Human factors specialists to the rescue for (other) systems designers – case study in railway

It is a challenge for human factors professionals to be seen as a colleague system designer of man-machine systems. Mostly, they are consulted for detailed user interface design. However, in this design phase fundamental questions about task allocation necessary for an optimal man-machine interface are cut short. This case describes the development of a warning system for train drivers to illustrate the role of the human factors specialist. The original question for the warning system turned from detailed design level towards a full partnership in system design by covering issues in which human factors specialists distinguish themselves from IT specialists