Integrated information visualization and usability of user interfaces for safety-critical contexts

Abstract

Safety-critical systems are often designed from a technical point of view. This technocentric approach causes usability problems and, hence, hinders the protection or restoration of safe conditions, such as in emergency response, or even implies safety risks. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify key aspects for a more human-centered design for higher usability and safer system use. General emergency management and response literature as well as study results from various other fields, such as police work, firefighting and nuclear power plants were analyzed. Communalities and differences were contrasted and important overarching design recommendations for safety-critical user interfaces were deduced.