Development of a Human Factors Methodology for Nasa-Goddard Space Flight Center

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, realizing the importance of the human-computer interface, has begun the process of integrating human factors considerations into system design. A methodology was needed to direct the process of incorporating human factors recommendations into the design process and to introduce human factors principles and procedures to Goddard projects. To gather necessary background information for an effective methodology, a diary was kept, recording the process of a Goddard human factors analysis. The diary technique was effective in identifying issues and steps relevant to the methodology. This paper describes and evaluates the diary as an information-gathering tool. Finally, the methodology is summarized and its effectiveness evaluated.