Human Factors Engineering in the Development of a New Load Carriage System for the Canadian Forces
Abstract
Human Factors Engineering (HFE) is contributing significantly to Canadian soldier protective clothing and personal equipment development and acquisition. From the conduct of user surveys and studies of baseline system performance, through the execution of controlled trials with representative users in the laboratory or the field HFE is now impacting on virtually every stage of the Canadian soldier system development and acquisition cycle, This is especially the case for the development and acquisition of a new load carriage system for the Canadian Forces under the auspices of the 'Clothe the Soldier' project. The integrated design team, led by DCIEM, involved experts in HFE biomechanics and load carriage system design from the Department of National Defence, academia and industry. The team followed a user-centered iterative design and evaluation process to rapidly develop an integrated load carriage system that will meet the range of needs of Canadian soldiers. The system includes a tactical vest, a large rucksack and small pack system. each with removable and interchangeable storage pouches making it adaptable or configurable according to mission, environment, and individual needs, The paper will present an overview of the Human Factors systems design approach used to identify and validate user requirements, and will highlight some of the many lab and field evaluations and analyses used to make design and procurement decisions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADP011000
Entities
People
- D. W. Tack
- L. L. Bossi
Organizations
- Defence Research and Development Canada