Handbook of Sociotechnical Systems by Andre Boy, Guy;

Short description:

Handbook of Sociotechnical Systems: A Human Systems Integration Approach, Second Edition is an essential resource for engineers, designers, researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and educators who work with people, technology, and organizations. 

Long description:

This handbook presents a bold rethinking of Human Systems Integration (HSI) within Sociotechnical Systems (STSs), capturing the shift from traditional human-machine interaction to a dynamic, multi-agent systems approach. Drawing from various disciplines, including human factors, ergonomics, systems engineering, and artificial intelligence, the handbook explores the integration of technology, organizations, and people in increasingly complex and digitalized environments. The evolution reflected in these pages aligns with broader societal trends, from the rise of digital engineering and virtual prototyping to the growing necessity for holistic, context-aware design in life-critical domains.

 Fully updated, this new edition provides the tools and perspectives to shape resilient, intelligent, and human-compatible systems. As a comprehensive and reorganized reference spanning 14 sections and 45 chapters authored by leading experts from diverse fields, the handbook explores models, methods, and real-world applications that support the design, development, and management of complex STSs. Key topics include human-autonomy teaming, performance support, scenario-based design, organizational maturity, and the crucial role of tangibility in digital systems. For professionals focused on AI integration, safety assurance, or enhancing user experience across system lifecycles, the resource offers actionable insights and proven frameworks to meet the challenges of modern system complexity. Readers gain a thorough, helicopter view of HSI and STSs in various usable contexts.

 Handbook of Sociotechnical Systems: A Human Systems Integration Approach, Second Edition is an essential resource for engineers, designers, researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and educators who work with people, technology, and organizations. The content proves especially valuable for those involved in high-stakes, high-complexity environments such as aerospace, defense, healthcare, energy, and public systems.

• Explores the latest Human Systems Integration (HSI) methods applied to complex Socio-Technical Systems (STSs), combining engineering, design, and human factors


• Reveals how the shift from Industry 4.0 to Society 5.0 reshapes system design through digitalization, AI, and the rise of human-centered virtual prototyping


• Examines real-world applications and case studies across industries—from aerospace to manufacturing—illustrating the practical impact of HSI


• Bridges disciplines by integrating perspectives from systems engineering, sociology, philosophy, ergonomics, and more to address modern socio-technical challenges


• Equips readers with frameworks, tools, and models for designing resilient, flexible, and safe systems of systems in an era of rapid technological change

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction to Human Systems Integration of Sociotechnical Systems 2. Human Systems Integration in the Global Environment 3. Agile and Value-Driven Organizations 4. Developing an Integrated Model of STEAM Education 5. A Systems Architecture Approach to Designing Human-Centric Systems 6. Wandering in System Thinking Trees 7. Human System Integration and Its Cognitive Effects on Society - The Indian Story 8. The Human-Machine Interaction in STSs: Characterization of Basic Units of Analysis 9. From Creative Approaches in History and Genealogy to Hybridization for Stimulating Impactful Innovation 10. Human-Systems Dialectics and Exploration: Balancing System Design Thinking for the Agile and Participatory Integration of Sociotechnical Systems 11. Design Space Exploration for the Design of Complex Systems 12. Virtual HCD for HSI: from Human Driver Modeling to Immersive Simulation for Experiencing Interactions with Future Advanced Driving Aids 13. Scenario-Based Systems Integration 14. Model-Based Human System Integration to Optimize Railway System Safety Analysis 15. Modeling and Human-in-the-Loop Simulation 16. Virtual Reality-Based HSI for a Human-Centric Systems Engineering Metaverse 17. Pilot-Virtual Assistant Integration: Operational Performance, Trust, and Collaboration Issues 18. Quantitative Measures of Performance of Standard Operating Procedures 19. Onboard Context-Sensitive Information System 20. Human Acceptance of Automation and Human Systems Integration 21. Human Performance in Sociotechnical Systems: A Time-Based Perspective 22. The Metaverse and Its Effect on Human Perception and Behavior 23. Tangible Technology for Aging Users: How to Reach the Goal? 24. Applying a Systems Modeling Language Extension to Human-AI Team Design 25. PF-HCPS: Extending Problem Frames for Supporting Human-CPS Collaboration 26. Ingescape, a Hands-On Solution for MB-HSI, from Early Design to Post-Deployment 27. Optimizing Overall System Performance and Human Well-Being in Practice in a High-Technology Manufacturing Context 28. HSI Considerations on Safety, Security, and Health 29. The HSI in Safety-Management Systems: Putting the Pieces in Sync 30. The Operational Context of Military Remote Air Traffic Control Centers 31. All Hands-On Deck: Case study on HAT for Single-Pilot Operations (SPO) 32. Maturity Assessments TRL, HRL, ORL, and other Maturity Levels 33. Design and Measurement for Socio-Technological Change using OSCAR-TI 34. Change Management 35. Dynamic Capabilities for Industrial Supply Chain Resilience Development 36. Human-Systems Cooperation and Symbiosis in the Increasing Autonomous Technology Abilities 37. Human System Integration and Cognitive Consonance for Artificial Intelligence 38. Dynamic Task Allocation in Human Autonomy Teaming 39. Designing Engineering Copilots for Industrial System & Process Engineering 40. AI Compass: A design framework for human-AI integration 41. Engineering, Society, and Environment – Interaction & Integration 42. HSI Transformation: Pragmatic Tools for Human-Centered Systems 43. HSI Design of Digital Twin in the Oil-and-Gas Domain 44. Automation and Sustainable Working 45. Conclusion and Perspectives.