From AI for Business to building a new industry: human factors, medical devices and AI

3 minute read
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From the youngest person on the diploma programme to a pioneer in medical devices advancement - shaping Human Factors consultancy specialising in AI.

When I received my acceptance letter from the University of Oxford I was flooded with emotions. A big dream was coming true, but diving into artificial intelligence (AI) as a psychologist was a big step. Especially at such a university. To add to it, I soon discovered I was the youngest participant ever enrolled on the programme, and the only psychologist amongst the cohort!

This programme didn't just redirect my career trajectory; it reshaped my entire perspective on business. Most importantly, it has enabled me to start a new job - a unique position that combines everything I have done in the past. And there is a lot! It seamlessly connected my past experiences in psychology, social research and user experience (UX), as well as the passion for human behaviour, which once even resulted in my behavioural research startup focusing on the use of biometric and AI tools.

Now, as a Human Factors Researcher and AI Specialist at Harvey Medical Consulting, a ClariMed Company, my responsibilities are both thrilling and impactful. Our mission? Combining psychology, technology, behavioural science along with comprehensive regulatory to enhance medical devices. Personally, I focus on medical devices that use AI.

I still know more about people than I do about technology, but having completed the programme at Saïd Business School, we are able to form great, diverse teams where finally psychologists and engineers work together and understand each other. While I might still understand humans better than machine learning algorithms, my time at Saïd Business School has equipped me to thrive in multidisciplinary teams. Finally, psychologists and engineers, seemingly worlds apart, can speak the same language!

Our latest venture involves the integration of biometric tools into research, propelling the quality and breadth of our results. This not only enhances the quality of our findings but also fortifies our stance against potential biases in systems that are considered as one of the biggest risks in AI for medical devices.

In essence, we're creating a unique niche - one that prioritises comprehensive human research, spanning reactions, preferences and emotions for the future AI developments in healthcare. As I immerse myself in supporting the evolution of medical devices, particularly AI-driven tools like surgical robots, I can't help but feel a sense of pride. The realm of human factors in AI, previously rather non-existent, is now emerging. And I am creating it!

How instrumental was the AI for Business programme at Oxford in this journey? Crucial. Beyond the magical experience of studying amidst Oxford's historic walls, the curriculum packed a wealth of knowledge into a short span, it was also about the rich experiences outside of it. What stood out just as much as the knowledge I gained were the connections I made. The programme ushered me into global network of brilliant minds, and even a few amazing friends. Conversations, whether in classrooms, at social events or Oxford's local pubs, broadened my views on AI, business and the diverse cultures in our global society. Personally, studying at Saïd Business School was a life-changing experience.

Oxford Executive Diploma in Artificial Intelligence for Business