SHELL model

A diagram showing the SHELL model components as building blocks. Liveware is in the middle, surrounded by Software, Hardware, Environment and Liveware. A note reads, "In this model the match or mismatch of the blocks (interface) is just as important as the characteristics of the blocks themselves. A mismatch can be a source of human error."
The SHELL model

In aviation, the SHELL model (also known as the SHEL model) is a conceptual model of human factors that helps to clarify the location and cause of human error within an aviation environment.[1]: 1 [2][3]

It is named after the initial letters of its components (Software, Hardware, Environment, Liveware) and places emphasis on the human being and human interfaces with other components of the aviation system.[1]: 3 [4]

The SHELL model adopts a systems perspective that suggests the human is rarely, if ever, the sole cause of an accident.[5] The systems perspective considers a variety of contextual and task-related factors that interact with the human operator within the aviation system to affect operator performance.[5] As a result, the SHELL model considers both active and latent failures in the aviation system.

  1. ^ a b "CAP 719 Fundamental Human Factors Concepts (previously ICAO Digest No. 1, ICAO Circular 216-AN/131)" (PDF). UK Civil Aviation Authority. Retrieved 26 September 2023.
  2. ^ Hawkins, Frank H. (31 December 2017). Orlady, Harry W. (ed.). Human Factors in Flight (2 ed.). Routledge. doi:10.4324/9781351218580. ISBN 978-1-351-21858-0. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
  3. ^ Keightley, Alan (2004). Human factors study guide. Palmerston North: Massey University. 190.216.
  4. ^ Johnston, Neil; McDonald, Nick (31 December 2017). Aviation Psychology in Practice. Routledge. doi:10.4324/9781351218825. ISBN 978-1-351-21882-5. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
  5. ^ a b Wiegmann, Douglas A.; Shappell, Scott A. (31 December 2016). A Human Error Approach to Aviation Accident Analysis: The Human Factors Analysis and Classification System. Routledge. doi:10.4324/9781315263878. ISBN 978-1-315-26387-8. Retrieved 25 September 2023.