharing valuable insights and future trends. Nick, freshly concluding his tenure as president of the...

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    April 5, 2024 • 128 mins

    In this harmonious and groundbreaking episode, your favorite hosts, Nick and Barry, take a melodious detour from their traditional discussions on Human Factors and Ergonomics. "Human Factors Cast: The Musical!" transforms the complex world of human-centered design into an immersive soundscape, leveraging the power of Artificial Intelligence to compose music that encapsulates the essence of human factors.

    Mentioned in this episode:

    12...

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    In this episode, Nick Roome and Barry Kirby, explore the burgeoning world of gaming accessibility tools, envisaging their broader applications beyond gaming, and ponder the implications of AI surpassing humans in creativity tests. The duo also touches on the potential of integrating multimedia into Human Factors discourse, aiming to make it more interactive and engaging for the community. Join us for an insightful conversation on h...

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    In this lively episode of Human Factors Cast, the hosts, Nick Roome and Barry Kirby, traverse different industries discussing the potential and existing implications of human factors and AI. The conversation turns into a discussion of how Human Factors can grow into areas like agriculture and farming, prisons, education, government, and even the music industry, exploring the intricate ties between human factors, user experience, a...

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    In this episode, we dive deep into the current crisis of tech layoffs, linking it to AI advancements and possible overlooked responsibilities. The discussion criticizes top tech companies for their unsustainable reliance on AI while overlooking the human element. It highlights the need for professionals specialized in AI-Human integration, predicting a potential boom in demand for such professionals by 2025. Shifting gears to CES 2...

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    January 11, 2024 • 96 mins

    Join us in episode 297 as we delve into exciting changes to our podcast format, aimed at fostering more community-driven discussions. We discuss various human factors trends currently in the news, such as the post office's user interface scandal and the Boeing 737 issues. We take a look at considerable issues like the education system, usage of biometric data in surveillance, and the need to inspire future generations about human f...

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    December 14, 2023 • 58 mins

    In this episode of Human Factors Cast, join host Nick Roome and co-hosts Barry Kirby and Heidi Mehrzad as they dive deep into the world of Tesla's Cybertruck. They explore the unique design and features of Elon Musk's brainchild, as well as question its safety and usability aspects. This comprehensive and passionate discussion brings together varied viewpoints on Tesla's futuristic vehicle. Is it truly a breakthrough in automobile ...

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