Toyota - Human Factors Co-op

Note: This page will continue to update as my work becomes public.

The summer of 2024, I was a Co-op on the human-factors team of the advanced development vehicle/mobility engineering division at the Saline, MI office.

During my time at Toyota, I got hands on experience with usability, human factors and data processing. I learned how to implement new technologies such as VR and Car Simulators into the human factors process.

I am so grateful to Toyota for all of the learning and Professional Development opportunities they provided.

Phil Babian(manager), Patrick Garrett (mentor), Ben Austin, Anthony Elenbaas, Becky Kirschweng, Kim Nguyen, March Reish, Dianne Tykoski

Contributions

Usability Testing

Planned and preformed in-person mixed method usability testing of three different Multimedia Systems (Methods included: SUS, SEQ, Eye Tracking, interviewing, and Likert)

Completed AB testing on capacitive multi-function steering wheel buttons compared to standard ones

Ensured new designs matched customer expectation from and feedback on previous designs.

Ergonomic Metrics

Planned and executed a large scale study on comfort of different straddled seating positions to create a h-point model for bikes and motorcycles

Utilized the NIOSH Lifiting equation to create a model for optimal handle positioning

Created seat accomadations metrics for Joby eVOL Planes

Data Analysis

Planned and executed a large scale study on customer preferences [on a confidential topic]

Created a Machine Learning Model to predict how changes [in the topic] would affect the customer's preference

Coded a data processing system for eye tracking that reduced data processing time by 95%

Created Libraries on Machine Learning, Data Analysis, optimal handle positioning that are usable for future use by non-coders

Professional development:

  • Visiting Toyota's Largest Vehicle Manufacturing Plant in Kentucky

  • Taking a class on the Toyota Production System

  • Being Matched with a Senpai in my field

  • Presenting my work to the Vice President

  • Meet two members of the Toyoda Family

  • Watch a Test Crash

  • Taking a class on off road driving

  • Taking Weekly courses on professional development and career options

  • Getting an Internal License to drive Test Vehicles

  • Networking by Volunteering at Pride, Going Bowling, Planting Trees, and Attending a baseball game