The HFI Case - Human Factors Integration Defence Technology ...

HFIDTC/2/WP2.8.1/2Version 2/ 09 December 20082 Status of the GuidanceThe guidance document provided outlines an option for how the specification of HFIrequirements and the tracking of HFI project results can be standardised and formalisedinto a structure called the HFI Case. At this point, it is guidance only that is not linkedinto any mandated process requirements. The HFI Case guidance states:“The capability focus embraced by this document is not yet common practice. TheHFI Case aims to support its uptake by providing aids for how to implement it withregard to HFI – but it cannot make that change at the policy level.”The introduction of the HFI Case document seeks to clarify the status of the guidance asan initial concept to be reviewed and discussed:“It needs to be noted that the guidance provided in this document needs to beconsidered as a concept that is put forward for wider review. To some extent itapplies common SE [Systems Engineering] practice to HFI, and makes HFIapproaches available to SE professionals. In many areas, however, it goes beyondcurrent practice and expands to new concepts that are still in the process of MoDwideimplementation. For those, the practical implications of the approachessuggested here may need to be further discussed and agreed. Likewise, stakeholderresponsibilities are currently undergoing a transformation in the MoD. Therefore,the guidance materials are put forward in a generic way, without yet assumingspecific responsibility definitions.”The “Summary and Outlook” of the HFI Case document captures the current status of theHFI Case:“This document is to be regarded as a first outline of what an HFI Case may entail.The concept needs to be linked into policies and practices for fulfilling its fullpotential. These still have to be explored, agreed and established. The availability ofguidance is a first step towards a more formalised approach to quality assurance ofHFI products and processes.This first outline is to be regarded as a concept for review and as a proposal to bediscussed further. Stakeholder feedback and example applications will be needed tofurther improve the contents. For example, the Eurocontrol HF Case has gonethrough a process of stakeholder review and revision. It was first issued in 2004, andthen updated in 2007 after a number of initial applications. A similar process can beenvisaged for the MoD HFI Case.Moreover, further alignment with emerging related approaches may be needed. Forexample, Def-Stan 00-250 was available only as a draft at the time of writing, and aJoint Services Publication (JSP) on HFI was still forthcoming. Several associatedHFI DTC work packages were still in progress.Some detail needs to be added after practical experiences and regulatory discussionshave taken place. For example, no statements are made at this point as to what typeof scrutiny for what type of HFI Case may be needed depending on the project’s sizeor other factors. This is linked to decisions as to the envisaged status of the HFICase as either a formal requirement or an option.2