User-Computer Interface Issues for Future Ship Combat Consoles

Abstract

As we approach the 1990's the surface navy is facing critical procurement decisions for the design of consoles for shipboard combat information centers. Studies are being conducted to identify the impact of current designs on performance, and to construct and test prototypes for future designs. The goal is to develop guidelines for future consoles which are performance based and which will guide both near and long-term design strategy. A methodology is being applied which incorporates job description, procedural simplification, and display re-design. Although much progess has been made, and potential design improvements identified for a single user-type in an anti-air warfare capacity, the scope of this effort leaves many design questions unanswered for the numerous types of combat information center operations and personnel.