1,721,155 research outputs found
Rewritable routines in human interaction with public technology
No full textIn this paper, the cognitive ergonomics of using public technology is investigated. A methodology for predicting human error with technology has been developed. Predictions from the method (combined with observation of user performance) form the foundation of the concept of ‘rewritable routines’. This is in keeping with the tradition of building models of user cognition on the basis of observed and predicted errors. The concept is introduced and illustrated with examples. Implications for cognitive ergonomics are discussed
Task analysis for error identification: A methodology for designing 'error tolerant' consumer products
No full textThis paper presents an approach to the assessment of 'intelligent' consumer products. We assume that a primary reason for the difficulties people encounter in their use of intelligent consumer products is the lack of clear, consistent, and logical task sequences. The approach we have developed aims to illustrate the task sequences required for the purposeful use of 'intelligent' products, in order to indicate points at which errors, problems or confusions may occur. The approach combines two well proven methodologies (hierarchical task analysis and state space diagrams) to provide a description of human product interaction
Comparing verbal media for alarm handling: Speech versus textual displays
Full text linkThe rise of computers in command and control domains has meant that control operations can be performed via desk-based visual display terminals. This trend has also produced the potential to display information to operators in a variety of formats. Of particular interest has been the use of text-based displays for alarm presentation. There are possible limitations to the use of text for alarm presentation, not least of which is the need for a dedicated alarms display screen (or, at least, a display page). Given the capability of computers to synthesize speech, it is possible that speech-based alarms could generate the same information as text-based displays without the need for dedicated screen space. In this paper an experimental comparison of speech-based and text-based displays for presentation of alarms is reported. The findings show that speech leads to longer response times than text displays, but that it has minimal effect on the efficacy of fault handling. The results are discussed within the alarm initiated activities framework and implications for alarm system design are outlined
Predicting the structure of covert networks using genetic programming, cognitive work analysis and social network analysis
No full textA significant challenge in intelligence analysis involves knowing when a social network description is ‘complete’, i.e., when sufficient connections have been found to render the network complete. In this paper, a combination of methods is used to predict covert network structures for specific missions. The intention is to support hypothesis-generation in the Social Network Analysis of covert organisations. The project employs a four phase approach to modelling social networks, working from task descriptions rather than from contacts between individual: phase one involves the collation of intelligence covering types of mission, in terms of actors and goals; phase two involves the building of task models, based on Cognitive Work Analysis, to provide both a process model of the operation and an indication of the constraints under which the operation will be performed; phase three involves the generation of alternative networks using Genetic Programming; phase four involves the analysis of the resulting networks using social network analysis. Subsequent analysis explores the resilience of the networks, in terms of their resistance to losses of agents or tasks. The project demonstrates that it is possible to define a set of structures that can be tackled using different intervention strategies, demonstrates how patterns of social network structures can be predicted on the basis of task knowledge, and how these structures can be used to guide the gathering of intelligence and to define plausible Covert Network
Human error identification techniques applied to public technology: predictions compared with observed use
No full textIn this paper, we consider the use of human error identification (HEI) techniques as a possible alternative to observation studies for product evaluation. The HEI techniques used were Task Analysis for Error Identification (TAFEI) and Predictive Human Error Analysis (PHEA). The comparison was undertaken in connection with the prediction of errors in the use of a ticket vending machine. Two main findings emerged from the study. First, predictions derived from the HEI techniques compared favourably with errors observed in actual machine use. Second, the HEI techniques took far less time than direct observation to reach comparable levels of performance. Such rates suggest that these techniques can be usefully applied to the study of consumer products.<br/
Usability and EC Directive 90/270
No full textUsability is in danger of becoming simply another buzz word. Usability must be translated into a set of working principles which can be incorporated into the design and implementation of computer systems. This would require objectives for usability to be set. In its current form EC Directive 90/270 addresses minimum requirements necessary to meet such objectives. However, it does not yet provide details concerning how these requirements can be met, and potential techniques for this purpose are discussed in this paper. Responsibility for usability should not rest solely with designers, but must be shared between employers who purchase and install systems, designers, manufacturers and end users
The myth of navigating in hypertext: How a "bandwagon" has lost its course!
No full textA brief narrative description of the journal article, document, or resource. Compares Hypertext researchers=FE and designers=FE metaphor of navigation in three-dimensional (physical) space with Hypertext (problem space). This paper discusses navigation concepts; physical space versus spacial and temporal relationships; navigation aids; cognitive mapping; information retrieval; and a content analysis of a screen of hypertext. (28 references) (KRN
Comparison of GUIs and CUIs: appropriate ranges of actions and ease of use
No full textWhile packages using graphical user interfaces appear to have gained a sizeable share of the computer software market, there is surprisingly little research into whether they are superior to more traditional, character-based interface designs; research conducted so far often provides conflicting evidence. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the qualitative and quantitative differences between graphical and character-based user interfaces, using a range of methods and software packages.<br/
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