Command and Control
Command and Control (C2) is the application of Human Systems Integration (HSI) expertise, human factors principles, and user-centered design to the development of complex civil and military systems to improve effectiveness and enhance the performance of the user and decision maker.
Multi-Modal Watch Station
The Multi-Modal Watchstation (MMWS) project developed design concepts that would support crew optimization in future military C2 centers.
This project demonstrated that, using a variety of advanced human computer interface (HCI) concepts, one could optimize crew size and selection. The MMWS and its HCI provided for reduced crew workload through software that automated many menial tasks by providing task-supportive information rather than raw data. These information sets and displays are shown and processed through an ergonomically-designed watchstation.
The project also explored the use of different input methods such as touch screens, trackball, and voice to provide fast access to information needed for tactical decision-making tasks in an air defense use case.
Land Attack Combat System
A prototype HCI was developed to explore advanced task management, decision support systems, and automation tools.
The effectiveness of the HCI was demonstrated with a 2.5 hour land attack combat system (LACS) scenario preformed by a single operator. The LACS scenario was based on a 9 hour, 4-operator task set that included post-launch requirements introduced by the Block IV Tactical Tomahawk missile. The LACS prototype HCI focused on task management, decision support, and automation tools designed to support the Warfighter in mitigating high stress and high workload.
Task Manager Evolution and Design
The evolution of software from data-driven to task driven design requires the concurrent evolution of task management HCI. From domain specific to multi-domain requirements, these interfaces must be focused on the needs of the user and his or her task and not be bound by traditional data and function design models.
Assisted Team and Task Collaboration
PSE developed interfaces based on a proposed future Tactical Tomahawk HCI. The goal was to provide an HCI that enabled task collaboration.
The interface that was developed provided all necessary information for each role on the Tomahawk team, the Engagement Control Officer, Fire Planner, and Post-Launch Controller. The HCI essentially translated the task analysis and role data into the display of tasks to be performed, the progression and status of each task, and provided decision support information tailored to the user’s role.
Task Inspection and Editing
PSE developed demonstration interfaces based on a proposed future tactical Tomahawk software interface. The goal of the design was to provide interfaces that allowed task inspection and task parameter editing for a Tomahawk strike package.
Task Prioritization
The focus of this work was the development of a set of ‘fuzzy’ rules to establish a priority for competing tasks in air defense. The rules are based on linguistic ambiguity, and the outcome of processing the fuzzy rules yielded a recommendation of task importance or priority from Very Low, Low, Medium, High, to Very High.
Attention Management
The terms "alert", "warning", and "alarm" are often used interchangeably for systems that involve attention-getting or that present information about significant, abnormal or threatening situations. This research addressed all of these situations and provided design guidance for systems delivering alert messages of any type or form that must be brought to the attention of an operator who is occupied with other work.
