ABSTRACT
This chapter explains designers of the role of Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) within interior architecture with specific consideration of design challenges across the lifespan in promoting health and well-being. The role of HFE is to apply a scientific approach to the design of the systems in which people interact with their physical, organizational and social environments to give the two key outcomes of optimizing human well-being and performance. There has been a tendency to use the term 'Ergonomics' to refer to interactions with the physical environment, and 'Human Factors' in connection with psychological and organizational issues. The design of the educational environment has many HFE challenges in relation to furniture, classroom layout, equipment, individual storage, lighting and ventilation. Dementia is predicted to become increasingly prevalent in the future, creating a challenge in providing appropriate housing where the design of the environment can contribute towards the management of illness.
