Display Options for Dismounted Infantry: Flexible Display Center Human Factors. Preliminary User Survey

摘要

The present survey was designed to obtain sample user judgments about information display alternatives for infantrymen. The survey was conducted during a Future Force Warrior (FFW) On-The-Move (OTM) exercise at Ft. Dix, NJ in 2006. Soldiers using prototype displays (HMD and PDA) ran simulated combat missions and were then interviewed about the design of displays for tactical operations. The results are preliminary considering the limited number of Soldiers interviewed. However, recommendations given incorporate judgments from experts as well as findings from previous studies. Comments collected are paraphrased statements of participating Soldiers, the OTM staff and experienced onlookers. Summaries are grouped by key questions (i.e. Do all Soldiers need a display). The major recommendation is that displays and display devices need to be designed for the tasks and responsibilities of key users. Specifically, leaders need larger displays for team planning and unit-team communication while riflemen need smaller hands-free wearable individual displays for quick reference but more limited operational use. Specific recommendations for optimal size, shape, and weight are presented in the report.