Ergonomics/Human Factors Applied in Formative Research at the Faculty of Industrial Design, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana

One of the teaching strategies at the Faculty of Design's Ergonomics Research Division at the Pontificia Bolivariana University (UPB) in Medellín, Colombia, incorporates the conceptual, technical and procedural foundations of Ergonomics/Human Factors with the development of degree work. This is conducted within a framework known as the System of Training in Research (SFI, in its Spanish acronym), and whose objective is to educate in the research process, with the design project as a reference point. This paper presents the SFI's structure and objectives, its relationship with the Industrial Design Curriculum, and the way it interacts with the principles of Ergonomics/Human Factors and the investigative training courses in design. The paper also presents a summary of two projects (degree work) that has sport (and related products, systems or environments) as a central theme, and includes their general objectives, methodologies, a brief description of fieldwork and the results of the process.