How can you design a transportation system that is resilient to human error?

2 Apply human-centered design

Human-centered design is an approach that puts the needs, preferences, and capabilities of the human users at the center of the design process. It involves involving the users in the definition, development, and evaluation of the system. To apply human-centered design, you need to follow these steps: 1) empathize with the users and understand their goals, challenges, and expectations; 2) define the problem and the requirements of the system; 3) ideate and generate possible solutions; 4) prototype and test the solutions with the users; and 5) implement and improve the solutions based on feedback.

3 Implement safety measures

Safety measures are the actions and devices that aim to prevent or mitigate the effects of human error on the transportation system. Some examples of safety measures are traffic signs, signals, markings, barriers, speed limits, cameras, sensors, alarms, and emergency response systems. To implement safety measures, you need to consider the following factors: 1) the type and frequency of human error; 2) the severity and probability of the outcomes; 3) the cost and feasibility of the measures; and 4) the impact and acceptance of the measures by the users.

4 Use technology wisely

Technology can be a powerful tool to enhance the performance and safety of the transportation system, but it can also introduce new challenges and risks. Some examples of technology that can help reduce human error are intelligent transportation systems, autonomous vehicles, navigation systems, and driver assistance systems. To use technology wisely, you need to consider the following factors: 1) the compatibility and integration of the technology with the existing system; 2) the reliability and security of the technology; 3) the usability and accessibility of the technology by the users; and 4) the potential side effects and unintended consequences of the technology.

5 Promote education and training

Education and training are the processes that aim to improve the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of the human users of the transportation system. Some examples of education and training are driver education, license tests, road safety campaigns, operator training, and manager training. To promote education and training, you need to consider the following factors: 1) the content and format of the education and training; 2) the target audience and their needs and motivations; 3) the frequency and duration of the education and training; and 4) the evaluation and feedback of the education and training.

6 Learn from mistakes

Learning from mistakes is the process that aims to identify, analyze, and correct the causes and consequences of human error in the transportation system. Some examples of learning from mistakes are incident reporting, accident investigation, root cause analysis, corrective action, and continuous improvement. To learn from mistakes, you need to consider the following factors: 1) the culture and climate of the organization and the system; 2) the methods and tools for collecting and analyzing data; 3) the communication and dissemination of the lessons learned; and 4) the accountability and responsibility of the stakeholders.