Application of a Work-Centered Design Method to Support Counterspace Operations

Abstract

A number of challenges hinder the development of systems that support users in the conduct of their work. Challenges include the widespread use and acceptance of design methods that are system-centered rather than work-centered; the time required to develop a work-centered system design; the imprecise nature of translating work domain analysis results into a work-centered design; and unsatisfactory means for coordinating design and design-implementation processes. The Work-centered Infomediary Layer (WIL) design model and method have been developed to address challenges such as these and to facilitate work-centered design in general. In this paper, we describe the application of WIL to the design of a work-centered support system for defensive counterspace (DCS) operators. The design model and method are presented, followed by a description of the resulting system design and ways in which it was shaped and defined through use of the WIL method.