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Usability  > User-Centered Design Steps > Step 6 - 6 of 6
 
 


Step 6 - Design Human-to-System Interfaces

With the information from STEP 5, design of the human-to-system interfaces and workstations can commence.  Interface guidelines are selected, human-to-system interface points identified.  Procedures are developed for each human task and subtask and the most appropriate technology selected to enable performance and human-to-system interaction.  Interface designs are then developed which comply with the interface guidelines.  These designs are then subjected to usability assessments in an iterative process that seeks user feedback that is incorporated in design refinement and reevaluated by users.

  • Identify and implement interface guidelines.  Identify and implement the guidelines to be used for interface and screen design.  These may be published guidelines, handbooks, or standards such as the FAA Human Factors Design Standard, (HFDS), (DOT/FAA/CT-03-05, HF-STD-001) or system development specific "Style Guides."  The former provide guidance such as short term memory limitations, preferred display and control modalities, anthropometrics, and physical strength and stamina limitations.  The later provides specific guidance to system programmers on screen layout, menu design, and interaction methods so that user screens will be consistent.

  • Identify & detail human interface points.  Use the functional architecture and Operation Sequence Diagrams to determine all points at which the human and system interact.  Further determine all information transitioned at these points between the human and system or vice versa.

  • Develop interface concepts.  Determine the input and output modalities for the human-to-system interfaces based on the information transitioned, such as text, graphics, or numeric tables.  Select the appropriate technology to support the interface such as computer monitor and keyboard, mouse, joy stick, touch screen; status display with pushbuttons; manually activated valve; or other devices.

  • Develop interface designs.  For each interface point, develop candidate interface designs.  These can range from computer screen designs for operators to equipment racks and status panel designs for maintainers.

  • Conduct usability assessments.  As early as possible in the design cycle, initiate user evaluation and assessment of candidate interface designs.  Refine designs based on user feedback.  Iterate, until user acceptable designs are obtained.  Continue these activities through operational evaluation and test.

  
 

 
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