Looking Ahead: Human Factors Challenges in a Changing World

This volume aims to review some of the recent developments and trends that seem especially relevant to any attempt to understand near-term-future possibilities; to consider what a variety of knowledgeable people are saying about changes and developments that could occur; and to relate the possibilities to needs and opportunities for human factors research. Human factors, in this case, includes not only the implications of human capabilities and limitations for the design of equipment and machines intended for human use, but also applied psychology in a more general sense. In particular, it is taken to involve social systems as well as physical ones, the interaction of people with the environment as well as with machines, the facilitation of communication between people as well as between people and computers, and the design of policies and procedures as well as the design of equipment.

The author's intention is to focus on anticipated problems -- including opportunities as well as difficulties -- and ask how human factors research might contribute to solutions. It is assumed that there are ways in which such research could be useful in addressing societal problems that the profession has not yet realized and that these are more likely to be recognized in the future if the community is actively seeking to identify them.

...a compelling call to action....Each chapter begins with well-articulated facts, trends, forecasts, and so on that are offered as stimulants for thought about the topical problem....it is written in such an interesting and engaging manner that a diverse audience should find it provocative, eye-opening, and informative....an excellent source to learn about the enormous diversity, and possible applications, of human factors research....Nickerson succeeds in his goal of stimulating thought about the role of the human factors profession to help resolve national and worldwide problems.
—Contemporary Psychology

An outstanding book! Nickerson has done his homework. The most comprehensive and best integrated analysis of the future needs in human factors that I have seen anywhere in the world. Well organized and clearly written. Should be on every human factors practitioner's or researcher's 'must read' list. Would make an excellent text for a graduate seminar in human factors or ergonomics.
—Hal W. Hendrick
President, International Ergonomics Association

When Ray Nickerson has something to say I pay attention. From his wealth of experience as a manager of systems research, Nickerson offers us thought-provoking reflections about the most critical areas of technology affecting our lives and those of our grandchildren.
—Thomas B. Sheridan
Massachusetts Institute of Technology