Explorer

• Introduction
• The Acquisition Lifecycle
  • HFI and the Acquisition Lifecycle
  • Concept Stage
    • HFI Baseline Strategy
    • Target Audience Description
    • Early Human Factors Analysis
    • Domains
    • Concept of Operations
    • Issues Log
    • Analysing Characteristics
    • Comparability Analysis
    • Workstation Design
    • Workload Analysis
  • Assessment Stage
    • HFI Plan
    • Allocation of Function
    • Task Analysis
    • Constraints and Assumptions
    • HFI Working Group
    • Style Guide
    • People Related Requirements
    • Safety Case
    • Health Hazard Assessment
    • Job Design
    • User Modelling
  • Demonstration Stage
    • Solution Providers
    • Through Life Management Plan
    • Manpower Plans and Policy
    • Combined Operational Effectiveness and Investment Appraisal
    • Human Machine Interface Philosophy
    • System Requirements Document
    • Human Reliability Assessment
    • Demonstration and Assessment Report
    • Integrated Test Evaluation and Acceptance Plan
    • Operability Trials
  • Manufacture, In-service and Disposal Stage
    • Lessons Learnt
    • Update People Related Requirements
    • Disposal
• Commercial Considerations
  • HFI COTS Considerations
• Human Factors Assurance
• HFI – Training and Competences
  • Training
  • Competences

Content

Human Machine Interface (HMI) Philosophy

What is HMI Philosophy?

HMI Philosophy is a document that contains all the necessary considerations when designing equipment that will ultimately rely on people.

The purpose of the document is to provide guidance for designers, to ensure that the equipment is compatible with user tasks and limitations.

Human Factors input is required to support decisions relating to the design of the human machine interface with the aim of optimising overall cost, safety and performance.

How is a HMI Philosophy Document produced?

The production of the HMI philosophy document should be part of the more general human factors design processes.

The key questions that a HMI philosophy document should address:

• Has the system developed in accordance with the cognitive and physical capabilities of the user?
• Is the system easy for humans to use?
• Have the workstations been designed to maximise operational safety and performance?

What topics impact a HMI Philosophy Document?

The following topics impact a HMI Philosophy Document:

• Allocation of Function
• Task Analysis
• Workload Analysis
• Human Reliability Analysis (HRA)
• Target Audience Description (TAD)
• User Requirements Document (URD)
• System Requirements Document (SRD).

When should a HMI Philosophy Document be produced ?

The activity should begin after Initial gate and continue until the manufacture of the capability.

Does an HMI Philosophy Document affect any other processes?

Yes it affects the Human Factors Design Processes and Human Factors Testing and Evaluation.

Further Information can be found in the HFI Process booklet [PDF], People in Systems handbook [PDF], Def Stan 00-250 and the Human Factors Intranet site.

Change History

Change History

1 March 2010

Further Information amended to include a link to People in Systems handbook.

1 December 2009

Further Information added.

1 March 2009

Updated to include links to other HFI content.