Operational Console Modernization Tool

In this proposal, HF Designworks (HFDW) and Alion Science and Technology (Alion) describe an approach for developing a concept for an operational console modernization tool. This tool will assess potential console designs in terms of several key factors: their adherence to human factors design principles, the probability that operators will notice key information changes in a timely manner, the time required to complete key task sequences, and the workload experienced by operators when interacting with the console. The Phase 1 effort will include identifying requirements for such a tool, interviewing Navy subject matter experts to identify key concerns, and performing"best of breed"analyses of existing modeling tools to select relevant features for inclusion in this tool. Phase 1 will result in a plan and paper-based prototype of such a tool. In Phase 2, this system will be implemented and tested. The goal of this project is to develop a principle- and model-based software tool that allows Navy personnel to evaluate and compare potential console designs in terms of their expected effects on operator performance before these systems are built.