User or Human centred design is an approach which ensures complex interactive systems meet the requirements of the end user and optimise human and operational performance in the workplace. Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) such as: control rooms, and vehicle and locomotive cabs are common examples where human centred design can be systematically applied.

It supports Human Factors Engineering to ensure that, in addition to the application of human factors principles in design, the local context of the workplace and knowledge and experience of end users is captured and included in the design process.

If often consists of considerable collaboration, scenario testing and end user trials to ensure the plant, equipment and work systems are fit for purpose. These activities provide invaluable feedback from the end users, not just about the design itself but the design within the context of the broader workplace, for engineers to consider.