Control Applications

With the increased use of automation, more human control of systems has been assumed by computers. In complex systems, the role of the human has evolved to that of monitoring system operations and intervening only when certain events or conditions arise. At times, the inclusion of automation in these systems has outpaced the application of human factors principles in the design of the human-to-system interface. The resulting highly complex interfaces can lead to error in safety critical systems with potentially catastrophic results.

Three Mile Island Contributing factors were human error and inadequately designed controls and displays.