Human Factors Models
Elwyn Edwards (1972) proposed the SHEL model. SHELL model is a conceptual model of human
factors for aviation, is also to assist in understanding the human factors relation between
Aviation System Resources.
This model contains four components:
Liveware: the human beings - engineers, flight crew, cabin crew, ground crew, management and
administration people - in the system.
Software: The rules, procedures, documents etc, which are part of the standard operating procedures
(SOP’s).
Hardware: the aircraft, machinery, tools, control and display systems;
Environment: the physical, social and economic climate in which the organization and individuals operate
Human Factors Models
3 Models of Human Factors
1. The SHEL(L) Model
2. The ‘ Swiss cheese’ model
3. PEAR model
SHELL Model
In aviation, Elwyn Edwards (1972) proposed the SHEL model to identify the
components and interactions within our complex industry.
Liveware-Liveware
The interface between people and other people.
In this interface, we are concerned with leadership, co-operation, teamwork and personality
interactions.
L: relationships with other people, shortage of manpower, lack of supervision, lack of support from
managers
Liveware-Software
The interface between people and software.
In order to achieve a safe, effective operation between the liveware and software it is important
to ensure that the software, particularly if it concerns rules and procedures, is capable of
being implemented.
S: misinterpretation of procedures, badly written manuals, poorly designed checklists, untested or
difficult to use computer software
Liveware-Hardware
The interface between people and hardware
This interface is the one most commonly considered when speaking of human-machine systems
H: not enough tools, inappropriate equipment, poor aircraft design for maintainability'
Listening: Active Listening Process
In order for you to listen properly you must engage in what we call active listening. For active listening, it is
needed for an individual to:
• Get prepared by thinking about the topic being discussed;
• Stay involved by focusing in what the speaker is saying not on what you
want to say;
• Keep an open mind about the subject and in particular be willing to accept alternative views to your
own;
• Review and evaluate by putting the information into different words that
provide the same meaning; and,
• Give feedback though appropriate responses.
Barriers to active listening
There are many barriers to active listening. For example:
• Too much information
• Boring subject;
• Concentrating on your own views;
• Being easily distracted by other influences;
• Criticizing the delivery rather than the content.
Information Processing
Information processing is the process of receiving information through the senses, analysing it and making
it meaningful.
We have five senses. Some people claim a sixth sense which is intuition and there is no doubt many
people have some intuition.
The gustatory sense is usually broken down into the perception of
four different tastes: salty, sweet, sour and bitter.
Attention And Perception
Attention and Perception
Information access is inexorably tied with attention to access information, attention has to be directed at
that information. Several types of tasks that involve such direction of attention have been identified in
human factors literature. These tasks can also be seen in the aircraft maintenance environment.
Selective Attention
The operator or mechanic has to monitor several sources of information to
decide whether a particular event has occurred. Examples include a pilot scanning several cockpit
instruments looking for a deviant reading.
Attention And Perception
Focused Attention
The operator has to attend to one source of information and exclude all other sources. Examples include a
mechanic reading a maintenance manual in a noisy repair shop.
Divided Attention
Two or more separate tasks have to be performed simultaneously. Examples include driving a vehicle in the
hanger while carrying out a conversation with a coworker.
Sustained Attention
The mechanic has to sustain attention over prolonged periods of time, without rest, in order to detect
infrequently occurring signals. Examples include air defence radar operators and security guards viewing a
TV monitor, or technicians inspecting many rows of rivets with no corrosion detected.
Attention And Perception
Perception
We know that there is a difference between detection and perception
Detection refers to the physical response of our senses, in the presence of some event or stimulus
Perception refers to the combination of psychological and physical processes that allow us to know that
we’ve detected something.
Perception creates faces, melodies, works of art, illusions, etc. out of the raw material of sensation.