title: Quantum ergonomics: shifting the paradigm of the systems agenda.
abstract: A paradigm is an accepted world view. If we do not continually question our paradigm then wider trends and movements will overtake the discipline leaving it ill adapted to future challenges. This Special Issue is an opportunity to keep systems thinking at the forefront of ergonomics theory and practice. Systems thinking prompts us to ask whether ergonomics, as a discipline, has been too timid? Too preoccupied with the resolution of immediate problems with industrial-age methods when, approaching fast, are developments which could render these operating assumptions an irrelevance. Practical case studies are presented to show how abstract systems problems can be tackled head-on to deliver highly innovative and cost-effective insights. The strategic direction of the discipline foregrounds high-quality systems problems. These are something the discipline is well able to respond to provided that the appropriate operating paradigms are selected. Practitioner Summary: High-quality systems problems are the future of the discipline. How do we convert obtuse sounding systems concepts into practical interventions? In this paper, the essence of systems thinking is distilled and practical case studies used to demonstrate the benefits of this new paradigm.
authors: a Centre for Sustainable Road Freight, Heriot-Watt University , Edinburgh , Scotland.
authors: Guy H
authors: GH
authors: Walker
authors: b Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems , University of the Sunshine Coast , Queensland , Australia.
authors: Paul M
authors: PM
authors: Salmon
authors: a Centre for Sustainable Road Freight, Heriot-Watt University , Edinburgh , Scotland.
authors: Melissa
authors: M
authors: Bedinger
authors: c Transportation Research Group , University of Southampton , Southampton , UK.
authors: Neville A
authors: NA
authors: Stanton
mesh_terms: D006804:Ergonomics; D006801:Humans; D013597:Systems Analysis
keywords: Paradigms; big data; internet of things; systems thinking