Analysis Techniques For Man-Machine Systems Design

NATO UNCLASSIFIED- 119-- AC/243(Panel-8)TR/7Volume 26.1 DESIGN OPTION DECISION TREESWhat the technique doesDesign option decision trees (DODT) are a means of formally reviewing design options for the human factorsimplications of design choices (Meister, 1985). The original DODT approach was developed by Askren & Korkan(1971) to locate points in the design process for the input of human factors data. Independent work in Canada led to asimilar approach to the documentation of human factors design data for specific systems (Becvis, 1981).Inputs to the techniqueThe technique requires a comprehensive understanding ofthe human factors issues and costs associated with theclass of system being developed, together withinformation on possible technological choices Thisrequires the equivalent of a "state-of-the-art" review ofhuman factors issues for the particular class of system.Outputs of the techniqueThe analysis produces a tree of design decisjons whichhave significant human factors costs, and detaileddescriptions of the human engineering issues associatedwith each decision.When to useThe technique should be used in the system concept development phase, when different concepts are being explored.The need for information on human factors issues requires that existing systems be analysed and compared.RelatedtechniquesThe approach is related to that of design approach radeoff studies tWoodson. 1981). Some aspects of tradeoff studiesare addressed in an allocation of functions analysis (3.3).Resources requiredDesign option decision trees can be completed by hand. The major resource required is information on thetechnological choices and human factors issues.NATO UNCLASSIFIED-119-