This paper describes a man-in-the-loop simulation program which can handle many jobs on a variety of computer systems. The program is intended to aid in the design and improvement of man-machine interfaces. An example of an application is the scheduling of ingots into and out of the soaking pits of a steel mill. This example shows how the program can be employed to improve interface design and operating procedure.
A method is shown for simulating individual operator man/computer tasks and collecting performance statistics. This method employs a minicomputer with structured software that receives user-written programs for the specific processes and for display formatting. Users can easily try out and evaluate alternative interface designs, different combinations of task assignments, or various formatting dialogues. Job and task performance characteristics are directly obtained. An illustration is given. These performance characteristics may be used comparatively or as inputs to a total system simulation for the design of large man/machine systems.
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