Episode 7

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Published on:

18th Jan 2024

Women in (Med)Tech in HF/UX (ft. Rebecca Grier)

Join us in our latest ‘Let’s Get Real’ episode of Safe and Effective, where we delve into a nuanced and multi-faceted conversation with Rebecca Grier, a behavioral science expert in human factors and UX in the tech industry, discussing the broader issues of inequities and inequalities faced by women in the workplace, with a focus on behavioral sciences in the Tech and MedDev industries, particularly in the realms of human factors (HF) and user experience (UX).

Together, we explore topics such as biases, advantages and disadvantages, the perception of HF and UX, their interrelationship, historical context, and their application across various industries and organizations. Drawing from our professional and personal experiences, we share insights into the challenges encountered by women in our careers, how the science of human factors has evolved and continuously reinvented itself over the past century, and how our mutual love for data and statistics allows us to embrace our inner data geeks and have fun our own ‘scientist-y’ way. 

In a moment of candid reflection, we address the realities of misogyny and sexism, both subtle and overt, that we have encountered throughout our careers and lives, how we confronted them and prevailed, and how we remain hopeful for a future where the next generation of women can thrive in a genuinely gender-equal society.

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About the Podcast

Safe and Effective
The Medical Human Factors Podcast
If you're interested in staying informed about the latest developments in medical human factors and user experience, then Safe and Effective is the podcast for you. We bring you lessons learned, case studies, and regulatory updates, through our conversations with experts from industry, academia, and government to share their insights and experiences with you. Join us as we explore the world of human factors and its impact on the medical field. Whether you're an industry expert or a novice looking to learn more, Safe and Effective, The Medical Human Factors Podcast is for you.

About your host

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Heidi M

Heidi is the founder and CEO of the medical human factors and usability consultancy HFUX Research, LLC, which specializes in medical device, technology, and combination product research, design, testing, and development. She has a wide-ranging background as a trained pilot, emergency medical technician, software analyst and human factors and usability expert within the (medical) product development industry. Her motivation for the past 20 years has been directed toward enhancing human-product performance by optimizing user interface design, information architecture and user and product workflow, through the application of human factors science and usability practices. She is an active mentor in the HF/UX community and HFES society. She holds patents in GUI design for medical imaging and surgical navigation software systems, a BS in Aeronautics, and a MS in Human Factors and Systems, both from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, as well as technical degrees in IT Mgmt. and Emergency Medical Services, from Sacred Heart University and Daytona State College.