Human Technologies Research
Innovative Solutions for Human Performance
The discipline of human factors is critical for any organization dependent on human/object interaction to perform its mission. As a modern-day leader with a proven record in human technologies research, UDRI uses scientific processes to understand the intersection between humans and technology in various environments in order to improve usability, design, systems, and processes.
Our researchers undertake Human Performance analysis through human testing and usability within various domains such as Human-Machine Teaming, ISR, and software use. Our Human Performance testing focuses on research dealing with training decay and vigilance. We also research how to improve human-machine teams and ways to utilize intelligent agents in order to improve situational awareness and workflows.
UDRI researches how to create optimal teams of humans and artificial agents via cognitive task analysis (CTA) with SMEs and other users, evaluates and develops new automation technologies, and analyzes task and mission requirements. We evaluate human-machine teaming, design new interfaces to improve collaboration and awareness of human-machine teams, and utilize physiological measurement to understand user stress.
UDRI provides critical data needed to inform cognitive models by conducting basic human research studies, evaluating performance to inform theories of cognition, creating generalizable simulations of task performance, and validating models against human data. We deliver informative data sets to provide spatial knowledge and cognitive fatigue models. In addition, we are experts at handling all regulations and requirements concerning research with human subjects.
UDRI analyzes the impact of various aspects of complex human performance experiments through electroencephalography (EEG), electrocardiogram (ECG), Transcranial Doppler (TCD), and Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR). We can conduct a variety of experiments to meet any research need.
UDRI unifies theories and computational models of cognitive processes and mechanisms affected by fatigue using behavioral, neurological, and modeling data. Our empirical studies expose critical phenomena at multiple levels of analysis and help to mitigate the vigilance decrement.
UDRI is experienced in building participant pools for human research. We conduct recruiting through websites and advertising venues and use incentive-based payment to increase ecological validity and to maintain participants’ motivation. In addition, we are experienced and vigilant in maintaining all required documentation regarding experiment participation.
UDRI conducts cognitive task analyses of intelligence analysts; we also design and conduct studies and analysis to provide spatial knowledge and cognitive fatigue models. Our research in this area helps technology users with operator workload, sustained attention, and overall performance.