Introduction

This chapter introduces human systems integration (HSI) of sociotechnical systems (STSs) as a new approach and field of research. A system is usually characterized by its behavior, which is more than the sum of the elements’ behaviors. HSI harmoniously mixes human-centered design and systems engineering, as well as human-in-the-loop simulation, during the whole life cycle of a sociotechnical system. Two concepts emerge from the evolution of digital engineering: flexibility and tangibility. Flexibility of engineering design and operations is key in developing STSs. HSI benefits from digital engineering from a human factors point of view and, at the same time, requires tangibility testing physically (e.g., grasping and holding a physical object) and figuratively (e.g., grasping and understanding a concept, an abstraction, or a conceptual model). This chapter outlines the various chapters of the handbook that result from an extensive international collaboration between professors, research scientists, graduate students, and industry practitioners to produce a comprehensive, usable publication with a transdisciplinary, holistic approach. It is also meant for those who want to develop a sound understanding of HSI practice, and/or who wish to teach both introductory and advanced graduate HSI courses. It specifically focuses on individuals who want to understand what a sociotechnical system is, the deficiencies in current practice that HSI overcomes, where and how it has been successfully applied, its benefits and payoffs, and how it is being deployed in different industries and across multiple applications.