Like the first edition, the revision of this successful Handbook responds to the growing need for specific tools and methods for testing and evaluating human-system interfaces. Indications are that the market for information on these tools and applications will continue to grow in the 21st century. One of the goals of offering a second edition is to expand and emphasize the application chapters, providing contemporary examples of human factors test and evaluation (HFTE) enterprises across a range of systems and environments. Coverage of the standard tools and techniques used in HFTE have been updated as well.
New features of the Handbook of Human Factors Testing and Evaluation include:
*new chapters covering human performance testing, manufacturing ergonomics, anthropometry, generative design methods, and usability testing;
*updated tools and techniques for modeling, simulation, embedded testing, training assessment, and psychophysiological measurement;
*new applications chapters presenting human factors testing examples in aviation and avionics, forestry, road safety, and software systems; and
*more examples, illustrations, graphics and tables have been added.
The orientation of the current work has been toward breadth of coverage rather than in-depth treatment of a few issues or techniques. Experienced testers will find much that is familiar, as well as new tools, creative approaches, and a rekindled enthusiasm. Newcomers will discover the diversity of issues, methods, and creative approaches that make up the field. In addition, the book is written in such a way that individuals outside the profession should learn the intrinsic value and pleasure in ensuring safe, efficient, and effective operation, as well as increased user satisfaction through HFTE.
Dr. Samuel G. Charlton received his PhD in Experimental Psychology from the University of New Mexico. Following that, he held positions at the University of Albuquerque, the Veterans Administration Medical Center in New Mexico, the BDM Corporation, and the US Air Force Operational Test & Evaluation Center before moving to New Zealand to take up a position at the University of Waikato in 1995.
Mr. Thomas G. O’Brien has been a Testing and Evaluation (T&E) practitioner and Subject Matter Expert (SME) for 31 years in both Developmental Testing and Evaluation (DT&E) and Operational Testing and Evaluation (OT&E). A former Navy “spook” specializing in psychological operations, counter insurgency, and cryptanalysis and also a disabled Vietnam veteran, Mr. O’Brien has been employed since 1980 as both an engineering psychologist and testing and evaluation generalist for the Department of the Army Human Engineering Lab (Detachment Chief to the Army Materiel Systems Analysis Activity), the BDM Corporation, Battelle Memorial Institute, and System Technology Associates, Inc. Mr. O’Brien is a recognized expert in his field with over 100 technical articles and books published on HSI T&E and also, is one of the original authors of the US Army’s Manpower and Personnel Integration (MANPRINT) Program, which includes seven elements program (manpower, personnel, training, human factors engineering, system safety, health hazards, and personnel survivability). Additionally, Mr. O’Brien has authored some of the original written works on usability engineering, testing and evaluation methods and practices.He has a well rounded understanding of how HSI fits within the larger realm of systems engineering, modeling and simulation.
He currently owns and serves as both President and Chief Executive Officer, TG O'Brien & Associates Incorporated (TGO). TGO currently has contracts as a Prime and Subcontractor to the Department of Defense, Transportation Security Administration, and the Federal Aviation Administration. With 25 employees, TGO earned over $1.5M in business in 2011.
