Performance and Economic Benefits of Object Oriented Task Analysis with Cognitive Flow Diagrams

Abstract

While there have been many advances in Human Computer Interaction design, modern user interface (UI) design often remains deficient in its ability to augment human performance. McInerney and Sobiesiak (1999) argue that many user interface deficiencies arise because the UI design process is “ad hoc” and is based on subjective design methods. To build a user interface for a Command and Control (C2) display, an Object Oriented Task Analysis (OOTA) process was used. This process was augmented by incorporating a Cognitive Task Analysis and generating a human Cognitive Flow Diagram (CFD). By applying this structured engineering process built around an OOTA and CFD, C2 displays are being “recreated” in a manner that improves human performance and reduces cost offering a 6 to 1 ratio on return of investment for human factors effort in the program. The process resulted in display designs that outperformed baseline designs 25–70%.