2.1.4 A Case for the Consideration of System Related Cognitive Functions

Abstract

ABSTRACTModern avionics and digital computing are rapidly advancing fields. Traditional Human Factors (HF) techniques, and those of other disciplines related to system design, are becoming increasingly inappropriate for use in the design of new avionics systems. This article proposes that the current Systems Engineering methods of requirements capture and system performance specification need to be enhanced. Human‐Machine Systems (HMS) are increasingly entering service with performances less than, or different from, that required by their specification. This problem is partly the fault of traditional HF approaches to HMS design, approaches that lack sensible justification, rigour, and purpose with relation to other important design disciplines. One avenue to promote HF value to design is to complement systems engineering by the early integration of human cognitive functions into the early requirements capture processes. It advocates a human orientated contribution to complementing the logical system specification processes. Suggested is a new emphasis on the capture of system cognitive functions related to HMS direction and control and an urgent need to discover methods suitable for the marriage of HMS human associated functions with engineered functions. It is argued that the mooted approach could assist in the knowledgeable adoption of new technologies and allow a more user‐centred approach to system automation. Discussion is presented on the benefits and possible pitfalls of the proposed approach.