About the lecture
During his long and successful career, Professor Fray has developed and evaluated various devices that assist human performance.
His lecture will explore the contribution of ergonomics and human factors to the understanding of the design of assistive technologies.
The user centred approach of human factors relies on a clear understanding of human performance. This, he will argue, should always drive the creation of new technologies.
Unfortunately, many assistive products are designed and built from the manufacturer’s perspective and do not fully meet the requirements of the user.
Examples from visually impaired sport, healthcare and the rehabilitation setting will highlight that the relationship between user needs and the design of any assistive device can – and should – be optimised.
The lecture will be delivered in a unique format, supported by a personal interest in music from the last 60 years. There will be beer. There will be rock and roll.
About the lecturer
With first degrees in Ergonomics (Loughborough) and Physiotherapy (Leeds), Professor Fray enjoyed a varied career prior to his full-time academic roles. He held research posts with the Ford Motor Company and ICE Ergonomics before specialising in physical injury treatment and prevention.
In 1996, while working in the NHS, he created the world-leading postgraduate patient handling programme to improve the knowledge of ergonomics and safety across UK health and social care.
He has served on the boards of various professional organisations that improve the safety of patient handling delivery in the UK, USA and New Zealand. After many years as a visiting academic in the Business School, he completed his PhD in the Department of Human Sciences and joined the University in 2011.
His research specialisms include assistive technologies in healthcare, disability sport and industrial activities. His portfolio includes a strong body of commercially funded projects with ambulance and health services, equipment manufacturers and providers.
More recently he has been the project lead for a national programme to educate Patient Safety Specialists across the NHS in England.
For further information on this lecture, please contact the Events team.
