171,311 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
Task analysis for error identification: Theory, method and validation
No full textThis paper presents the underlying theory of Task Analysis for Error Identification. The aim is to illustrate the development of a method that has been proposed for the evaluation of prototypical designs from the perspective of predicting human error. The paper presents the method applied to representative examples. The methodology is considered in terms of the various validation studies that have been conducted, and is discussed in the light of a specific case study
Validating task analysis for error identification: Reliability and validity of a human error prediction technique
No full textThis paper reports on the theoretical and empirical developments for an error prediction methodology called task analysis for error identification (TAFEI). Other researchers have noted the need for theoretically driven approaches that are able to provide practical utility in error prediction. Theoretical developments include the concept of 'rewritable routines', which describe the loop between cognitive processing, action and devices states. This has been proposed as a way of unifying ideas from systems theory and cognitive psychology. The empirical research shows that TAFEI is superior to heuristic methods, which supports the idea that structured methods assist in error prediction. The validation study shows that TAFEI reaches acceptable levels in terms of test - retest reliability and concurrent validity. It is believed that the method has reached a level of maturity after 10 years of development work. This is demonstrated by the many uses to which the method has been put, including that of a design tool
Error by design: Methods for predicting device usability
No full textThis paper introduces the idea of predicting ‘designer error’ by evaluating devices using Human Error Identification (HEI) techniques. This is demonstrated using Systematic Human Error Reduction and Prediction Approach (SHERPA) and Task Analysis For Error Identification (TAFEI) to evaluate a vending machine. Appraisal criteria which rely upon user opinion, face validity and utilisation are questioned. Instead a quantitative approach, based upon signal detection theory, is recommended. The performance of people using SHERPA and TAFEI are compared with heuristic judgement and each other. The results of these studies show that both SHERPA and TAFEI are better at predicting errors than the heuristic technique. The performance of SHERPA and TAFEI are comparable, giving some confidence in the use of these approaches. It is suggested that using HEI techniques as part of the design and evaluation process could help to make devices easier to use
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
Analytical prototyping of personal technologies: using predictions of time and error to evaluate user interfaces
No full textIn this paper, we present a technique for analytical prototyping of personal technology. The technique allows conceptual design to be evaluated in terms of two predictive measures of user performance (time and error). The technique is based on the theory of rewritable routines, which is presented in this paper as a novel approach to considering mental mode
Portrait of Josephine Baber MacLeod
No full textPortrait of Josephine Baber MacLeod (1886-d. March 1964, Forest Grove) as a girl of about three. Josephine was the daughter of Granville and Wilhelmina Baber, and was married to Duncan Matheson MacLeod (1868-1929). Josephine and her mother lived on 1st Ave south, in Block 20, Forest Grove. She is buried in the Forest View Cemetery.
In this portrait, Josephine appears with blond hair parted in middle, in a pleated dress with a lace collar and black boots. She stands on faux marble block, and rests her right arm on faux marble podium. She stands in front of a painted backdrop depicting a lakeside scene.[back] [black ink] Josephine Baber McCleo
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