Task

Human factors work breaks device use into tasks so each can be analyzed for possible use errors. Tasks whose errors could cause serious harm are critical tasks and have to be covered in validation testing.

one or more USER interactions with a MEDICAL DEVICE to achieve a desired result Note 1 to entry: A TASK description should include the allocation of activities and operational steps between the USER and the MEDICAL DEVICE. Note 2 to entry: TASKS should not be described solely in terms of the functions or features provided by the MEDICAL DEVICE.

IEC 62366-1:2015+AMD1:2020, clause 3.14

a single piece of work that needs to be done

IEC 62304:2006+AMD1:2015, clause 3.31

One or more user interactions with a medical device to achieve a desired result.

FDA guidance: Applying Human Factors and Usability Engineering to Medical Devices (August 2026), Section 3, Definitions