Usability Testing of Medical Devices

Since the publication of the first edition, the FDA and other regulatory groups have modified their regulations and expectations regarding how medical device manufacturers should approach usability testing. Reflecting these changes, this second edition provides updated guidance to medical device manufacturers and other interested readers. Key updates include new requirements, detailed instructions for linking usability test tasks to risk analysis results, and methods for analyzing root causes of use errors that occur during usability tests. The book’s authors are well-known thought leaders in the medical device industry.

Michael E. Wiklund is general manager of the human factors engineering (HFE) practice at UL-Wiklund, as well as professor of the practice at Tufts University, where he teaches courses on HFE. He has more than 30 years of experience in HFE, much of which has focused on medical technology development. His work has involved optimizing the safety, effectiveness, usability, and appeal of various products. Widely published, he is a certified human factors professional and one of the primary contributors to today’s most pertinent guidelines on the HFE of medical devices: AAMI HE75 and IEC 62366.

Jonathan Kendler is design director of UL-Wiklund’s human factors engineering (HFE) team. He has worked in the HFE profession since receiving his bachelor of fine arts degree in visual design from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. He earned his master’s degree in human factors in information design from now Bentley University. His design portfolio ranges from small, handheld medical devices to room-size diagnostic scanners. In addition, he has co-taught applied software user interface design at Tufts University, and delivered HFE workshops to medical and nonmedical clients.

Allison Y. Strochlic is research director of UL-Wiklund’s human factors engineering (HFE) team. She earned her bachelor of science degree in HFE from Tufts University, and her master’s degree in human factors in information design from Bentley University. A board-certified human factors professional, she is a member of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society New England Chapter, User Experience Professionals Association, and Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation Home Use Environment Committee. She has served as a part-time lecturer at Tufts University, and delivered multiple presentations to industry and academic audiences.