Human Factors Design Considerations for Complex Systems

Many automated/complex systems are ostensibly created to provide simplifying automation and reduce operator workload and manpower requirements. However, in doing so, designers introduce an increased likelihood of human error and overall system failure when off-nominal conditions arise. When automation is added to a system design the implications of those changes on human performance and human reliability (error potential) are often not understood or assessed. This talk will address human performance considerations when developing complex systems, especially with respect to non-deterministic human behavior under off-nominal conditions. We will also discuss methods for addressing human performance factors in reliability predictions for system modernization and automation.