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
Episode Link: http://www.humanfactorscast.media
In episode 323 of Human Factors Cast (recorded August 20, 2026), Nick Roome and Barry Kirby discuss a paper on the “social cost” of adding an AI teammate to small teams, comparing three-human teams with teams of two humans plus an AI in a high-stakes decision task. They also share conference updates (ASPIRE paper/panel, IEA 2027 deadlines), and answer a question on the futu...
Episode Link: https://www.humanfactorscast.media/322
In this episode of Human Factors Cast (recorded July 23, 2026), Nick Roome and Barry Kirby discuss a new Technical University of Munich paper arguing that major AI safety risks come less from model errors and more from how people and organizations interact with AI, including over-reliance and loss of oversight.
News:
Episode Link: https://www.humanfactorscast.media/321
Nick Roome and Barry Kirby return live for Human Factors Cast Episode 321 after a month off. The main announcement is that Human Factors Cast has transitioned into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation aimed at improving human factors visibility through education, outreach, community, grants, and research on human factors communication, with stated core values including accessibility, ...
Episode Link: https://www.humanfactorscast.media/320
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Join us for episode 320 of Human Factors Cast, recorded live May 15, 2026,. Nick Roome and Barry Kirby share updates including a recap Barry’s EHF conference highlights. They discuss Stanford’s 2026 AI Index and an MIT Tech Review report on agentic AI in software engi...
Episode Link: https://www.humanfactorscast.media/319
This week on the show we discuss Artemis II’s 10-day crewed mission around the Moon as a major milestone and a human factors reality check. From core issues of living and working in Orion’s cramped space—limited privacy, disrupted sleep, fatigue, team dynamics, autonomy, tight workload, and the gap between engineering readiness and human readiness—to post-l...
Episode Link: http://www.humanfactorscast.media
News:
- Human Factors Cast episode 318 (recorded April 2, 2026) - This week, Nick Roome is joined by Megan Michaels to recap SXSW 2026 (March 12–18 in Austin) and its dominant themes, especially AI’s real-world impact, ethics, and the growing need to make “the human piece” explicit. Megan describes SXSW as a convergence of tech, film, music, startups, and gover...
Episode Link: https://www.humanfactorscast.media/317
- In this episode, Nick Roome and Barry Kirby shift from AI back to space, using two moon-related stories to frame human factors risks. We discuss proposals for monthly lunar landings by 2027 and argue that higher cadence turns engineering success into a human performance problem involving fatigue, procedural drift, maintenance pressures, training handoffs, coordination across c...
Nick Roome and Barry Kirby discuss NASA’s Artemis program overhaul, including a 2028 target for the first crewed lunar landing, added testing to reduce risk from complex first-time operations, a 2027 mission placing at least one lunar lander into low Earth orbit, and testing Axiom Space’s new spacesuit, alongside reflections on safety culture, organizational decision-making, public trust, and trade-offs of higher launch...
Episode Link: https://www.humanfactorscast.media/315
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- This week we discuss AI’s indirect effects on work and mental health, plus a major update on US air traffic control modernization. We cover “AI replacement dysfunction,” described as stress, anxiety, insomnia, and identity loss driven by the narrative that AI will make workers obsolete, and debate whether it reflects AI-specific harm or broader workplace...
Join Nick Roome and Barry Kirby in Episode 314 of Human Factors Cast! In this live-recorded episode, the focus is on artificial intelligence (AI) and its unavoidable presence in human factors and UX. The duo dives deep into security, trust, and teamwork between humans and AI. You'll also hear the latest from the new segment, This Week in Aerospace, which covers advanced air mobility's future in the US.
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In this episode of Human Factors Cast, Nick Roome and Barry Kirby dive into the latest and greatest from CES 2026. You'll hear about the most exciting and disappointing new tech, from AI missteps to innovative modular repairable headphones. Learn about the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI in consumer products, why usability still matters, and how evolving tech can both enhance and complicate daily life.
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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...
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...
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 for...
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...
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 Ameri...
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 b...
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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