Introduction to the Webinar

Host Introduction

• Tina Worthy introduces herself as the host from the Char Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors in the UK.

• She outlines the purpose of the webinar titled "Human Factors Science History and Titans" and mentions speakers L Evans and Steve Palmer.

Webinar Guidelines

• Participants are encouraged to engage in chat, share their location, weather, and professional background.

• Tina emphasizes respectful communication in chat, encouraging insights from attendees while maintaining a polite atmosphere.

Technical Support and Interaction

Technical Issues

• Attendees are advised to check Wi-Fi or phone signal if they experience technical difficulties during the webinar.

Engagement Features

• The reactions icon is highlighted for participants to express their responses during presentations (e.g., clapping hands, hearts).

Introduction of Chairperson Steve Palmer

Chairperson Background

• Steve Palmer is introduced as a long-time member of The Institute with over 30 years in defense; he leads cross-sector exchanges for best practices.

Q&A Format

• Attendees can submit questions throughout the session by marking them with a cue for better organization.

Presentation Overview by Lead Evans

Presentation Structure

• Steve outlines that there will be a break after approximately 40 minutes into Lead's presentation, which is expected to last about an hour total.

Lead Evans' Experience

• Lead has over 40 years in human factors, including significant roles at BAE Systems and MOD since 2017. He has been influential in developing advanced defense systems.

Lead Evans' Achievements

Professional Contributions

• As head of human factors at BAE Systems Advanced Technology Center from 2002 to 2015, he led a team promoting human factors integration within the company.

Recognition

Introduction to Human Factors

Opening Remarks

• Steve introduces the webinar and thanks Tina for organizing it.

• Acknowledgment of familiar faces and new participants in the audience, emphasizing community engagement.

Background of Presentation

• The speaker shares that a similar presentation was given in 2022 during British Science Week, focusing on human factors integration.

• The decision to shift focus from human factors integration to the underlying science due to its process-driven nature.

Content Overview

Structure of Today's Talk

• The presentation will cover:

• Origins and growth of human factors engineering.

• Discussion break for questions or discussions.

• Origins and growth of human factors integration within defense equipment and support (DES).

Historical Perspective

• Emphasis on providing a historical perspective throughout the talk, aiming for a cohesive narrative.

Conceptual Framework

Introduction to "Titans"

• Explanation of the term "Titans" borrowed from an online symposium focused on influential figures in human factors and ergonomics.

• Description of the symposium format featuring key presentations by notable contributors to the field.

Definitions: Human Factors vs. Ergonomics

Importance of Definitions

• Clarification needed around terms like "human factors" and "human factors integration," which are often misused even among experts.

Human Factors and Ergonomics

• Definition provided by the International Ergonomics Association: focuses on interactions between humans and system elements, optimizing well-being and performance.

Distinction Between Terms

• The speaker argues that while ergonomics traditionally refers to physical design aspects, human factors encompass broader scientific principles applicable across various fields.

Human Factors Engineering (HFE)

Application of Human Factors Knowledge

Human Factors Engineering and Integration

Overview of Human Factors Engineering

• Human factors engineering considers the environments and contexts in which products are used, including platforms like ships, submarines, vehicles, systems, subsystems, equipment, and processes.

• The design process involves not just operators but also maintainers, trainers, and support personnel to reduce human error and enhance system performance.

• The goal is to create systems that are fit for purpose by integrating human factors into the engineering lifecycle.

Understanding Human Factors Integration (HFI)

• HFI is a systematic management process aimed at integrating human factors throughout the engineering lifecycle to identify and resolve human-related risks.

• It focuses on balancing technological advancements with human capabilities within specific operational contexts.

• HFI is mandated by JSP 912 in the UK defense sector, emphasizing its importance in product development.

Historical Context of Human Factors Research

• Prior to World War I, there was little organized study of human factors; however, post-war efforts led to significant research initiatives focused on industrial working environments.

• The Industrial Fatigue Research Board was established after WWI to study human performance systematically.

• During WWII, research surged due to military needs; key laboratories emerged in both the UK and US focusing on optimizing human performance under various conditions.

Key Figures in Human Factors Development

• Notable contributions came from researchers like CH Morl during WWII who analyzed behavior using time-and-motion studies.

• Morl coined the term "ergonomics" during a pivotal meeting at HMS Excellent and helped establish foundational organizations for ergonomics research.

Legacy of Early Ergonomics Research

• Morl's influence extended into academia as he became a professor of psychology and authored one of the first British textbooks on ergonomics in 1965.

Introduction to Donald Broadbent

Background and Early Career

• Donald Broadbent joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1944 as a pilot, where he recognized the significance of psychological issues in aviation.

• While training on the AT-6 Texan aircraft, Broadbent experienced firsthand the critical nature of human factors in flying, particularly regarding decision-making under pressure.

Contributions to Psychology

• After returning to England in 1945, Broadbent worked with the RAF Personnel Selection Branch and later studied psychology at Cambridge University.

• He became a director at the Applied Psychology Unit, contributing significantly to cognitive psychology and attention research.

Key Theories and Models

• Best known for his work on attention and short-term memory, Broadbent's book "Perception and Communication" established a scientific method model for psychology experiments.

• His research focused on flight controllers' challenges, leading to his influential filter model of attention.

Broadbent's Filter Model of Attention

Mechanism of Attention Filtering

• The filter model posits that a selective filter allows certain messages to be processed while others are ignored based on physical properties like loudness rather than meaning.

Limitations of the Model

• A significant critique is its inability to explain the cocktail party effect—where individuals can hear their name amidst background noise—highlighting an oversimplification in Broadbent's theory.

Evolution of Attention Theories

• Over time, other models such as Treisman's Attenuation Model emerged, refining our understanding of attention beyond Broadbent’s initial framework.

Transition to Christopher Wickens

Introduction to Chris Wickens

• Christopher Wickens presented at a conference alongside other notable figures; his military experiences influenced his research focus on attention overload during operations aboard USS Vulcan.

Development of New Theories

Understanding Multiple Resource Theory

Overview of the Model

• The model explains how individuals can attend to multiple tasks simultaneously, highlighting that some tasks may interfere with each other while others do not.

• It identifies two input modalities: visual and auditory, indicating that stimuli can be presented either visually or orally.

• There are also two processing codes: spatial and verbal, meaning stimuli can be encoded in these ways.

• Responses can occur through two modalities: manual (e.g., pressing a button) or vocal (e.g., speaking).

Processing Stages

• The model outlines several processing stages including encoding (perception), central processing (brain interpretation), and responding (deciding how to react).

• Participants respond to stimuli based on their modality; for example, they might say "I see a target" after perceiving it.

Task Interference Predictions

• If two tasks require separate attentional resources, they can be performed simultaneously without interference.

• Conversely, if tasks share common resources, increasing difficulty in one task will likely degrade performance in the other.

Impact of Multiple Resource Theory on Mental Workload

Historical Context

• Wick's Multiple Resource Theory was groundbreaking when published early in the speaker's career and significantly influenced discussions around mental workload within the human factors community.

• Prior to this theory, mental workload was not widely discussed; Wick's model opened new avenues for understanding attention and workload.

Evolution of Mental Workload Discussions

• By the mid-1980s, statements regarding mental workload began appearing in system design specifications.

• Mental workload remains a critical topic for human factors engineers; tools and techniques have been developed over time to assess it effectively.

Introduction to Situational Awareness

Transition from Mental Workload to Situational Awareness

• The discussion shifts towards situational awareness as another key concept following mental workload.

Micah Ansley's Contributions

• Micah Ansley is recognized as a leader in studying situational awareness; she has held significant positions such as former president of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.

Conceptual Model of Situational Awareness

• Ansley defines situational awareness as a human attribute rather than a system feature.

• Level One: Perceiving information

• Level Two: Understanding/comprehending information

• Level Three: Projecting future states/events for decision-making

Measuring Situational Awareness

Importance of Measurement Tools

• Understanding individual factors like experience and environmental aspects is crucial for developing effective measurement tools for situational awareness.

SAGAT Methodology

• Ansley claims SAGAT is still considered the gold standard for objectively measuring situational awareness due to its high sensitivity (94%) and predictiveness (89%).

Practical Considerations

Understanding Situation Awareness and Automation

The Importance of Diverse Tools for Measuring Situation Awareness

• There are numerous tools and techniques available for field studies, suggesting that relying on a single method may not be sufficient.

• A recommendation is made to utilize a suite of tools when measuring situation awareness rather than restricting oneself to just one.

Introduction to the HESO Model

• Approximately 30 years after her initial model, Anley introduced the Human Autonomy Systems Oversight (HESO) model, integrating two decades of research on automation's effects on human performance.

• The HESO model illustrates key factors affecting an operator's ability to intervene in semi-autonomous systems, emphasizing its complexity.

The Automation Conundrum

• Anley discusses the "automation conundrum," where increased reliability in automation can lead users to become overly trusting and complacent, risking their ability to regain control during emergencies.

• Designers face the challenge of creating automated systems that are both robust and transparent enough for operators to intervene when necessary.

Key Factors in Human-AI Interaction

• The HESO model incorporates elements such as attention, workload, and situational awareness as critical components influencing operator performance.

• Anley's recent work also addresses situation awareness within human-AI teams, highlighting ongoing research in this area.

Richard Gregory: A Pioneer in Visual Science

Personal Connection with Richard Gregory

• Richard Gregory is recognized as a significant figure in visual science; his contributions have greatly influenced the speaker's academic journey.

• The speaker recalls attending one of Gregory’s lectures filled with visual illusions that left a lasting impression.

Influence on Early Career

• During early career experiences at British Aerospace Dynamics Group, the speaker encountered Gregory’s influence again through discussions related to vision research.

Significance of Visual Illusions

• Visual illusions provide insights into brain function and highlight potential pitfalls in display design that could lead to unwanted visual artifacts.

Human Augmentation and Its Implications

Introduction to Visual Illusions

• The speaker emphasizes the significance of visual illusions in human factors engineering, referencing the cafe wall illusion attributed to Richard Gregory.

• A photograph of Richard Gregory is shown, highlighting the location in Bristol where he discovered the cafe wall illusion.

Understanding Human Augmentation

• Human augmentation is introduced as an emerging science with profound implications for human factors engineering, warranting awareness among professionals.

• The definition of human augmentation is provided: it involves applying science and technology to improve human performance temporarily or permanently.

Categories of Human Augmentation

• Two categories are defined:

• Human Performance Optimization: Enhancing performance up to biological limits without adding new capabilities (e.g., glasses).

• Human Performance Enhancement: Improving performance beyond biological limits, introducing new capabilities (e.g., night vision goggles).

Definitions and Perspectives

• The speaker warns against getting too fixated on definitions due to their variability; alternative definitions exist within different contexts.

• Major General Tim Hodet's alternative definition from a previous congress highlights this variability in understanding human augmentation.

Technology Maturity and Policy Considerations

• A grid illustrates various technologies' potential for exploitation, categorized by maturity and transformative potential.

• Technologies that can be integrated today with manageable policy considerations include pharmaceuticals and powered exoskeletons (categories 7, 8, 9, and 11).

Conclusions on Future Technologies

• Most transformative technologies currently have low maturity levels (e.g., genetics), but this may change rapidly as research progresses.

• Bioinformatics and analytics are identified as crucial enablers for advancing other human augmentation technologies, suggesting a need for increased R&D focus.

Q&A Session Preparation

How Does Human Systems Integration Relate to User Experience?

Introduction to Human Systems Integration (HSI)

• A question from Paulo Anacleto inquires about the relationship between Human Systems Integration (HSI) and human factors integration, particularly regarding whether humans are seen as users or elements within a system.

• The speaker asserts that humans are definitely considered within the system boundary, emphasizing their integral role.

Clarification of Terminology

• The speaker notes that HSI is a term commonly used in the United States and is broadly equivalent to what is referred to as human factors integration in other contexts.

User Experience vs. Human Factors

• Sinan Yaku poses a challenging question on how user experience (UX) relates to human factors, prompting an exploration of their connection.

• The speaker explains that UX draws heavily from human factors, which serves as the scientific foundation for human factors engineering.

Ongoing Debate: Are UX and Human Factors the Same?

• There exists an ongoing debate about whether UX and human factors engineering are identical; recent discussions have highlighted differing perspectives on this issue.

• The speaker believes that while they share many elements, they are not quite the same. Human factors engineering focuses more on processes and documentation compared to UX's design emphasis.

Organizational Factors in HFI

• Anry Ridan asks about organizational factors' role in HFI. The speaker confirms these are crucial aspects addressed later in the presentation.

Situational Awareness: A Key Concept

Understanding Situational Awareness

• A quote by M Ensley states that situational awareness is fundamentally a human attribute, although some engineers may argue it can be attributed to systems if they process information correctly.

AI's Role in Situational Awareness

• With increasing AI integration into systems, understanding how these systems perceive information becomes essential.

• The speaker emphasizes treating AI agents like human team members regarding situational awareness—both should be aware of each other's understanding.

Reference to Recent Research

Understanding Metacognitive Elements in Situational Awareness

Importance of Awareness in AI and Human Teams

• The integration of a metacognitive element into situational awareness models emphasizes the need for individuals to recognize not only their current awareness but also the gaps within it.

• This concept extends to artificial intelligence agents, where humans must be aware of both the agents' knowledge and their limitations.

• The discussion highlights the complexity of AI's role across various sectors, particularly in military applications, raising significant questions about human factors engineering.

Transitioning to Human Factors Integration (HFI)

• Acknowledgment that understanding AI capabilities and limitations will become crucial for future knowledge bases in human factors engineering.

• Introduction to the topic of Human Factors Integration (HFI), with a reference to its historical context provided by previous webinars.

Historical Context of Human Factors Integration

Origins and Development

• HFI traces back to the 1980s with the U.S. Army's adoption of "man print," which stands for Manpower and Personnel Integration, aimed at simplifying complex weapon systems.

• An example is given regarding the Stinger anti-aircraft missile system, which required excessive steps for operation due to poor user consideration during development.

Impact on Military Systems

• The effectiveness of man print is illustrated through its application on the Comanche helicopter, significantly reducing maintenance tool requirements from 134 to just six tools.

• While still used in U.S. Army terminology, "human systems integration" has largely replaced man print across services today.

Current Status and Future Directions of HFI

Adoption in UK Defense

• In the UK, man print was adopted by MOD in the early 1990s, leading to training courses and incorporation into procurement processes with penalties for non-compliance.

Ongoing Relevance

• HFI remains active within UK MOD practices; Joint Service Publication 912 mandates HFI on all equipment acquisition programs as part of defense standards.

Accessing Human Factors Integration (HFI)

Introduction to HFI and Access

• HFI is hosted on the Knowledge in Defense website, accessible via the Defense Gateway. For those unfamiliar with these platforms, contacting the speaker via email is encouraged for assistance.

• The speaker invites inquiries about accessing HFI resources, providing their email address on the last slide of the presentation.

Scope of Human Factors Integration

• HFI encompasses a broad range of human-related subjects including staffing levels, training, job design, and environmental design.

• It is emphasized that HFI is a management activity focused on systematically managing people-related risks throughout all phases of a project’s life cycle.

Understanding the Domains of HFI

Evolution of Domains

• Initially introduced with seven domains in the UK, Soldier survivability was later dropped while social and organizational aspects were added as a sixth domain.

• Currently, there are five consolidated domains: Human Factors Engineering, Personnel (including manpower), System Safety & Health Hazards, Organization & Social factors, and Training.

HFI Processes Overview

Process Stages

• The speaker notes that HFI processes are systematic and process-driven but acknowledges that discussing them can be dry.

• There are six key stages in the HFI process mapped against system engineering life cycle phases. These begin during pre-concept development and continue through to disposal.

Detailed Descriptions

• For detailed descriptions of each phase in the HFI process, references to Joint Service Publication 912 and Defense Standard 0251 are provided.

• Activities within these processes involve collaboration between MOD personnel (blue activities), suppliers (green activities), and joint efforts (half blue/half green).

Adoption of HFI Beyond Defense

Expansion into Other Sectors

• Originally developed for defense applications, HFI has been adopted by sectors such as nuclear energy, oil & gas, chemicals, railways, and medical devices.

• Different sectors have tailored their own processes based on specific requirements; some refer to them as HF usability processes or similar terms.

Learning from Other Sectors

• A discussion point raised is how defense can learn from practices in other sectors without becoming complacent about its origins in HFI.

Origins of Human Factors Integration in Defense Equipment

Historical Context

• The speaker introduces Humphrey Robotm's contributions to defense procurement over his 25-year career at MOD's Defense Procurement Agency.

Human Factors Integration in Defense

Tribute to a Key Contributor

• The Engineering Services Human Factors Group served as a focal point for policy coordination and practical guidance, with significant contributions from an individual who spearheaded human factors integration at MOD until his departure in September 2008.

• Tragically, this key figure passed away in a motorcycling accident in August 2009 while developing human factors courses for military and civil service students. He was awarded an MSc in Aeronautical Design by the University of Bristol.

• In memory of this individual, the H Robotm Memorial Award is presented annually to recognize outstanding contributions to human factors integration (HFI) within defense.

Formation and Growth of the HFI Team

• The internal technical support team for HFI was formed towards the end of 2016, driven by a new operating instruction mandating its use within MOD equipment acquisition projects.

• Initially starting with only two members focused on developing HFI policy, the team expanded to seven by September 2017, emphasizing project support.

• As of now, there are 20 staff members due to increased demand for their services and compliance requirements across various projects.

Importance of Compliance and Support

• Human factors integration is included in mandatory processes like GEAR (Guide to Engineering Activities and Reviews), ensuring that all projects address HFI or provide strong justification if they do not.

• Engaging with the HFI team offers benefits such as compliance with joint service publications, improved likelihood of meeting user requirements, streamlined contracting processes, and cost-effectiveness.

Overview of HFI Processes

• The presentation outlines six stages of the HFI process mapped against CADM phases. Stages one through three involve activities conducted internally at MOD.

• For stages four and five, industrial suppliers are expected to perform activities under oversight from MOD's HFI team. Feedback mechanisms are also established for ongoing support.

Project Support Statistics

• In FY 2023–2024, 64 projects across various domains received support from the internal HFI team. Domains include Land, Air, Maritime, and Joint operations within defense.

• The team also provides assurance regarding compliance with criteria set forth by tools like the Support Solution Envelope and maintains updates on relevant standards such as DEF STAN W251.

Historical Context: MOD Industry Working Group

HFI Policy and Structure Changes

Transition to New Groups

• In 2017, the decision was made to dissolve the previous HFI group, leading to the formation of the Mode Industry HFI Steering Group and the Mod Industry HFI Leasing Group.

• The Steering Group's primary role is to discuss and direct HFI policy and processes, while the Leasing Group focuses on sharing information and best practices within the industry.

Meetings and Information Sharing

• The Mod Industry HFI Leasing Group convenes biannually, emphasizing information exchange through presentations from industry experts or MOD representatives on relevant topics.

Recognition of Contributions in Human Factors

Award for Defense Sector Group

• The Defense Sector Group received the EA's Triennial Human Factors and Ergonomics Prize in 2021 for significant contributions to research and application in human factors integration.

• This recognition stems from decades of work by the Human Factors Integration Working Group, highlighting their impact on research and development.

Future Challenges in Human Factors Integration

Discussion Document Release

• A recent discussion document titled "Human FS Integration Fit for the Future," authored by DSTL colleagues Mike Borman and Dave Thompson, outlines current practices and future challenges in human factors integration.

• The document aims to be accessible soon via a website; interested parties can contact for early access.

Key Conclusions from Document

• Adaptation Needs: HFI must adapt to support MOD's modernization efforts amid evolving technological landscapes as outlined in the 2021 integration review.

• Early Embedding: It is crucial that human factors integration becomes embedded early in activities undertaken by Frontline Commands (FLC), particularly during capability planning.

• Technological Awareness: Practitioners need to stay updated on advancements like AI, robotics, and autonomy to effectively support human-machine team specifications.

Assessment of HFI Success

Q&A Session Insights

• A question raised about HFI's success within defense highlighted concerns regarding resource adequacy against project demands.

Resource Challenges

• Current staffing levels are insufficient; with hundreds of ongoing projects, a team of 20 cannot meet all demands. Recruitment efforts are hindered by a ban but are anticipated to resume soon.

Overall Success Evaluation

Improving System Design and Its Impact

Summary of the Presentation

• The speaker acknowledges the improvements in system design, emphasizing that these advancements have contributed to saving lives.

• The speaker expresses gratitude towards Lad for sharing his insights, highlighting the enthusiasm and knowledge he brought to the presentation.

• Appreciation is extended to Steve for effectively chairing the session, as well as to the audience for their active participation and valuable comments in the chat.