Human Factors Case
Importance of Human Factors in aviation
The role of Human Factors (HF) in the design, evaluation and implementation of ATM systems is critical, in particular because a balanced trade-off between human and machine is necessary and inevitable for future air traffic growth.
In this context, any new ATM project needs to take account of the following facts:
- HF issues are complex and difficult to identify;
- HF interventions are often made too late;
- It is not always easy to justify resources and budget for HF,
- Acceptance by end users;
- Applying HF flexibly, not prescriptively.
Applying the Human Factors case process
The HF Case process ensures HF integration in projects and addresses Human Factors benefits and issues throughout an ATM project life-cycle. It is a crucial validation step which ensures that a new concept or system delivers its intended ‘human’ performance.
It supports the pragmatic integration of Human Factors within a new project by analysing and optimising the human interaction with a system and its environment; it also looks at systems being operated in a normal and abnormal manner.
A HF case will be developed with the help of an HF practitioner who will make use of findings and experience to interpret a new situation and provide informed predictions to the project manager.
The HF Case process is designed to be iterative as it can be reapplied through each lifecycle phase as the project matures.
Related Documents
- HF case guidance V2 pdf - 2,832.178 kB
- HF case pie sub categories description pdf - 39.822 kB
- latest guidance of HF case application (V3 for ANSP) pdf - 6,709.636 kB
The HF Case is a five stage process towards a better HF integration in ATM projects with the following caracteristics :
- A step-by-step process to capture HF issues and benefits
- A process to support validation and timely interventions
- A support for project managers to make a case for HF with evidences
- A structure to enable expert input as well as end user involvement
- An adaptable process to meet different project requirements
The HF Case can be initiated at any stage of a project’s life cycle. Ideally the HF Case should be initiated at the earliest possible stage in the project lifecycle.
An HF Case can be applied to a number of projects i.e.
- Bespoke systems - new, tailor-made systems
- Commercially available systems - 'Commercial Off The Shelf' (COTS) systems and products
- Systems implemented elsewhere - main emphasis on local implementation issues
- Modified systems extended by new system level functionality.
In short, an HF Case should consider anyone who is affected by system changes and how their performance contributes to the total system performance.
The Human Factors Case (HF Case) was launched in August 2004, supported by the first edition of the HF case.
Lessons learned using the HF Case in a number of EUROCONTROL projects led to the publication of a revised HF Case process during the HF Case Workshop in 2007 held at EUROCONTROL.
Between 2007 and 2010 the HF case process was applied on a variety of projects (airport, en route, concept development) at different phase of development (R&D, development, implementation). ANSP as well as research centres and industries used the process.
The experience gained from the application and from feedback given by HF Case users indicated some areas for further improvement.
The European Operational Concept Validation Methodology (E-OCVM) has become a standard for European projects and has been adopted by SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research)
The HF case process has been revised in 2010 and a support material for HF case application has been produced to detail the latest HF process updates.
The HF Case is the difference between success or failure for controller tools implementation. It covers key areas that are often neglected and that are important for optimum implementation. - FASTI Programme Manager
