Applying cognitive work analysis to the design of rapidly reconfigurable interfaces in complex networks

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to illustrate the interconnections between the different phases (or tools) within the cognitive work analysis framework; the benefits of extending an analysis across each of the five phases are highlighted through these interconnections. The paper uses a command and control micro-world example to describe how each of the five phases can be used to describe the constraints within the micro-world domain from a different perspective. Based upon the social organisation and cooperation analysis, design requirements are extracted in order to develop role specific customisable interfaces for use within the micro-world. The interfaces have been specifically developed to communicate real time reconfiguration of the network through each of the individual interfaces; the reallocations of functions or roles are communicated to the actors through changes to the interface.

Keywords:

• Cognitive work analysis
• Command and control
• Interface design
• Sociotechnical
• Networks

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Neelam Naikar from the Defence Science and Technology Organisation for her review of a draft of this paper and for her valuable feedback.

This research from the Human Factors Integration Defence Technology Centre was part-funded by the Human Sciences Domain of the UK Ministry of Defence Scientific Research Programme.

Any views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of MOD or any other UK government department.