Richard Allen Schmidt
Human Performance Research
135 Lighthouse Mall, Marina del Rey, CA 90292-5992
Department of Psychology (Professor Emeritus)
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1563
(310) 306-9630
A curriculum vitae in the field of human performance research documents a career dedicated to understanding the capabilities and limitations of human operators across many contexts. This includes decades of study in motor learning, attention, distraction, perception, and reaction, often applied to real-world settings such as vehicle operation, workplace safety, and consumer product design. The academic foundation typically spans psychology and related disciplines, with research appearing in scientific journals and books. Such a background supports expert consultation on accident analysis, warning systems, labeling, instructions, and training programs, bridging laboratory findings with practical solutions for industry and legal settings.
The professional journey of a human performance specialist often includes faculty positions at major universities, where teaching and research advance the understanding of human error, panic behavior, eye movements, and night vision. These academic roles complement consulting work with automakers, manufacturers, and other organizations seeking to improve safety and usability. Experience in both settings allows for a comprehensive view of how people interact with machines, vehicles, bicycles, motorcycles, ATVs, trucks, trains, ships, and workplace equipment. This dual perspective strengthens the ability to provide clear, evidence-based insights into operator behavior and system design.
Beyond academic and consulting roles, leadership of a research firm involves managing projects that apply scientific principles to practical challenges in human factors and ergonomics. The work may include evaluating consumer products, analyzing accident scenarios, and developing recommendations for controls, displays, and warnings. A broad portfolio of clients across transportation, manufacturing, and product design reflects the versatility of this expertise. Continuing engagement with the scientific community through papers, videos, and presentations ensures that the advice given remains grounded in current research, benefiting both industry professionals and the public.
Education
Current Positions
Research Emphases
- Human performance and motor skills
- Human motor learning
- Human factors and ergonomics
Honors & Recognition
Selected Consulting Experience
Dr. Schmidt has served as a consultant on approximately 100 cases involving unintended acceleration in automobiles since 1984, providing scientific analysis on behalf of automakers and the California Highway Patrol. His work has included explaining human-factors evidence to juries regarding the distinction between human error and mechanical failure.