Much of the world around us—our workplaces, products, and public spaces—was never designed with everyone in mind. That oversight can create barriers, limit performance, and even put people at risk. But when ergonomics meets universal design, inclusion becomes innovation.

In this episode of Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast, we hear from two leading voices in human factors and ergonomics: Bobbie Watts, past president of IISE’s Applied Ergonomics Society, and Anuja Patil, current president and risk control director at CNA Insurance.

Together, they unpack how universal design principles are reshaping the way we work, build, and live—from accessible workplaces and flexible production lines to AI-powered safety systems and healthcare environments designed for all.

🔹 Learn how “solving for one benefits many.”
🔹 Discover real-world examples of design that improves performance, safety, and longevity.
🔹 Explore how ergonomics and inclusion fuel innovation in the age of AI.

Whether you’re an engineer, designer, or leader, this episode will change how you think about accessibility, efficiency, and the human side of systems design.

🎙️ October is National Ergonomics Month — celebrate with us by learning how thoughtful design makes work better for everyone.

Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)
Learn more about The Applied Ergonomics Division
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Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth Grimes
Interested in contributing to the podcast? Email egrimes@iise.org

What does it mean to design without limits? In this trailer for Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast, past AES president Bobbie Watts and current president Anuja Patil preview their upcoming conversation on how ergonomics and universal design are shaping the workplace of today and tomorrow.

From the curb cut effect to AI-enabled tools, discover how design choices can reduce injuries, improve performance, and expand opportunities for all.
Episode Available October 14.

Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)
Learn more about The Applied Ergonomics Division
Problem Solved on LinkedIn
Problem Solved on YouTube
Problem Solved on Instagram
Problem Solved on TikTok

Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth Grimes
Interested in contributing to the podcast? Email egrimes@iise.org

What happens when an athlete applies industrial and systems engineering principles to her training?

In this inspiring bonus episode of Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast, Anwaar Zyoud shares how she earned her black belt in just one month, rose to the national team of Jordan, and competed on international stages all while discovering the power of ISE.

By recording, analyzing, and optimizing her performance just like an engineer would, Anwaar transformed challenges into victories and carried that mindset into her professional career. Today, she serves in the office of His Majesty King Abdullah II.

Her story is proof that ISE can open doors everywhere from the arena to the workplace.

Anwaar Zyoud's video, How ISE Wins Fights
Hannah Brook's video, Food Security and Technology: A Moving Picture
All top entries: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLizt3nogHG51F-UxJ1UtMzO6thJ69CUmB
ISE Impact - Short Video Contest Details

Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)
Problem Solved on LinkedIn
Problem Solved on YouTube
Problem Solved on Instagram
Problem Solved on TikTok

Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth Grimes
Interested in contributing to the podcast? Email egrimes@iise.org