Convincing systems engineers to use human factors during process design

Abstract

A controlled between-groups experiment was conducted to demonstrate the value of human factors for process design. Twenty-four Sandia National Laboratories employees completed a simple visual inspection task simulating receipt inspection. The experimental group process was designed to conform to human factors and visual inspection principles, whereas the control group process was designed without consideration of such principles. Results indicated the experimental group exhibited superior performance accuracy, lower workload, and more favorable usability ratings as compared to the control group. The study provides evidence to help human factors experts revitalize the critical message regarding the benefits of human factors involvement for a new generation of systems engineers.