Human-centered design methodology: an example of application with UAVs mission

Reviewing the accidents and incidents with UAVs, many of these are a consequence of events that were not imagined before starting to use them in a specific setting. Among the known origins, a strong contribution of human factors deficiencies is mentioned. In our industrial context, we propose an engineering methodology focused on human factors, and an application to the design of a ground control station of UAVs. Its processes are described with concrete examples of application in our UAV laboratory. This paper focuses on the need to integrate the aspects related to the human activity. The use of human factors approach in the design of process control systems throughout the industry presents many opportunities for improvements with regards to systems efficiency, effectiveness, reliability and safety.