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There is an emerging concern for applying human factors to the design and support of naval ships and weapon systems. The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) is making significant progress in the application of human factors technology for the ultimate benefit of those who must operate and maintain the fleets of the future. This paper will address the current status of human factors within NAVSEA.In doing so, we shall review what has been done in the past, then assess the present, and finally we will suggest additional requirements that need attention.Higher level recognition of the role of human factors is evidenced by promulgation of formal directives from the Department of Defense, the Secretary of the Navy, the Chief of Naval Operations, the Chief of Naval Material, and Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command.Principal contributions expected from the application of an effective human factors program are to define human functions in man-machine systems and to design procedures and equipment to ensure that those functions can be performed under all expected operational conditions. The specific outcome would be realized in the form of a high level of personnel readiness in the fleet to assure that a system's assigned functions can indeed be performed, with the ultimate aim being to sustain a high level of system readiness and ship's effectiveness.

This paper describes the state and status of human factors within the Space and Naval Warfare Command (SPAWAR) by focusing on a major effort currently being pursued within SPAWAR, that of developing a standard workstation design concept for Navy applications. Human factors concerns were paramount in the assessment of requirements for a standardized workstation applicable to Navy-wide requirements. The major human factors concern was display usability.