Task Network Modeling and the Micro Saint Family of Tools

Abstract

Over the past fifteen years, a set of tools has emerged for modeling human performance in complex systems that evolve around the concept of task network modeling. Task network models of human performance begin with a functional decomposition of human activity (e.g., a task analysis). Then, by adding sequencing information, timing information and information on how human activity is related to other system behaviors, a model of human performance is created. Micro Saint was the first tool to support task network modeling. However, from this basic concept, tools have emerged that incorporate first principles of human behavior such as human response to workload and performance shaping factors. This set of tools has become known as the Micro Saint “family” of human performance modeling tools. The family of tools and the types of problems they solve are the topic of this paper.