Identifying and Addressing Risks in the Early Design of a Sociotechnical System through Premortem
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-27-2022
Department
Department of Computer Science; Department of Cognitive and Learning Sciences
Abstract
Anticipating risks in software development is always challenging, but particularly so when the software application is part of a novel sociotechnical system with various human and physical components. Our interdisciplinary team of software engineering and human factors researchers is designing such a system. In order to identify and mitigate the risks latent in this previously unexplored space, we have used the premortem method at an early stage in system design. In the premortem, the team ideated failure scenarios across the range of system use, then collaborated on ways to eliminate, mitigate, or monitor the risks of these failures. We have found the premortem method valuable in recognizing and mitigating previously unanticipated risks and in enriching team communication.
Publication Title
Proceedings of the 2022 HFES 66th International Annual Meeting
Recommended Citation
Bettin, B. C.,
Steelman, K. S.,
Wallace, C.,
Pontious, D.,
&
Veinott, E.
(2022).
Identifying and Addressing Risks in the Early Design of a Sociotechnical System through Premortem.
Proceedings of the 2022 HFES 66th International Annual Meeting, 1514-1518.
http://doi.org/10.1177/1071181322661307
Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/michigantech-p/16834