Conflicting principles in man-machine system design

Abstract

An experimental comparison is reported of two alternative principles of complex man-machine system organization: the "autonomy" principle and the "load balancing" principle. Using a simulated aircraft control system, set-ups requiring operation under each principle, and at several levels of overall "load," were tested. Within the limitations of the experiment both load balancing and autonomy were effective principles. Autonomy was much more critical than load balancing over the range studied. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)