Specialty Grand Challenge Article- Social Neuroergonomics

Abstract

Social Neuroergonomics (SNE) is a transdisciplinary field (including psychology, human factors, engineering, social neuroscience) devoted to the application of knowledge of the neurobiological underpinnings of social processes and behaviors (ranging from neural to hormonal to cellular and genetic mechanisms) to the design, engineering, and evaluation of human-machine systems. The tremendous advances that have been accomplished in each of these fields can inspire data-driven hypotheses, foster experimental designs, and increase neuroergonomic theories’ relevance, which is not achievable from only a single-field perspective. Based on a profound understanding of both the social nature of human brains and the principles of human-centered design, SNE has the unique potential to advance our understanding of the psychoneurobiological basis of whether and how humans engage in social interactions with technology (ranging from automated technical systems to autonomous robots) and to use these insights to foster more efficient and satisfying human-machine interactions (HMIs) (e.g., reduction of human errors, increase of trust and productivity, enhancement of safety) in everyday settings (Hancock et al., 2011). Like any emerging research field, SNE will face challenges in the upcoming years that have to be acknowledged, addressed, and resolved. This Special Grand Challenge highlights some of these challenges to ensure the success of SNE as a multi-level integrative field with high relevance and impact on our everyday lives as well as practical implications in diverse sectors such as healthcare, education, therapy, and entertainment (Parasuraman, 2011; Ayaz and Dehais, 2019).