Abstract
Work domain analysis (WDA) is becoming a popular technique for the analysis of complex systems. WDA is one of the frameworks of Cognitive Work Analysis (CWA; Vicente, 1999) and can be used to gather work domain constraints as part of a user centered design process. In this paper, we discuss issues of inter-modeler reliability with WDA. The authors of this paper performed, over similar time periods, cognitive engineering analyses, including work domain analyses using abstraction hierarchy models, of two similar systems: naval combat vessels. In this paper, we compare these models for similarities and differences. Comparison indicated similarities in model scope and content, which would be an expected result of the application of a reliable modeling technique to two similar systems. Differences between the models included the use of multi-part vs. a single model to represent components of the overall ship-seacontact system, the related decisions to include sensors explicitly in the model, and the descriptions of abstract functions and constraints included in the two models. Exploration of these differences illuminated methodological as well as theoretical considerations in applying work domain modeling techniques that can provide guidance to other modelers.
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