Ergodynamics and macroergonomics in analysis of decision‐making efficiency and complexity

The principles of macroergonomics and the laws of ergodynamics are reviewed. The theories of mutual adaptation and transformation dynamics are presented as a complex basis of the ergodynamics, and they are offered as paradigms for macroergonomic evaluation and design of sociotechnical or human‐machine‐environment decision‐making systems (HMES). Criteria and factors of decision‐making efficiency are studied for different cognitive strategies and their transformations in the course of long‐term training and short‐term decision making in emergencies. Sample system criteria and design guidelines, based on the results of both laboratory studies and actual research and design applications, are provided. A combination of macroergonomics and ergodynamics helps ergonomists to meet rapidly growing requirements of practice and overcome a narrow approach to the workstations analysis when a broader view of complex multilevel system leads to success and instead of traditional static approach the analysis of transformations in technologies, management structures, and work skills is needed.