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Human Performance Models and System Design

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Abstract

The paper discusses aspects of modelling human performance with respect to establishing human limits to be taken into account in system design. It is noted that the term “model” is used in several ways, ranging from an imprecise reference to an explanatory concept, to well defined and computer-simulated general purpose process models. The simulations have the advantage that they allow a full simulation of the complete system; validation is their bottleneck, in particular since behavioural science is not characterised by a variety of well established laws. The weaker models suggest many heuristics for system design which lead to combinations of task analysis and checklist techniques. In addition, dynamic task simulation provides fruitful checks of the appropriateness of a system. The human factor is more dependent on weak models as the system is more concerned with higher cognitive activities, such as in C-3 systems. It is noted that energetical and motivational human limits are often ignored although systems are not exclusively meant for optimal circumstances.

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© 1989 Springer Science+Business Media New York

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Sanders, A.F. (1989). Human Performance Models and System Design. In: McMillan, G.R., Beevis, D., Salas, E., Strub, M.H., Sutton, R., Van Breda, L. (eds) Applications of Human Performance Models to System Design. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-9244-7_34

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-9244-7_34

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4757-9246-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4757-9244-7

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