Services
Some areas where human factors can be applied to improve safety, efficiency and effectiveness of the human-machine interface include: workload, functional design of systems & equipment, computer human interface, special tools, workspace, displays and controls, information requirements, visual and auditory alerts, input and output devices, communication and coordination, procedures development and refinement, anthropometrics, documentation development, environment, and display presentation. If any of these areas are a concern to your program, we may be able to help you.
Through our research and acquisition programs the Human Factors Team-Atlantic City offers a wide range of human factors and usability services. We have the knowledge, capabilities, and experience to meet any NAS human factors challenge from a small-scale consultation to a full-scale human-in-the-loop simulation. We can contribute to every phase of the development process from evaluating concepts, analyzing needs, specifying functional requirements, identifying solutions, and evaluating options. Some examples of the methods used by our group to solve NAS human factors challenges are described below.
| Metrics and measures development |
We develop and refine methods and measures unique to air traffic
control, technical operations, and flight service operations
operator/maintainer performance and workload. Read more |
| Full-scale simulation |
We conduct real time, person-in-the-loop simulation to evaluate
and develop new concepts or to support systems acquisition decisions. Read More |
| Part-task simulation |
We conduct part task simulation to support systems acquisition
decisions. Read More |
| Usability assessments |
We conduct usability assessments, Early User Involvement Events,
Computer-Human Interface validations, and vendor Operational Capability
Tests to support user group input on systems acquisition. Read More |
| Heuristic evaluation | We provide a high level usability analysis by having human factors experts compare systems to high level human factors principles. |
| Protocol analysis and cognitive walkthroughs | We use think aloud protocols or structured walkthroughs which involve users talking aloud while performing or walking through representative tasks. |
| Requirements development |
We support the definition, improvement, and evaluation of human
factors system requirements. Read More |
| Prototyping |
We use
rapid prototyping processes with work groups representing system
stakeholders to enhance system requirements and specifications. Read More |
| Field studies | We conduct field studies using survey and interview methods to systematically gather information on current operational issues and future concepts. |
| Observational studies | We can help you identify unarticulated design issues and gain insight on user behaviors and needs through observational studies. |
| User surveys | We conduct user surveys to systematically gather information on current operational issues and future concepts. |
| Design standards and guidelines |
We develop and maintains human factors design guidelines and standards. Read More |
| Consulting |
We provide
human factors technical consulting to acquisition programs and procedure
development projects. Read More |
| Information organization and design | We help determine how to organize information through card sorting activities, dendritic tree diagrams and other methods. |
| Ergonomic modeling | We use advanced tools to model reach, view cones and other measures in a virtual reality model before equipment is built or installed. |
| Virtual reality modeling | Together in our partnership with ACB-840, we have used virtual reality modeling to help visualize human factors issues in facility and equipment layouts. |
| Eye movement measurement | We use eye tracking equipment to track what air traffic controllers look at when scanning information displays. |
| Sound measurement | We use advanced sound measurement techniques and tools to provide facilities and programs with information about noise levels, effectiveness of auditory alarms, and other important sound considerations. |
| Light measurement | We use advanced light measurement techniques and tools to provide facilities and programs with information about glare, reflections, contrast, brightness, and other important human factors issues related to light. |
