Warfighter Inclusion in System Development: The Operational Perspective in Defining Design Requirements

Abstract

Human systems integration (HSI) is integral to any comprehensive system engineering process. HSI is defined by the International Conference on System Engineering as “interdisciplinary technical and management processes for integrating human considerations within and across all system elements; an essential enabler to systems engineering practice.” But how does one accomplish this interdisciplinary integration? This paper highlights the essential role of the warfighter as an overarching elicitor and integrator of system requirements, and how to effectively exploit this crucial resource. All complex systems are developed to be used and maintained in a specific operational environment by a trained user. It is therefore imperative that the unique operational perspectives of those users are made part of the design and development process. There are several key opportunities within the acquisition process where qualified, representative users play a significant role in refining the system's requirements and defining how the total system will perform. Active participation from the warfighter and user community in the design process will aid in identifying issues early enough to make a meaningful influence on design, fosters warfighter acceptance of the system, reduces the risks associated with warfighter alterations to system configurations, and validates total system performance using human in the loop evaluations.

Technology impacts on safety and decision making over time in marine transportation

“…The degree to which a person believes that using a particular system would enhance his or her job performance [89, p. 320] [124,125] Perceived ease of use The degree to which a person believes that using a particular system would be free of effort…”