Assessing the value of human performance modeling in exploring pilot-system dynamics

All too often human-systems integration is not addressed until the final stages of systems development. Because of constraints in the time-cost-schedule, it is typically too late in the acquisition process to make adaptations that address cognitive engineering and user-centered performance. Traditionally, designers have not had methods/tools that comprehensively integrate them in the concept exploration stage of design decision-making. Human-systems integration may currently include cognitive engineering or human performance modeling but rarely combines these methods to comprehensively establish human design requirements. This paper assesses the value of both cognitive engineering and human performance modeling by evaluating pilot-system dynamics in an advanced mission. One model is informed through traditional task analysis, while the other model utilizes cognitive task analysis. An experiment is reported which analyzes model outcomes in contrast to a `benchmark' (pilot-in-the-loop data). The results assess model similarities and differences. The discussion evaluates how human performance models can enhance cognitive engineering in design decision-making.