Meet the team: Q&A with Laura
Published: February 2025
Meet Laura Casey, who recently joined Shore as a Human Factors Consultant.
Now a few weeks into her role, we’ve had the opportunity to learn more about Laura’s journey into human factors, her thoughts on the industry, and what’s ahead for her at Shore!
Welcome to Shore, Laura! We’re delighted to have you join the team. Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to human factors?
Thank you! My path to human factors began with a fascination for understanding how the brain works. I earned a degree in neurobiology, which provided me with a strong foundation in biology and the scientific principles that underpin human physiology and behaviour.
Later, while pursuing an MSc in Psychology, I discovered the field of human factors. I was drawn to its practical applications and its focus on designing systems that truly work for people. From that point on, I knew I wanted to specialise in human factors, particularly in the medical device industry. I went on to study Human Factors and Ergonomics at the University of Nottingham.
How did you get into the medical device industry, and what do you enjoy most about it?
My interest in biology naturally drew me to the medical device industry, where science meets design to directly impact patient care. What I enjoy most is the challenge of designing intuitive devices that not only improve patient safety but also enhance the user experience. It’s satisfying to know that my work contributes to reducing errors and improving efficiency in healthcare.
Why is human factors so critical in the development of medical devices?
Human factors is essential because it directly affects the safety, effectiveness, and usability of medical devices. Regulatory bodies like the FDA require human factors evaluations, recognising that devices must work seamlessly for users to avoid dangerous errors. For example, if a device doesn’t deliver the correct medication dosage or diagnostic results, the consequences could be life-threatening. Beyond safety, incorporating human factors can also reduce recalls and ensure market success. It’s about creating devices that are both functional and user-friendly.
If you could improve one aspect of how medical device companies approach human factors, what would it be?
I’d love to see human factors embraced as a continuous and integrated part of the design process, rather than a tick-box exercise for regulatory compliance. Getting human factors experts involved early and often can lead to better outcomes. It’s also important to consider human factors in every aspect of design, from interfaces to Instructions for Use (IFUs), ensuring every detail supports safe and effective use.
What are your main priorities in your role at Shore?
At Shore, my focus is on expanding our human factors capabilities. We have an in-house usability suite to conduct studies locally and partnerships with study facilities abroad, allowing us to support our clients wherever their users are based. Beyond usability studies, we offer a broad range of human factors services, including preliminary analyses and risk management. My goal is to boost Shore’s position as a go-to consultancy for comprehensive human factors support.
How would you describe your experience working at Shore so far?
It’s been great so far! The projects are varied and interesting, and the team at Shore is supportive and knowledgeable. Being based in Leith is a bonus, with amazing cafes and a view of the river from my desk!
What’s on the horizon for you in the next few months?
I’m looking forward to working on several exciting projects. One of the tasks ahead is preparing a Known Use Problem (KUP) report, which involves analysing historical usability issues from similar devices to inform safer, more user-friendly designs. I’ll also be conducting a formative usability study in the US to evaluate device prototypes with real users. Closer to home, we have some in-house usability studies planned for a range of projects, making use of our usability suite here at Shore. It’s shaping up to be a busy few months!
More about Laura...
Hobbies: I play the flute in a local flute choir every week, which I really enjoy. I also have taken up sewing and embroidery recently.
Pets: I have two fluffy cats who keep me company on the days I work from home!
Last book you read: A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
Favourite place: Anywhere warm and sunny, preferably near a beach!
