This paper reviews developments in human factors and then draws from a number of “best practice” cases in studying how best to apply behavioral science principles, knowledge, and analytical tools to the engineering design or improvement of systems. Government and other commercial experiences are examined with a focus on the Navy human system integration (HSI) process. Included are discussions facilitated at a workshop session sponsored by the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies. There is general consensus that in addition to using a well‐designed or proven process and doing the right things, success is dependent upon attending to a prioritized short list of critical elements. Continued focus on these elements is necessary to successfully apply human behavioral sciences effectively during design, construction, and operation of systems to improve safety, reliability, effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of life.

To address the inadequacy of ambulance design standards, Safety and Health, and BMT Designers and Planners have collaborated to develop new design standards for ambulance patient compartments. This paper presents a simulation-based approach to evaluate and guide improving patient compartment designs that conform to developed requirements for better performance and safety of ambulance users. Those requirements address hazards stemming from (1) the inability of providers to remain safely restrained while treating patients, and (2) the musculoskeletal damage from awkward body postures. An initial design was developed through the axiomatic design approach with inputs from stakeholders such as emergency medical service providers and ambulance manufacturers. The design was imported into a human task simulation tool. It was tested for performance to identify areas for further improvements, which resulted in a second design concept. This paper shows how computer simulation was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the two successive design concepts in enabling providers to perform a range of medical care tasks while remaining seated and restrained. We also evaluated the musculoskeletal effect of these designs on the providers. The results showed that using a simulation-based evaluation produced patient compartments that better meet user requirements when compared with traditional designs. This research produced a set of requirements and recommendations that we believe will lead to better design standards and guidelines for the next generation of ambulances.

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The soldier-computer interface (SCI) has become increasingly the principal focus of the man-machine interaction. As such, it represents a critical element to be assessed during human factors engineering test and evaluation. Inadequate design of displays and input/output devices such as keyboards can degrade system performance below levels necessary for functional effectiveness. Delays and errors that occur at the operator's console are translated directly into reduced system effectiveness. Adequate human factors test and evaluation requires the development and application of a sound methodology and criteria for testing and evaluating the effectiveness of display and input-output devices of the soldier-computer interface. This paper reviews the development of the methodology and criteria used to assess the SCI by the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command (TECOM).

Two experiments were run comparing the operational binoculars AN/PVS-5 Night Vision Goggles with two monocular low cost night vision goggles using newer light intensification techniques. No decrement in performance was noted in visual acuity or depth perception with the monocular low cost goggles; an improved capability was noted with the new goggles in low light level conditions.