Directory of Design Support Methods
This Directory of Design Support Methods (DDSM) is a revision of the original report developed under the auspices of the Designing for the User Subgroup of the Department of Defense Human Factors Engineering Technical Advisory Group (DoD HFE TAG). The original document, and its associated database, was expanded in 1994 to include the NATO Panel 8, Research Study Group 21 LIVEWARE database. At that time the original human factors focus was broadened to include all human systems.
The DDSM provides an annotated directory of human systems integration (HSI) design support tools and techniques that have been developed by the DoD, NASA, FAA, NATO countries, academia, and private industry. It contains references to databases, handbooks, data guides, texts, standardization documents, prototype and interface design tools, analytic techniques, and computer simulation software. Each product described supports the integration of human factors, and manpower/personnel/training elements into the system design and acquisition process.
The format for each entry in the DDSM offers the name of the method, the sponsor, a current point of contact, and a full description, including general overview, appropriate uses, hardware requirements (if any), processing procedures, and output product. The format also includes references, alternative approaches, and information on how to obtain the product.
New records continue to be added as new tools and techniques are developed, and updates of existing product descriptions are ongoing. Records of products or processes that are no longer in use are archived in the database, but can be retrieved on request.