DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTING AND SOFTWARE Human Factors in Performance Support System User Interface Design

-The theme of this paper is the discussion of a design methodology and implementation that can be employed to develop computerized radiation monitoring systems for technology insertion into existing noncomputerized human-machine systems. This methodology seeks to hybridize and exploit the benefits of several diverse disciplines including nuclear engineering, computer science, health physics, real-time system design, human-machine interaction, computer-human interface, and software engineering, in the realization of a Performance Support System (PSS). The focus for combining these disciplines is on the implementation of a specific application: The Iodine Monitoring and Advising System (IMAS), a computerized embedded system for the MNR (McMaster Nuclear Reactor) I-125 production facility. IMAS uses radiation monitoring techniques and human factor concepts to provide nuclear reactor operators with a computerized monitoring alarm facility. The migration from a simple and inflexible spill detector to an intelligent performance support system is documented.