What we do:
HSI® consultants address Human Systems Integration from the start of product or system design or development. Depending on the stage of development, we may employ human performance software models, mock-ups, 3D simulation and/or prototypes to compare design options or evaluate progress.
Analysis of user requirements, in conjunction with operational goals and different technology options, results in different design concepts that combine users and technology in different ways to fulfill the necessary functional requirements. As development progresses from concept to a full prototype, the design team must refine these options to combine users and technology into a single design solution.
How we do this:
For critical tasks in each design option, HSI® Human Factors consultants identify user centred design factors such as physical and mental workload, information needs, usability, human error probabilities, training needs, environmental factors, safety issues, compatibility with other products, and team composition.
The HSI® project team will evaluate these factors in relation to different design options against suitable measures of human performance and safety that reflect user related design goals. Depending on the stage of development, assessment can employ mock-ups, simulation and part or whole prototype user tests, or field trials.
Our consultants involve representative and experienced users wherever possible during the design process to evaluate design options. Such user involvement results in a design outcome that is more user-friendly, has greater user acceptance and is more likely to meet human performance and safety goals.
Using consistent and structured use scenarios across each stage of the spiral design process, our consultants gather user performance data for critical tasks as well as qualitative user feedback. Such data monitors progress towards design goals and provides the design team with diagnostic insight.
Why we do this:
Using the HSI® approach to User Centred Design from the start will help:
- Identify and address issues relating to human system integration.
- Evaluate different design concepts.
- Identify and address critical human performance and safety issues.
- Monitor achievement of human performance goals.
- Reduce the risk of late breaking, unforeseen user-related challenges.
- Ensure up-front consideration of embedded training solutions.
- Reduce life cycle personnel costs.
- Improve in-service user acceptance and system performance.
CLICK here to view examples of our work in User Centred Development.
