Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast

Designing Without Limits: How Universal Design and Ergonomics Shape a Better World

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 DivisionProblem Solved on LinkedInProblem Solved on YouTubeProblem Solved on InstagramProblem Solved on TikTokProblem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth GrimesInterested in contributing to the podcast? Email egrimes@iise.org

Trailer | Designing Without Limits: An Ergonomics Conversation

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 DivisionProblem Solved on LinkedInProblem Solved on YouTubeProblem Solved on InstagramProblem Solved on TikTokProblem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth GrimesInterested in contributing to the podcast? Email egrimes@iise.org

Bonus | From TaeKwonDo to Industrial Engineering: Anwaar's Story

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 FightsHannah Brook's video, Food Security and Technology: A Moving PictureAll top entries: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLizt3nogHG51F-UxJ1UtMzO6thJ69CUmBISE Impact - Short Video Contest DetailsLearn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)Problem Solved on LinkedInProblem Solved on YouTubeProblem Solved on InstagramProblem Solved on TikTokProblem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth GrimesInterested in contributing to the podcast? Email egrimes@iise.org

60 Seconds to ISE Impact: Inspiring the Next Generation of Industrial & Systems Engineers

What do food security, taekwondo, and industrial engineering have in common?They’re all part of the stories featured in the ISE Impact Short Video Contest—a creative initiative inviting students and professionals to explain the value of industrial and systems engineering (ISE) in just one minute.In this episode of Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast, we speak with with Dr. Ana Muriel from UMass Amherst, who helped to spearhead the contest, along with contest winners Hannah Brooks, a nursing student who tackled food security through animated storytelling, and Anwaar Zyoud, an industrial engineer from Jordan who used ISE methods to improve her taekwondo performance.You’ll hear how these short videos are helping prospective students and the public better understand the power of ISE—and how this field impacts nearly every industry imaginable.Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just curious about the hidden role of engineering in everyday life, this episode will challenge you to explore and expand your view of what ISE can do.👉 Subscribe to Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast for more conversations that showcase how industrial and systems engineers solve the world’s toughest problems.Hannah Brook's video, Food Security and Technology: A Moving Picture Anwaar Zyoud's video, How ISE Wins FightsAll top entries: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLizt3nogHG51F-UxJ1UtMzO6thJ69CUmBISE Impact - Short Video Contest DetailsLearn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)Problem Solved on LinkedInProblem Solved on YouTubeProblem Solved on InstagramProblem Solved on TikTokProblem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth GrimesInterested in contributing to the podcast? Email egrimes@iise.org

Trailer | 60 Seconds to ISE Impact

Many students have never heard of Industrial & Systems Engineering — and even fewer understand the incredible impact it has on the world. This episode of Problem Solved: The IISE Podcast explores a creative solution to that challenge: the ISE Impact Short Video Contest, which invites students and professionals to explain ISE’s value in just 60 seconds.You'll hear from:Dr. Ana Muriel, associate professor at UMass Amherst and co-creator of the contestHannah Brooks, a nursing student who used stop-motion animation to tackle global food securityAnwaar Zyoud, an industrial engineer who used ISE methods to transform her Taekwondo performanceTogether, they show how creativity, storytelling, and problem-solving can inspire the next generation of engineers.Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)Problem Solved on LinkedInProblem Solved on YouTubeProblem Solved on InstagramProblem Solved on TikTokProblem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth GrimesInterested in contributing to the podcast? Email egrimes@iise.org