Human Factors Design Methods Review

This report describes the human factors (HF) design methods review that was conducted as part of work package 1.3.2 - Design methods review, and is part of work package 1, ‘Human Factors Integration for C4i Systems’. The overall aim of work package 1.3.2 was to review and evaluate HF methods and techniques suitable for use in the design lifecycle for C4I systems. This document is intended to act as a guide for HF practitioners in the selection and use of appropriate HF techniques.

A great number of HF techniques exist. A survey of existing techniques identified over 200, including human error identification, human reliability analysis, task analysis, situation awareness measurement, mental workload measurement, usability evaluation and charting techniques. A shortlist of 48 design techniques were selected for further review. 58 further HF techniques were also short listed for review. Each of the 48 techniques were evaluated against a set of fourteen criteria designed to determine the suitability of the techniques use in the design of C4 systems. The resultant output is presented in a user manual, offering guidelines and advice on how to use each technique.

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