ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the approach taken to understand and model the existing level crossing system, develop novel designs and evaluate the potential effectiveness of the designs using human factors and systems thinking approaches. Although the discipline of human factors is focussed on applied outcomes, relatively few research programmes have involved comprehensive data collection, analysis, design and formal evaluation under the umbrella of a single research project. One of the major challenges for the research programme was bridging the gap between systems-based analyses and design, to ultimately create designs that optimised system performance and safety. Simulator studies provide an ideal platform for initial evaluation of new design concepts, as it is possible to have users experience the new system design without having to build prototypes in the real world. In addition to Cognitive Work Analysis (CWA), Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA) and the Systematic Human Error Reduction and Prediction Approach (SHERPA) were applied using an explicitly systems-focussed perspective.
