HF verification and validation (V&V)

Abstract

This chapter will give guidance on how to assist the performance of system verification and validation (V&V) through the application of human factors (HF) to design during the various phases of a system's life cycle. Notably, a system will be considered as consisting of both humans and machines operating within social, cultural and operating environments. Figure 12.1 depicts this problem space and suggests that HF should be central to the consideration of systems. Therefore, the importance of empathy by the HF practitioner to the activities of the system engineer/maintainer and the user/operator should be emphasised. Moreover, it is argued that true expertise in HF is only acquired through a polymathical approach to work and an understanding of the approaches to the challenges of a system's life cycle by other disciplines such as systems engineering and integrated logistics support.