User Language Considerations in Military Human-Computer Interface Design

This report details the soldier language/culture issues of possible relevance to US military effectiveness, especially in those systems with critical human-computer interfaces. In general, it was found that although few applied studies have been conducted, basic research as well as anecdotal reports indicate that such variables can, and frequently have, impaired military system effectiveness in terms of safety, morale, and/or mission accomplishment. Because of this dearth of relevant applied research, a computer-based experimental task which incorporates US Army map symbology in a series of electronic map presentations has been developed as part of the current project. Although not yet refined to the level required of a research tool, descriptions of the experimental tasks, the maps, and the associated program code are included in this final project report. Keywords: English language; Linguistics; Recruiting.