A Task-Based Design Guide for Command and Control
Abstract
The need for better design of user interfaces (UI) has been required by the ever-increasing complexity of command and control (C2) systems, the life cycle constraints (LCC), and the increasing operational dynamics and needs of the combatant commanders (COCOM). With usability issues becoming widespread in the C2 community, there is now an even greater need for UI standardization, which is advanced by the plan to adopt a UI style guide for C2 systems. Although UI standardization in the form of a style guide seems to be a step in the right direction, a style guide alone may be inappropriate given the inherently diverse nature of C2 systems. Here, we will discuss a more logical solution that explores a fundamental change away from the current function-based design methodology and suggests moving towards a task-based design approach. A key component of task-based design is articulated in the scientific publications within Human Factors Engineering (HFE). HFE is the domain within Human Systems Integration (HSI) that is most relevant to the System Engineering (SE) process, and ironically, is often misunderstood, dismissed, or omitted entirely from SE architectures. Other operational domains that have employed HFE design-engineering approaches have found major impacts in system effectiveness, suitability, and affordability. Development and deployment of task-based human interfaces in C2 configurations can reduce LCC and improve the operational capability available to the COCOM. Operation of C2 systems must be driven by what needs to happen next in the command environment, not by the limitations of a function-based user interface.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA570220
Entities
People
- Alan G. Lemon
- Michael B. Cowen
Organizations
- Naval Information Warfare Systems Command