NASA SISM Intelligent Systems Project Human-Centered Computing Introduction

Introduction

Human-centered computing embodies a "systems view" that includes computational tools, cognitive and social systems, and physical facilities and environment. It inherits the complexity of software engineering and systems integration, plus modeling of human-machine and human-human interaction. Advances in theory and modeling require systematic data on such interactions in realistically complex environments. NASA's Human-Centered Computing (HCC) subproject supports development of prototype HCC systems grounded in realistic NASA applications (including space walks and air traffic management). Results will lead to sophisticated adaptive systems that amplify human cognitive, perceptual, and motor capabilities, and to better design decisions that reduce life cycle costs while enhancing system robustness and mission safety. HCC research optimizes the combined performance of expert teams and their supporting information systems. This new science studies mixed-initiative systems in which humans, software agents, and robots all contribute to system behavior. For example, next-generation air traffic management will need coordinated information systems (ground-based and in the cockpit) for geographically distributed experts (controllers and pilots). Space Shuttle launches and planetary exploration will also depend on human-centered systems, with ground-based operators, astronauts, and robots functioning collaboratively to maximize mission science return.

NASA | SISM | IS | Human-Centered Computing

<  | Introduction | Structure | Objectives | Customers | Programmatics |  >

Human-System Modeling | Decision Systems | Multimodal Interfaces