Optimal solutions for complex design problems: Using isoperformance software for human factors trade offs

Abstract

A major application of isoperformance is as a trade-off methodology of the three major drivers of system design; equipment, training variables, and user characteristics. The flexibility of isoperformance allows each of these three components to be nearly any rational variation. For example, aptitude may be military Armed Forces Qualification Testing (AFQT) categories, cutoff scores within a selection procedure, or simply dichotomizing high and low scorers (pass/fail). Equipment may be new versus old, 'smart' versus dumb, high versus low resolution, etc. Training may be short versus long or varieties of media types (lecture versus CAI/CBI versus self-paced workbooks). In its final computerized form isoperformance lets the user set an operational level of performance (e.g., a jet pilot in a simulated emergency must take prescribed corrective action and clear the plane in several seconds, pilot astronauts will check out all shuttle flight systems within 30 minutes, or Mission Specialists must handle sucdessfully a required number of job elements). At this point the computer program guides the user through any requested trade-offs of the three components while maintaining the specified operational level of performance through isoperformance curves. A demonstration of the computer program is currently available.