Report on Automated Human Factors Task Data Handling Research 1

Abstract

The relative simplicity of early systems was such that hardware components and the accompanying human requirements (skills) were easily interchanged within and between systems. Current complex systems are accompanied by an increased need for closer consideration of the human component. The volumes of information generated and the compressed developmental schedules have led to: (1) decreased effectiveness of data on system design and development, (2) increased reliance on expertise when existing data are not known to exist or are inaccessible, (3) generation of inadvertant duplication of research effort, and (4) scattering of costly information. In 1963, the Aerospace Medical Research Laboratories and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, initiated a joint research effort to explore and, where possible, develop techniques for efficient handling and processing of human factors task data generated in support of the Personnel Subsystem program. These techniques are being developed within the context of an overall data handling system concept which would operate in an Air Force/NASA/contractor environment.