FACES Rubric and Scoring Process
FACES is a multiple criteria decision method for scoring and ranking of ideas or potential solutions to problems. Problems are often identified via an HFACS analysis and the ideas for solving the problems are generated using the Human Factors Intervention Matrix (HFIX).
The multiple criteria and scoring method for FACES are:
- Feasibility: Determine if the idea can be implemented relatively easily or quickly?
Score the feasibility each idea provided by the user on a scale from one to five. A score of one would mean that solution does not exist today nor is it likely to become available in the near future; it is highly impractical and not suitable for your organization. A score of three would mean that the solution exists but is not readily available or will require modifications to better fit the context in which it is intended to be used. A score of five would mean that the solution is readily available and could be implemented in a relatively short period of time without much effort.
- Acceptability – Determine how well those being impacted by the solution will readily accept the change? A score of one would mean that the solution will not be tolerated by those it impacts. People are likely to consistently resist the change and attempt to work around the change. A score of three would mean that the solution will be tolerated by those it impacts. There may be moderate resistance but attempts to undermine the change will not be wide spread. A score of five would mean that the solution will be readily accepted by those it impacts. People are likely to welcome the change and make every attempt to ensure it works.
- Cost/Benefit: Do the benefit of the intervention outweigh the costs?
A score of one would mean that the cost of the solution is exorbitant relative to its minimal expected impact on safety and performance. A score of three would mean that the solution is moderately expensive but cost could be justified by its expected benefit. Return on investment (benefits) is relatively equal to cost. A score of five would mean that the cost of the solution is nominal relative to the expected impact on safety and performance.
- Effectiveness: How effective will the intervention be at eliminating the problem or reducing its consequences? A score of one would mean that the solution will not directly eliminate the problem or hazard and it relies heavily on willful compliance with the change and/or requires humans to remember to perform the task correctly. A score of three would mean that the solution reduces the likelihood of the problem or hazard occurring but relies in part on the human memory and/or willful compliance with the change. A score of five would mean that the solution will very likely eliminate the problem or hazard and it does not rely on willful compliance with the change or require humans to remember to perform the task correctly.
- Sustainability: How well will the intervention last over time? A score of one would mean that the impact of the solution will diminish rapidly after it is deployed and/or will require extraordinary effort to keep it working. A score of three would mean that the benefits of the solution may have a tendency to slowly dissipate over time and will require moderate efforts to maintain its benefits. A score of five would mean that impact of the will persist over time with minimal efforts being required to maintain its benefits.
BASIS for SCORES: Scores should be based on EVIDENCE – “evidence” is not just any data or information, but rather a specific type of data that is systematically gathered, appraised, and used to guide decision-making. In healthcare, for example, it encompasses a range of sources, including research, clinical experience, and patient preferences, all while being critically evaluated for internal and external validity.
SELECTING IDEAS: A total FACES score is computed by averaging the scores across all dimensions. Generally, ideas with the highest average score across the dimensions are preferred. However, when selecting ideas, it is recommended to exclude any idea from the list that scored less than 2 on any of the FACES criteria. Ideas with scores on any dimension of less than 2, will not likely succeed even if other dimensions score higher.