AFRL INTERFACE DESIGN GUIDE INCREASES OPERATOR PERFORMANCE FOR THE AIR BATTLE MANAGEMENT COMMUNITY Published Dec. 11, 2006 By Plans and Programs Directorate AFRL/XP WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- AFRL research scientists developed and delivered a battle management command and control (BMC2) Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Design Guide to Air Combat Command. The HMI Design Guide promotes a common look and feel among operator interfaces without making any one platform too specific. The guide provides critical research-based interface design guidance to the air battle management community by allowing commonality among future tactical-level BMC2 workstations regardless of airborne platform or operator function. Air battle management crews often move between three platforms, with little commonality existing between the HMI employed at the operator consoles. The differing consoles often require operators to undergo weeks of training to gain proficiency on each system. Prior to drafting and coordinating the HMI Design Guide, AFRL researchers acquired a thorough understanding of operator roles and responsibilities, platform-specific HMI designs and functionality, and usability issues and challenges associated with two tactical command and control (C2) systems: the E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System and the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System. The HMI Design Guide addresses operator performance challenges by increasing operator understanding of the family of system interfaces while still accommodating individual program tailoring in order to meet unique requirements. Research scientists anticipate that the new guide will promote increased user performance and reduce training.