MAP-01-011 HFI Technical Guide - Human Factors Integration ...

Annex 3 – HF Techniques, Methods and ToolsThe information contained in the task synthesis and the role definition isrepresented within a mathematical model. The roles are assigned to users thatform the primary resources and events and conditions activate tasks that requireuser role time and effort. The model is run against time-lines derived fromoperational scenarios and the time and effort required of users performing rolesis estimated.The results are used to assess compatibility with required user-performancecriteria and to determine the resource loading (number of personnel required).This process is performed iteratively until performance and resourcerequirements are optimised. The output may be used to identify functional anduser-equipment design requirements and areas requiring more intensiveinvestigation through task and role prototyping.Task and role performance modelling may start as early as the Assessmentphase and can be appropriate in the Demonstration phase. An appropriatemodelling environment is required together with HFI specialist and subject matterexpert advice.• Advantages• Task & Role Performance Modelling validates tasks and roles assigned topersonnel prior to the construction of the system.• Task & Role Performance Modelling identifies functional and userequipmentdesign requirements.• Task & Role Performance Modelling identifies areas requiring moreintensive investigation through task and role prototyping• Disadvantages• Task & Role Performance Modelling is an iterative and resource intensivetechnique that requires support from a wide range of parties during itsapplication.A3.8.5Task & Role PrototypingThe goal of Task & Role Prototyping is resolve task and role definition issues byassessing the performance of users with the equipment. The results informdecisions about the use of automation and the allocation of tasks and roles tousers.The main inputs into Task & Role Prototyping are the task synthesis, the roledefinition, operability scenarios and the user-performance criteria. However,unlike user-equipment interface prototyping the main emphasis here is on theperformance of user roles rather than the design of the equipment.Individual or team performance may be assessed in scenarios. The prototypingenvironment used may vary from simple mock-ups to full-scale simulations (e.g.shore development facility). Measures of performance include task speed andaccuracy, throughput time per work unit (e.g. time to process a contact fromMay 2006 Page A3-71 Issue 4