The Perception and Performance Technical Group (PPTG) is committed to continuously supporting knowledge exchange related to various aspects of perception and performance research, bringing together the insights of a broad range of domains. Our work encompasses all levels of intelligence and autonomy in system/product design, and all human sensory modalities. We explore and encourage innovative, multi-modal approaches to designing the user experience, in order to optimize performance and promote shared situation awareness between humans and machines.
Technical Foci
Because the perceptual processing of sensory information is relevant to so many aspects of human-system performance, the professional interests and activities of our members are diverse. For example, some individuals conduct research on perceptual processes, whereas others apply the results of this research to the design of information displays, tools and supporting products. In general, PPTG members are interested in the design of all types of information displays and human-system interaction. We are sensitive to the capabilities and limitations of the human as a user of complex, increasingly autonomous systems.
Specific areas of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:
Increasingly Autonomous (IA) and Intelligent Systems
- Interactive and multi-modal approaches to human-autonomy interfaces
- Cognitive representation of shared information
- Content, context and timing of shared information
- Communication and collaboration techniques
- Assessment and refinement of shared mental models
- Remote control in a broad range of domains such as transportation, process control, healthcare and space mission control
Interaction Technology and Design
- 3D/HD/LCD flat‑panels
- Touchscreen interfaces
- Virtual/Augmented Reality
- Head-Up (HUD), Near-to-Eye (NTE) and helmet‑mounted displays
- Mobile and wearable technology
- Auditory information, alarms, signals
- Speech-to-text processing and speech recognition
- Night‑vision goggles (NVGs)
- Displays for the sensory impaired
- Eye tracking
- Haptic feedback
Human Performance Metrics
- The impact of display/control (type and design) on human-system performance
- Human sensory/perceptual abilities and motor skills
- Psychophysiological factors (evoked potentials, eye tracking, etc.)
- Stress, workload and task management
- Motion perception, target detection and monitoring
- Interaction and shared awareness among team members (human and technological)
- Information processing, situation awareness, workload, and task performance in remote control settings
Human Perception Characteristics
- Visual impairment and auditory aspects of perception,
- Types of information presentation to improve understandability of information and/or improve task performance
Benefits of Membership
Our members work as scientists, advanced technology engineers, designers, product developers, test and evaluation engineers, academicians, and consultants, and are employed across manufacturers, research firms, government agencies and service providers. A large and growing number of our members are undergraduate and graduate students, who are the pioneers of the next generation of cutting-edge intelligent systems.
- We provide and promote in-person and online networking opportunities between students, government, industry, and academic researchers.
- We produce periodic webinars on research topics, current events and areas of interest
- We sponsor technical sessions at the HFES annual meeting, as well as invited symposia and joint technical sessions.
- We offer an annual student research grant, and up to three monetary prizes for student work at the HFES annual meeting each year.
- We also help co-sponsor invited lectures by distinguished experts and joint symposia with other professional organizations.
- We provide timely and relevant news and information to our members through regular e-mail updates, and postings on our website and social media groups:
We are always looking for new and exciting opportunities to support our members. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming community where diversity is celebrated and equity is upheld. We believe that the strength of our group lies in the varied perspectives and experiences of our members.We encourage feedback and suggestions at any time; you can reach us through direct communication with our officers, online via the website or social media, or post messages to the entire TG community through our listserv ([email protected]).
Members participate in our elections and can nominate or serve as officers. Membership is open to everyone who shares the PPTG’s interests, regardless of whether they are HFES members.