Task and error analysis for battlefield technology evaluation: a battle management systems case study

Human factors methods have a key role to play in the design and evaluation of battlefield technologies. This article presents an application of task analysis and error prediction methods for evaluating the usability of a new digitised battle management system. Based on data collected during live observation of an operational field trial of the battle management system, task and error prediction analyses were undertaken to identify usability issues. The analyses identified several issues, including general design flaws and a range of design-induced user errors. Recommendations for enhancing user interactions with the battle management system are specified. In closing, the key role that human factors methods have to play in the design and evaluation of battlefield technologies is discussed.