Measuring and Enhancing the Contribution of Human Factors in Military System Development: Case Studies of the Application of Impact Assessment Methodologies.

摘要

This document reports: the feasibility of an impact assessment methodology for measuring the value (cost-benefits) of human factors R&D in system acquisition, and the outline of a human factors impact handbook for the systems developer. Three basic interrelated steps were involved in this effort. First, two case studies, a maneuver control system and the F/A-18, were selected, and a detailed plan for application of the impact methodology was developed. Next, human factors-related elements (e.g., tradeoffs, deficiencies, costs, etc.) were examined; then the impact analysis was applied to demonstrate its utility in evaluating selected design options which bear upon operator performance and compatibility issues. This exercise indicated that the impact methodology is a feasible tool for assessing the value of human factors in systems development. Finally, a human factors impact handbook for systems developers was outlined, based upon the rationale, methodology, and findings of the overall effort.