Minimizing human-machine interface failures in high risk systems

Human error is the most complex and least understood factor in the failures of complex systems, accounting for as much as 60% to 80% of complex system failures and as much as 96% of simple system failures. We must stop designing systems in which we virtually guarantee that operator errors will occur with catastrophic consequences. The greatest payback in reducing high risk system accidents is to reduce catastrophes induced or exacerbated by human error. This paper discusses some task breakdowns between the human element and software/hardware. These task allocations allow the complex man-machine system to be designed more robustly and prevent human error so as to reduce possible catastrophic consequences