Thinking About Human Factors Testing and Evaluation (HFTE): Perspectives from a Piano Bench

Abstract

Human Factors Testing and Evaluation (HFTE) is constantly changing as product and system design/development processes evolve, and as acquisition procedures are defined and re-defined. Traditional design criteria and performance outcome measures are insufficient to meet information needs during the design and development of increasingly complex systems and systems of systems. In the world of the performing arts, a highly skilled solo pianist understands how the sounds indicated by musical notation (e.g., pitch, rhythm) contribute to a polished performance. A highly skilled ensemble pianist understands all this, as well as how his/her part contributes to the whole ensemble (e.g., when in a leading role, when in a subordinate role). In an ensemble environment, new performance criteria emerge: Can all participants be heard (balance)? Can everyone begin, change tempo (speed) as necessary, and end together with, or without, a conductor (ensemble)? Five questions derived from experience as a pianist and piano teacher will be used to construct a model for thinking about HFTE. Use of this model will be illustrated.