Safety in Design: Human factors influencing safe design of a new technology

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the role of safety in the design of new technologies in a high-risk industry. For this study 7 interviews were conducted with designers and developers who worked together as a team to develop a new technology for the oil and gas industry. The data analysis was done using grounded theory based on the ideas of Strauss and Corbin (1990). The analysis showed that the interaction between humans and the technology is critical to the safety of the design. Therefore it is not possible to base safe design solely on technical features; latent failures are not just technical. A more holistic approach to safety is necessary when judging the safety of design, and the designer’s understanding of the competencies of the end-users is central to this.