Dr Sara Pazell 
Design practice involves taking risks[i], [ii]. Like the exposure of one’s soft underbelly, the disclosure of a new idea means allowing for vulnerability. An idea may be discarded by a manager, shot down by our peers, or, if trialled, the outcomes may not achieve what was intended! This is iterative design practice: design goes back … Read more
This abstract has been developed from excerpts from the following research: Pazell, S. (Unpublished thesis: submitted for examination 31 Mar 2018): Good work design: Strategies to embed human-centred design in organisations. University of Queensland, Sustainable Minerals Institute. Psychological safety has been linked to work engagement[i], vitality[ii], performance[iii], and learning capability[iv] at an individual and team level. … Read more
Human-centred design, or design for diversity, is an approach to achieve social justice. So, too, ergonomics (a practice underpinning human-centred design) is a process, not a product[i]. The conditions in which design may best occur include supportive leadership (in a compelling and pervasive manner) with methods to engage effective and transparent decision-making[ii]. Systems must be established … Read more
This paper has been developed from excerpts from the following research: Pazell, S. (2018): Good work design: Strategies to embed human-centred design in organisations [published thesis]. Brisbane, QLD: University of Queensland, Sustainable Minerals Institute. There is a peaceful and constructive social movement underway that is challenging our norms, values, and culture: the advancement of human-centred approaches … Read more
Occupational Salutogenesis focuses on work and work systems that support health, well-being, productivity, and sustainability, rather than the factors that cause disease, illness, and injury (a pathogenic approach)[i], [ii]. A salutogenesis model in the instance of work implies a transactional relationship among workers, managers, tasks, and the environment, in which design affordances can provide for … Read more
(This concept was presented at SIA Visions 2017, 22 May, Toowoomba, QLD) We talk about the development of a positive corporate leadership culture, sustainable business performance, safety leadership, inclusivity, diversity, health, and well-being. We assume this will occur while work is performed in a safe manner. Zero fatalities, thank you very much. The challenge: this all fizzles out … Read more
The value of a human factors and ergonomics practice deserves examination. The methods can help a business elevate their programs beyond “injury prevention” toward “invention”. Ergonomics, generally, is poorly understood and under-represented (Dul et al, 2012; Hedge, 2015; Reegård et al, 2015; and Wilson, 1994). The competencies of a certified professional ergonomist (CPE) are assessed in … Read more
Positive thinking is a step toward good design. We have the opportunity to excite our workforce through structured, participative methods that empower workers to become architects of superior work design. A participative approach is inherent and fundamental to the tenets of human-centred design (HiD: Humans in Design). Participative ergonomics is consultative by nature and it extends beyond … Read more
