The first edition of Human Factors in Simple and Complex Systems, published in 1994, was prescient in highlighting the increasing role of humans in complex systems, an approach that has since come to be called human–systems integration (Boehm-Davis, Durso, & Lee, 2015; Booher, 2003a). We maintain this emphasis on complex systems in the present edition, while also acknowledging the need to systematically consider human factors in the simplest of systems and products. Many technological advances occurred in the 14 years prior to the second edition, published in 2008, and such advances have proceeded at an ever increasing pace from that time to the present. Mobile devices that allow access to the Internet from almost any place at any time have come into widespread use. Research and development teams can collaborate across the world instantaneously using software distributed across the Internet. Advanced display technologies have resulted in a major redesign of the air-traffic control system. All aspects of healthcare, in both medical and home settings, are becoming increasingly technological in nature. Using advancements made in robotics and communication technology, surgeons can now perform telesurgery, surgeries on patients in locations far from that of the surgeon. Intelligent vehicle systems that help avoid collisions, alert sleepy drivers, and assist drivers with navigation and parallel parking have become increasingly sophisticated. Advances such as these require significant input and evaluation from human factors specialists.
New technologies have continued to emerge that are now part of everyday life. Social networking services, including Facebook and Twitter, were in their initial phases: Twitter was founded in March, 2006, and Facebook opened registration to all computer users in September, 2006. Smartphones were in their infancy in 2008, with the first Android phone appearing that year and the first iPhone only a year earlier. Cell phone use while driving a vehicle has become an increasing concern because it places heavy demands on the physical and cognitive capabilities of the driver. Autonomous cars without human drivers are being allowed starting in the middle of 2018 in the state of California. In all of these examples, as well as for the multitude of technological advances that will occur in the years to come, usability issues are paramount. To maximize the effectiveness of any such technology, a host of human factors issues have to be addressed.
The third edition of Human Factors in Simple and Complex Systems is intended to update and expand our earlier editions taking into account the technological changes over the last 8 years. While technology may change, the foundation for understanding human performance remains the same. This foundation allows us to address issues of human factors and ergonomics in new and emerging technologies from a coherent, process-oriented perspective. As such, our goal continues to be to provide students with the knowledge necessary to understand the range of human factors issues that may be encountered in the design, implementation, and evaluation of products and systems. Our intent is to provide a foundation in the principles of human performance and a broad overview of the field of human factors for advanced undergraduate and graduate students.