John Shutko

Director of Human Factors

John is a highly accomplished expert in automotive human factors, with over 25 years of experience shaping the future of vehicle safety, user experience, and autonomous mobility. He holds both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Virginia Tech, where his graduate research focused on Human Factors and Safety Engineering. At Ford Motor Company, he played a pivotal role in advancing human factors in Product Development, Research and Advanced Engineering, and the Autonomous Vehicle Division, driving groundbreaking innovations in driver-vehicle interaction, human-machine interface (HMI) design, and the integration of emerging technologies into automotive systems. Several years at Westat further expanded his expertise in human factors research and government contracting. Throughout his career, he has successfully aligned cross-functional teams to develop human-centered solutions, ensuring that product design and technology seamlessly meet user needs. Known for overcoming barriers and delivering results, he has pioneered new research methods that have advanced the field of automotive human factors. A recognized thought leader, his contributions to SAE International have shaped numerous technical documents and global standards. For more than 15 years, he served as Chairman of ISO TC 22/SC39, the subcommittee responsible for setting international road vehicle human factors standards and ensuring safe and effective interaction between vehicles, drivers, and other road users. As a prolific innovator, he holds over 35 patents related to vehicle user experience, safety, and automation. A pioneer in external human-machine interfaces (eHMI), his work has influenced how autonomous vehicles may communicate with pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users to foster safety and trust in automation. Additionally, his efforts in advancing accessibility in autonomous mobility have championed inclusive solutions for individuals with disabilities. With a unique ability to bridge the gap between research and real-world implementation, he continues to drive innovation in automotive human factors, pushing the boundaries of safety, usability, and human-centered design in next-generation transportation technologies.

Q&A

What’s a fact about you many people don’t know?

I enjoy being wrong and learning from my mistakes.

What’s your favorite book/movie/TV show?

TV show = Northern Exposure

What was your dream job as a child?

Astronaut – as a 4th grader, I interviewed a test pilot at Langley Airforce base and flew a flight simulator

What’s your favorite project that you’ve worked on?

All of them. I’ve learned from each and every project, and they have all contributed to my knowledge and curiosity.

Who or what inspires you in your career?

Making transportation safer and more pleasurable for people.