The Development of Cognitive Analysis Methods to Aid Interface Design

1998 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 305-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Ephimia Morphew ◽  
Marvin L. Thordsen ◽  
Gary Klein
Keyword(s):  
Complex Systems ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Traffic Control ◽  
Interface Design ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Human Performance ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Technological Systems ◽  
Cognitive Demands ◽  
Complex Technology

The goal of any human factors implementation is to optimize the interface between technological systems and the humans operating within them. As technological systems continue to grow in capability and complexity, knowledge of how performers operate within these systems has become more deeply embedded within the system and in the head of the operator. In high-technology, high-complexity systems used in military, nuclear power, air traffic control, and aerospace operations, demands imposed by the system interface are predominantly cognitive in nature. Techniques for uncovering the cognitive demands associated with operating these complex systems have become increasingly necessary for understanding, predicting, and optimizing human performance within them. This paper illustrates how the application of Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA) and Decision-Centered Design techniques can be used to uncover and aid the cognitive processes involved with operating complex systems, and in turn, enhance human performance in complex systems. The design of a prototype display for Landing Signal Officers aboard U.S. aircraft carriers will illustrate the application of these methods. The utility of these principles, however, can be applied to any domain or environment in which humans must interface with complex technology.

scholarly journals IEEE Human Factors Standards for Nuclear Facilities: The Development Process, Available Standards, Current Activities, and the Future

2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 587-591
Author(s):  
David R Desaulniers ◽  
Stephen Fleger
Keyword(s):  
Human Factors ◽  
Interface Design ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Human Performance ◽  
Development Process ◽  
Monitoring And Control ◽  
Nuclear Facilities ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
And Control

Since 1980 the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has supported development of human factors (HF) standards. Within IEEE, Subcommittee 5 (SC5) of the Nuclear Power Engineering Committee develops and maintains HF standards applicable to nuclear facilities. These standards are structured in a hierarchical fashion. The top-level standard (IEEE Std. 1023) defines the HF tasks required to support the integration of human performance into the design process. Five lower tier documents (IEEE Std. 845, 1082, 1289, 1786 and 1707) expand upon the upper tier standard. Presently, two new HF standards projects are underway; one to provide HF guidance for the validation of the system interface design and integrated systems operation and another for designing and developing computer-based displays for monitoring and control of nuclear facilities. SC5 is also involved in outreach activities, including sponsorship of a series of conferences on human factors and nuclear power plants.

Task Analysis in Designing the Control Room of Nuclear Power Plant and Safety Reviewing

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Feng ◽  
Liang Li ◽  
Jingbin Liu ◽  
Ning Qiao ◽  
Yinhui Guo
Keyword(s):  
Sequence Analysis ◽  
Interface Design ◽  
Task Analysis ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Human Performance ◽  
Hazard Identification ◽  
Information Control ◽  
Control Room ◽  
Task Support ◽  
And Task

Task analysis identifies the specific tasks needed to accomplish human actions, and the information, control and task support required to complete those tasks. In the control room design, the functions allocated to personnel shall be performed analysis, and it is identified that the specific task can be accomplished by the personnel. Task analysis can provide one of the bases for the human system interface design decisions; match human performance requirements with human capabilities; provide input to procedure development and provide input to staffing, training, and communications requirements of the plant. The method about task analysis and the screening methodology used to select the tasks for analysis are very important. Usually, the scope of task analysis is divided into two complementary activities: function-based task analysis and traditional task analysis, or operational sequence analysis. Function-based task analysis is the functional decomposition (goal-means analysis) for normal power operations. The traditional task analysis, or operational sequence analysis is developed for a representative set of operational and maintenance tasks. The operational sequence analysis include OSA-1 and OSA-2.The task analysis considers alerts, such as alarms and warnings, decision-making, response, teamwork and communication, workload task support, workplace factors, situational and performance shaping factors and hazard identification. The paper also describes the selected basis of selecting the operational sequence to be analyzed in the operational sequence analysis. The method about task analysis and the screening methodology used to select the tasks for analysis are very important. The objective of task analysis review is to verify that the applicant undertook analyses identifying the specific tasks needed to accomplish personnel functions, and also the alarms, information, control- and task-support required to complete those duties. The paper mainly describes not only the above content, but also the reviewing work about task analysis and questions found in reviewing. In this article, there are some examples about the function-based task analysis. At last, the verification for task analysis is addressed simply.

Use of HFE Guidance for the Review of Nuclear Power Plants

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
John O’Hara ◽  
Stephen Fleger
Keyword(s):  
Interface Design ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Nuclear Regulatory Commission ◽  
Program Review ◽  
Human Factors Engineering ◽  
Plant Design ◽  
Review Model ◽  
Regulatory Commission

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) evaluates the human factors engineering (HFE) of nuclear power plant design and operations to protect public health and safety. The HFE safety reviews encompass both the design process and its products. The NRC staff performs the reviews using the detailed guidance contained in two key documents: the HFE Program Review Model (NUREG-0711) and the Human-System Interface Design Review Guidelines (NUREG-0700). This paper will describe these two documents and the method used to develop them. As the NRC is committed to the periodic update and improvement of the guidance to ensure that they remain state-of-the-art design evaluation tools, we will discuss the topics being addressed in support of future updates as well.

Developing Design Requirements from Cognitive Task Data: Replacing Magic with Methodology

1998 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 291-294
Author(s):  
Christopher R. Hale ◽  
Anna L. Rowe
Keyword(s):  
Design Process ◽  
Interaction Design ◽  
Interface Design ◽  
Design Problem ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Ecological Interface Design ◽  
Engineering Data ◽  
User Data ◽  
Design Requirements

This symposium addresses the challenge of translating user data to specifications suitable for interface development. Four methodologies will be presented: Decision requirements tables, ecological interface design, object-view and interaction design and procedural networks. These four methodologies will be contrasted relative to three dimensions: (1) type of data used in analysis, (2) point in the design process at which each methodology focuses its impact and (3) the formalisms each uses for translating psychological data into engineering data suitable for specification development. Our introductory remarks will elaborate on these three dimensions, and present an example design problem. The four session participants then will present their respective methodologies, how each addresses the three dimensions and how each can be used to address the example design problem.

Expertise in Air Traffic Control (ATC): What is it, and how Can we Train for It?

1992 ◽  
Vol 36 (17) ◽  
pp. 1326-1330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard E. Redding ◽  
John R. Cannon ◽  
Thomas L. Seamster
Keyword(s):  
Traffic Control ◽  
Task Analysis ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Federal Aviation Administration ◽  
Cognitive Task Analysis ◽  
Air Traffic ◽  
Curriculum Redesign ◽  
Air Traffic Controllers ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Training Efficiency

The Federal Aviation Administration has embarked on a major curriculum redesign effort to improve the training efficiency of en route air traffic controllers. Included in this effort was a comprehensive cognitive task analysis conducted in several phases, spanning several years. Eight different types of data collection and analysis procedures were used, resulting in an integrated model of controller expertise. This paper provides a description of controller expertise, and describes the training program under development. This is one of the first examples of cognitive task analysis being applied to study expertise in complex cognitive tasks performed in time-constrained, multi-tasking environments.

Level of Automation Forms a Key Aspect of Autonomy Design

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mica R. Endsley
Keyword(s):  
Situation Awareness ◽  
Interface Design ◽  
Human Performance ◽  
Human Cognition ◽  
Level Of Automation ◽  
Out Of The Loop ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Levels Of Automation ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Impact

The concept of different levels of automation (LOAs) has been pervasive in the automation literature since its introduction by Sheridan and Verplanck. LOA taxonomies have been very useful in guiding understanding of how automation affects human cognition and performance, with several practical and theoretical benefits. Over the past several decades a wide body of research has been conducted on the impact of various LOAs on human performance, workload, and situation awareness (SA). LOA has a significant effect on operator SA and level of engagement that helps to ameliorate out-of-the-loop performance problems. Together with other aspects of system design, including adaptive automation, granularity of control, and automation interface design, LOA is a fundamental design characteristic that determines the ability of operators to provide effective oversight and interaction with system autonomy. LOA research provides a solid foundation for guiding the creation of effective human–automation interaction, which is critical for the wide range of autonomous and semiautonomous systems currently being developed across many industries.

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