Simplicity in Command and Control Systems: A Human Factors Consideration

Abstract

Simplicity in the Man Computer Interface (MCI) is a desirable feature. Hopefully, it makes the system containing the MCI "easier to use". This paper uses results from a MCI study at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to identify an area where the system MCIs can be simplified. It identifies the circumstances where these simplifications are appropriate. The concepts of Cognitive simplicity and Process simplicity are presented as MCI design alternatives. The concepts of Understandability, Operation, Learnability, Level of learning, and Useability are presented as tools for the system designer. The use of these concepts to provide a systematic MCI design is discussed.