Division 21 has been devoted to human-centered design since the 1950s: Comment on Lyon, Brewer, and Areán (2020).

Abstract

In the article, "Leveraging Human-Centered Design to Implement Modern Psychological Science," Lyon et al. (2020) presented a case for human-centered design without noting that this has been the focus of Division 21, Applied Experimental and Engineering Psychology, since its founding in 1957. Once acquainted with the work and expertise of Division 21 members, APA members will find the division is devoted to applications of psychological science in all areas of human-centered design and, with its collaborative and interdisciplinary focus, a force to reduce siloing in psychology.

Collaboratively maximizing the impact of human-centered design in psychological and implementation science: Reply to Proctor et al. (2021).

“…Proctor et al’s (2021) comment “Division 21 Has Been Devoted to Human-Centered Design Since the 1950s” on our article (Lyon et al, 2020) is a welcome addition and useful touchpoint surrounding the historical and current relationship between human-centered design and psychological science. “Siloing” in psychology inhibits the progress of the discipline.…”

“…We are grateful to Proctor and colleagues (Proctor et al, 2021) for their response to our article, "Leveraging Human-Centered Design to Implement Modern Psychological Science" (Lyon et al, 2020) and articulation of the early contributions of engineering psychology and Division 21 to human-centered design (HCD). The response exemplifies the collegial scholarly dialogue that we hoped to prompt, and we regret that our acknowledgment of the work of their members was insufficient.…”

“…In the recent special issue, Purtle et al (2020) detailed how dissemination of psychological science can be enhanced through clear specification and segmentation of audiences to align with strategic goals. Proctor and colleagues (Proctor et al, 2021) specify that engineering psychology is focused on “technology in general, not just to digital technologies.” If implementation professionals in psychology are an intended audience, engineering psychology’s dissemination might be well served by articulating its specific relevance to the psychosocial technologies and services (e.g., behavioral practices, psychotherapies) that most commonly arise from the psychological sciences.…”