Investigating Human Factors and Ergonomics research: a 4S framework

Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) originated in special domains such as military. However, it is unclear whether current HFE continues to address these domains. Here we examined trends in HFE research on special domains from 2011 to 2023, using a 4S framework (special environments, machines, tasks, humans). Less than one-third of articles in <i>Ergonomics</i> and <i>Human Factors</i> targeted special domains, with healthcare, military, and aviation as the primary focuses. Nearly half of these studies were conducted in low-fidelity environments, with about 10% in real-world settings. Real machines and front-line operators were involved in 18.1% and about 50% of these studies, respectively, and skill-based tasks were predominant in experimental studies. Collaborative research between academia and industry accounted for one-third of these studies. <i>Human Factors</i> had a higher proportion of these studies, with 54.8% of first authors from the USA, compared to 23.3% in <i>Ergonomics</i>. Concerns regarding HFE research in special domains were discussed. We developed the 4S framework to characterise HFE studies published between 2011 and 2023. We present the results of a content and trend analysis, mapping the landscape of HFE research targeting special domains. Our framework provides insights for HFE researchers and practitioners to assess the ecological validity of contemporary HFE research.