Human-Centered Alphabet Soup: Approaches to Systems Development from Related Disciplines

There are several different technical disciplines focused on improving the systems that humans use, creating an ‘alphabet soup’ of acronyms to stay abreast of. While they all build upon a common emphasis of developing systems around their users, there are differences (both perceived and real) across disciplines such as Human Factors Engineering (HFE), Human Systems Integration (HSI), Human Computer Interaction (HCI), User Experience (UX), and Design Thinking (DT). A panel discussed what each of these disciplines are (and what they are not), when and how they get involved in system development, their philosophies and methods for system development, and where they share common interests. Panelists were asked philosophical, practical, and scenario-based questions, before opening the floor to the audience.

National Academies Board on Human-Systems Integration (BOHSI) Panel: Exploring the Changing Nature of Work

The National Academies Board on Human Systems Integration (BOHSI) has organized this session exploring the changing nature of an essential human activity—work. Policing, the military, healthcare, and numerous other fields are being shaped by powerful forces. The Panel brings together prominent researchers to reflect on the organizational and societal changes as well as the impact of emerging technologies that are likely to shape the nature of work in the future.

Exploring the Synergy Between Human Systems Integration and Human Readiness Levels: A Retrospective Analysis

Using a case study approach, this article explores the benefits of leveraging human readiness levels (HRLs) in conjunction with Human Systems Integration (HSI). The U.S. Army’s HSI program emphasizes front-end planning and emphasizes the use of soldier feedback to maximize influence on system design; however, it does not provide the methods by which this should be accomplished nor does it specify the metrics or measures for assessing the progress. This case study applies HRLs to an army software modernization program and provides an in-depth analysis of the HSI activities performed and the extent to which they addressed each question in the HRL scales.

The Submarine Habitability Assessment Questionnaire: A Survey of RAN Submariners

This paper reports on the development, method, and major findings from the Submarine Habitability Assessment Questionnaire (SUB-HAQ) undertaken as part of a lessons-learned review of the current RAN submarine platform. The questionnaire was completed by 167 Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Submariners and was developed to examine the perceived habitability of the main living and working areas. The results showed satisfaction with cleanliness, lighting, privacy of amenities, ventilation in certain areas, and location of amenities and facilities. The results also suggest dissatisfaction with aspects of the work areas (such as storage space for work materials, and space to conduct off-watch work), allocation of space and equipment for exercise, crowding, and ratio of crew to amenities. Best use of space on a submarine is an extraordinarily challenging design problem. However, it was concluded that significant benefit could be achieved through applying human systems integration methods early in the design of a future RAN platform. The importance of careful workforce planning and crewing analyses to prevent occurrences of overcrowding, lack of storage, and an unacceptable ratio of crew to amenities was observed. The findings from SUB-HAQ have led to a significant investment in evidence-based habitability design assurance by the RAN.