National Human Performance Data Banks

Abstract

Practice of MANPRINT requires methods to assess human performance in existing systems and to predict human performance in future systems. The data needed to support the required analysis will be extensive, varied, and highly user-dependent. A national human performance information center that would collect and disseminate data widely to meet user community needs could be extremely valuable in implementing user-centered design approches. This chapter discusses some of the problems inherent in developing such a national information center. Then, by highlighting a sample of existing data banks, it illustrates that successes have been achieved in overcoming these problems, and that many of the important elements of a national human performance information center for MANPRINT already exist. A needs/feasibility study is recommended to define the requirements for and assess existing resources for a national human performance information center.