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            In This Section
        eLearning: Attention
                The Attention Game
                Attention & Distraction
                                Attention: Definition and Examples
                Tasks & Demands
                Distraction: Definition and Examples
                Strategies to Manage Distractions
                The Cost of Distraction
                                First person: Distraction and its Consequences
                Attention Related Accidents
                BNSF coal train collision
                Metrolink 111 collision with UP. Chatsworth. Sept 2008
                Canadian National collision, Two Harbors MN Sept 2010.
                HiRail collision, Rockville, MD. Jan 2010
                Rear end collision, Mineral Springs NC
                Pedestrian fatality, West Jordan, UT
                Rear end collision, Westville IN
                Derailment, Bronx NY Dec 2013
                Port Authority collision, Hoboken NJ, May 2011
                Santiago de Compostela derailment, July 2013
                Amtrak 188 Derailment May 2015
                Bad Aibling, GER Collision, February 2016
                Human Systems Integration
                                Overview
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                Human Systems Integration
    

    
    
          **What is HSI?****And why does it matter to the rail industry?**
A diagram breaking down human systems integration.Image Source:
Georgia Tech Research InstituteThe rail industry is evolving rapidly. Among the changes facing the industry is the introduction of new technology in the locomotive cab, such as Positive Train Control (PTC), intended to increase safety and minimize accidents. When new technologies are introduced, it is important that it is done in a way that enhances, rather than hinders, operator performance. Effective Human-Systems Integration (HSI) ensures that this happens, and that new technologies are optimally designed for safe, efficient, and reliable use.

Human Systems Integration is a "systematic, organization-wide approach to implementing new technologies and modernizing existing systems."  It combines "...managerial philosophy, methods, techniques, and tools designed to emphasize, during the acquisition process, the central role and importance of end-users in organizational processes or technologies" (Reinach and Jones (2007:3).

Human Systems Integration refers to efforts to increase safety, manage risk, and optimize performance of those who work in socio-technical systems. HSI considers the human role (both individuals and teams) as part of a system that includes tasks, technologies, and environments. HSI ensures that characteristics of people are considered, and accounted for, throughout the design and development of systems. The HSI approach can increase operator acceptance and usabilityof technology, and enhance the likelihood of successful deployment (Roth, et  al 2013).

What is a "spiral development process?"
A diagram detailing the spiral development process.Image source: Department of the ArmyUse of a "spiral" development process, as the diagram at right shows,  minimizes costly redesigns, by applying knowledge about human abilities and limitations during each step of design and development. Startng at the center, developers learn about work (such as rail operations), develop requirements for what is needed, and verify them. They then develop rough to more refined solutions, verify them, then eventually complete a validated solution that is ready to implement.

This kind of HSI process  makes sure at each step that the solution being developed does what it is required to do to improve operator performance.
              Sources
      
                              
                  
                  R. Pew & A. Mavor. (Eds). (2007). *Human System Integration in the System Development Process: A New Look*. Washington DC: The National Academies Press.
	Reinach, S. & Jones, M. (2007). *An Introduction to Human Systems Integration (HSI) in the U.S. Railroad Industry.*Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration. http://www.fra.dot.gov/eLib/details/L03032
	Roth, E. M., Rosenhand, H., & Multer, J. (2013, May 13). *Using Cognitive Task Analysis to Inform Issues in Human Systems Integration in Railroad Operations.* (U.S., Department of Transportation, RPD). Retrieved from this document
      
    
          Last updated: Wednesday, November 13, 2019 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

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