MAP-01-010 HFI Management Guide - Human Factors Integration ...

Chapter 1 – HFI within Naval Capability Acquisition
1.3.4.5 User Input to Equipment Interface Design
Experience has demonstrated that the early involvement of users and RN subject
matter experts is critical for the effective design of user-equipment interfaces.
The HFI Programme therefore needs to ensure that such involvement is planned.
Tools are available to support early simulation of user-equipment interfaces.
Critical design issues, requiring user involvement, must be resolved efficiently
and effectively. Scenario-based design walk-throughs and equipment
prototyping are cost-effective techniques for user involvement when combined
with the use of low-cost mock-ups.
1.3.4.6 Use of Automation
Equipment functions include computer-based, mechanical and electrical facilities
for the operational role and to maintain habitability. During the platform and
equipment design process decisions are made about the degree of automation
and the role of human users and maintainers. The allocation of functions
between human and equipment is a key process in the HFI Programme. The
ultimate operational value and supportability of a platform and its equipment will
hinge on obtaining the best balance between the use of automatic or mechanised
solutions and human resources.
The use of automation has a major impact on the size and composition of the
complement. Failure to consider all of the tasks and duties required for
equipment operation and maintenance, ship husbandry, damage control, mission
requirements and domestic activities may result in unacceptable crew workload
and subsequent limitations in vessel effectiveness.
The allocation of tasks between human and equipment must form an explicit part
of the design process. For example, computer-based systems can be used in
virtually every area of a vessel from the Combat System to ship control
equipment. The HFI Programme needs to ensure that the software design
method provides sufficient information for the purpose of evaluating human task
implications to determine operator workload, skill requirements, and humancomputer
interface design and maintenance needs.
1.3.4.7 System Integration HFI Issues
System integration is the co-ordinated design and assessment of individual,
team, equipment, layout and environmental issues. While specific Human
Factors work may address each of these issues in relative isolation, it is only
through an integrated approach that their joint effect can be properly assessed.
This approach is equally important whether the system is developed to meet new
requirements or comprises commercial-off-the-shelf components.
1.3.5 System Safety HFI Issues
The inherent ability of the system to be used, operated and maintained without
risk of injury or death to personnel must be addressed in the HFI Programme.
These adverse conditions may occur when the system is functioning in a normal
or an abnormal manner. Every design decision may impact on system safety to a
greater or lesser degree and may affect the risks to humans from damage,
equipment malfunction or operator error. These risks must be continually
Nov 2006 Page 1-25 Issue 4