This paper reviews recent studies of human factors design criteria for transilluminated displays and the development of a computerized data base and modeling tools to supplement human engineering design criteria for visual displays. The inherent limitations of present military standards for dealing with a wide range of variables in a variety of operational environments and the need to include changes in the state-of-the-art are addressed. Data base design and computer modeling are suggested as an intermediate approach between out of date standards and costly physical simulation.