The Design and Application of MIDAS: A Constructive Simulation for Human-System Analysis

A unique tool for crew station human engineering design and analysis has been developed at Ames Research Center. Called MIDAS, this workstation-based simulation system contains models of human performance which can be used to evaluate candidate crew procedures, controls, and displays prior to more expensive and time consuming human subject experiments. Several aviation applications have demonstrated MIDAS’ ability to highlight procedural or equipment constraints and produce human-system performance measures early in a platform’s lifecycle. Guided by lessons learned from these applications, MIDAS is undergoing major architectural and model content expansion prior to entering a period of formal usability and model evaluation. The software design, behavioral representation, and use of MIDAS are reviewed, emphasizing the expanding role for constructive simulation in the engineering of human-machine systems.