Richard A. Schmidt, Ph.D., is President of Human Performance Research and Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles. For several decades, his work has focused on human capabilities and limitations in skilled tasks — from typing and driving to athletic performance — integrating engineering design with a deep understanding of human performance.
Dr. Schmidt provides research and consulting services in human factors, ergonomics, human learning, and training. His analyses draw on thorough reviews of published scientific literature and are applied to accident investigations, system failures, and the design of safer, more effective human–machine interfaces.
Areas of Expertise
Research & Consulting Services
Human Factors Analysis
Scientific evaluation of human capabilities and limitations in complex systems, including driver behavior, workplace ergonomics, and human–machine interaction.
Accident Investigation
Analysis of accidents and system failures using published scientific literature to distinguish human error from mechanical or design failures.
Legal Consultation
Expert consultation for legal cases involving human error, unintended acceleration, and other human-performance questions. Dr. Schmidt has worked on approximately 100 cases since 1984.
Why Work With Dr. Schmidt
Academic Authority
Professor Emeritus of Psychology at UCLA with decades of published research in human motor control and learning.
Extensive Experience
Consulting since 2001 for automakers, airlines, government agencies, and corporations on human-performance issues.
Science-Based Approach
Every analysis is grounded in peer-reviewed scientific literature, providing credible, defensible conclusions.
Clear Communication
Complex scientific evidence explained clearly for juries, attorneys, engineers, and decision-makers.
Examples of Past Projects
Dr. Schmidt's approach draws on his scientific background in human performance and human factors. Analyses are based on thorough reviews of published scientific literature, applied to real-world problems.
| Project Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Unintended Acceleration | Analysis of approximately 100 cases since 1984 on behalf of automakers and the California Highway Patrol, explaining scientific evidence to juries regarding human error versus mechanical failure. |
| Human Factors in Transportation | Consulting for airlines, railroads, and automotive manufacturers on operator performance, training, and system design. |
| Workplace Ergonomics | Evaluation of workplace design and task demands for corporations and government entities to reduce injury risk and improve productivity. |
Partial Listing of Clients
Dr. Schmidt has consulted for a wide range of organizations, including:
| Sector | Representative Clients |
|---|---|
| Automotive | BMW, Audi, California Highway Patrol |
| Aviation | Airbus Industrie, Boeing Aircraft |
| Energy & Industry | Chevron Petroleum, Alcoa Aluminum, ADM Terminals |
| Transportation | AMTRAK, American Transportation, APM Terminals |
| Retail & Services | Alamo Rent-a-Car, Big 5 Sporting Goods, AT&T |