# Episode 87: Human-centred design - Isabelle Ormerod

- Show: [Robot Talk](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk)
- Published: 2024-05-31
- Length: 26m
- Episode: 87
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-05-31-episode-87-human-centred-design-isabelle-ormerod
- Listen: https://ukrobotics.libsyn.com/episode-eighty-seven-isabelle-ormerod

## Summary

Isabelle Ormerod, a PhD student at the University of Bristol’s Design and Manufacturing Futures Lab, explains how data-driven human factors and mixed reality can improve the design of medical and industrial robotics. She details the trade-offs between qualitative ethnographic research and quantitative sensing, noting that while rich data is vital for safety, it creates bottlenecks in prototyping. Ormerod also discusses her leadership role in Women in Robotics UK, highlighting initiatives like the Launchbox grant and efforts to address systemic barriers such as the gender pay gap and lack of early STEM exposure.

## Chapters

- [0:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-05-31-episode-87-human-centred-design-isabelle-ormerod#t=8) Introduction: Robot Talk and Isabelle Ormerod
- [2:24](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-05-31-episode-87-human-centred-design-isabelle-ormerod#t=144) Defining Human Factors and Human-Centred Design
- [5:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-05-31-episode-87-human-centred-design-isabelle-ormerod#t=315) Qualitative vs. Quantitative Data in Design Processes
- [9:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-05-31-episode-87-human-centred-design-isabelle-ormerod#t=540) Using Mixed Reality and Eye Tracking in Robotics
- [13:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-05-31-episode-87-human-centred-design-isabelle-ormerod#t=806) Women in Robotics UK: Events and Leadership
- [18:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-05-31-episode-87-human-centred-design-isabelle-ormerod#t=1107) Barriers to Entry and Systemic Inequality in STEM

## Topics

- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- University of Bristol (company)
- Bristol Robotics Lab (company)
- Women in Robotics UK (company)
- Royal Academy of Engineering (company)
- Eye tracking (tool)
- Ethnes (tool)
- Mixed reality headset (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [525: Some Sort of Metal](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-05-14-525-some-sort-of-metal) (Embedded.fm)
- [S6E33 Bryant Foster | Design for Human Factors & User Experience](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2025-08-15-s6e33-bryant-foster-design-for-human-factors-user-experience) (Being an Engineer)
- [305: Humans Have a Terrible Spec Sheet](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-10-03-305-humans-have-a-terrible-spec-sheet) (Embedded.fm)
- [181: Leadership and Ethics in the Adoption of Robotics with Ryan Gariepy, CTO of Clearpath Robotics & OTTO Motors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-04-16-181-leadership-and-ethics-in-the-adoption-of-robotics-with-ryan-gariepy-cto-of-c) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [393: Don't Drive My Baby Off the Table](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-11-19-393-dont-drive-my-baby-off-the-table) (Embedded.fm)

## Citing this page

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