A Technique for Evaluating Man-Machine System Designs 1

A computer based method for digitally simulating the performance, in one-operator systems, of operators who possess various characteristics is described. The method is believed applicable for evaluating various system designs while the system is in the early design stage. Two operational tasks, landing an F4D aircraft on a carrier and firing an air-to-air missile, were simulated using the method. The predictions from the model were compared with outside criterion data for the same tasks. The predictions are held to conform generally with reality and to be reasonable. The results of the two applications of the model were in general agreement. It is held that the model may be considered sound and may now be tentatively employed for comparative evaluation of alternative system designs or for predicting system performance.