Example of SHELL Thinking

For example, let’s say a company is designing a new system for air traffic control.

The SHELL model could be used to analyze the interactions between the different components of the system, and identify potential issues that could arise.

• Software: The air traffic control system would have detailed standard operating procedures and airspace charts that would govern how the overall system should be used.

• Hardware: The air traffic control system would need to be have multiple displays that show the radar picture, flight information, weather conditions and other data.

• Environment: The air traffic control room would need to have appropriate lighting and temperature. If the control room was in a tower, an appropriate view to the airfield would be necessary.

• Liveware: The system would need air traffic controllers, who would need to be highly trained and experienced.

By considering the interactions between these four components, the designers can ensure that the system is easy to use, efficient, and safe for the human users, and also that the software is reliable, the hardware is robust enough, the environment is appropriate for the controllers and the liveware (controllers) are well trained and have the experience required to operate the system.