A Human Engineering Approach to the Enhancement of Operational Systems

Abstract

The practicing human factors engineer is often called upon to help in improving a system which has already been designed, built and placed into operation. The authors' organization has recently completed a major program to develop guidelines for enhancing nuclear power plant control rooms. On the basis of this and other experiences, an outline for the process of enhancing a system has been developed. This paper will discuss elements of this process which lead to a comprehensive and systematic approach to improvement.