Operator Workload (OWL) Assessment Program for the Army: Results from Requirements Document Review and User Interview Analysis
Abstract
This report is one of a series describing a program for the development and validation of a methodology for estimation and evaluation of operator workload (OWL) in Army systems. It presents the results of Task 2 of Analytics' contract with the Army Research Institute (ARI) to 'Identify Army Requirements Regarding OWL, Select Specific Army Systems to Analyze, and Provide Outline of OWL Products'. Included are the results of component subtasks: (2.1) Review Army Requirements and Reports, (2.2) Assess User Needs, (2.3) Outline Final Products, and (2.4) Select Prototype Army Systems to Evaluate. The overall purpose of this report is to characterize existing and future Army requirements and needs for OWL assessment, to tailor the OWL program to meet these requirements and needs, and to identify emerging Army systems that are appropriate candidates for exercising families of OWL assessment techniques. Based on the review of Army documents and regulations, there seemed to be a void in specific guidance concerning the implementation of OWL assessment during the Materiel Acquisition Process (MAP). Such lack of specific guidance concerning OWL assessment was further substantiated in our interviews as well as from questionnaire data with Army personnel who play integral roles during the MAP. Our assessment of these findings has resulted in tailoring the proposed products (e.g., Outlines of OWL Handbooks and Pamphlet) to meet the apparent need for OWL guidance throughout the MAP. In addition, recommendations are offered in the report for integrating our efforts with existing Army programs (e.g., MANPRINT) to assure that OWL receives adequate consideration throughout the MAP. With respect to selecting prototype Army systems to evaluate, candidate systems are offered that allow a wide-range of OWL techniques to be employed as well as providing opportunities to make substantial and positive contributions toward impacting the design of these systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 22, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA397180
Entities
People
- Alvan C. Bittner Jr.
- Brian D. Plarnondon
- John Bulger
- Robert J. Lysaght
- Susan G. Hill
Organizations
- U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences