Human factors refer to the study of how people interact with systems, products, and environments. This field focuses on understanding human abilities, limitations, and behaviors to improve safety, efficiency, and user experience. For example, in designing a cockpit for an airplane, engineers consider how pilots perceive information and make decisions to ensure they can operate the aircraft effectively. By applying principles of human factors, designers can create tools and environments that are more intuitive and user-friendly. This can be seen in everyday items like smartphones and computer interfaces, where usability is prioritized to enhance user satisfaction and reduce errors.