A Systems Architecture Approach to Designing Human-Centric Systems

Human system engineering (HSE) focuses on identifying methods to improve the integration of human concerns into the conceptualization and design of systems (DOD (1988). Manpower, Personnel, Training, and Safety (MPTS) in the Defense System Acquisition Process (DoD Directive 5000.53), Washington, DC). Systems that include both human and technical components are called sociotechnical systems (STSs). The development of these systems must consider aspects of both the human and technical subsystems in determining system success. HSE tools are initiated at the architecting stage of system development. At this stage, the Human Viewpoint can capture the human-centric data necessary to ensure the effectiveness of human-operated systems. Likewise, the Human Readiness Levels (HRLs) can be used to evaluate the extent of consideration of the human component in the developing system (ANSI/HFES (2021). Human Readiness Level Scale in the System Development Process. American National Standards Institute/Human Factors and Ergonomics Society. Retrieved from: my.hfes.org/online-store/publications). While the HRL tracks the readiness of a technology for human usability throughout the system lifecycle, the first four levels are assessed during the system architecting stage using data collected in the Human Viewpoint. As systems transform to include virtual team members, autonomous systems, and adaptive technologies, the next progression in HSE is to apply these tools to STSs that include Artificial Intelligence (AI) components. The examples in this chapter explore using the HSE tools to better “design in” the human into future systems.