HUMAN FACTORS IN TELEMETRY SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Telemetry systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated and complex. At the same time, economics is forcing the use of fewer and less technically skilled operators. This paper suggests including human factors in systems design to better match system characteristics with operator characteristics. It discusses why human factors should be included in system design. It defines and discusses human factors. Human factors specialists are the practitioners of the art and science of human factors design. The art is in the experience and insight of the human factors specialists, and the science is in his knowledge of the theoretical foundations of human factors. His knowledge and experience is applied to telemetry system design at several places in the design effort. Early in the requirements phase, human factors specialists identify the human factors issues and establish man-machine interaction philosophy and human factors design guidelines. During the design phase they assist the designers on the detailed design of the man-machine interface. After and even during the design phase, the human factors specialists evaluate the design with theoretical analysis. After delivery, they evaluate the system in its operating environment using real operators.