User Requirements Analysis and Research

 “Know Your User” is a mantra practiced throughout the human factors community.  User requirements analysis, when implemented early in the design of a system, can identify capabilities, content, and functionality required by prospective users of the system. The result is a system design that takes into account the needs and limitations of prospective end users, thus avoiding the increased cost of potential design alterations done late in the development process.

UDRI’s Human Factors group can assist you in identifying and creating a system design that reflects the needs of the users. We have expertise in several analytical and research methodologies that help us to define the requirements of the users of your system.

To learn more about how to incorporate the needs of users into your system design, please contact Laura Militello.

Past projects that incorporate user requirements analysis include the AC-130 aft scanner workstation redesign. UDRI assisted the Aeronautical System Center program office in researching problems associated with the design of the aft-scanner workstation in the tail section of the AC-130 gunship. The original design was associated with physical discomfort, the contact surfaces were not insulated, and it did not adjust for physical size of the operator. UDRI conducted an extensive study of prone workstations, and recommended solutions that added adjustability, increased body supports, insulation, and padding. The implemented design reduced back and neck strain, and provided rests so that night vision goggles (NVGs) could be used without vibrations being passed from the elbows resting on hard metallic surfaces.

The AC-130 aft-scanner workstation before and after redesign.