A Cognitive Engineering Approach for Facilitating Analysis of Human-Computer Interaction in Complex Work Domains

Abstract

This paper demonstrates that work domain analysis (WDA), a cognitive engineering approach based on Rasmussen's abstraction hierarchy (AH) framework, is a valuable and alternate analytic tool for analyzing human-computer interaction (HCI) in complex work domains through a case study. In the case study, we use WDA to examine automation awareness, an HCI issue in automated flight decks. The case study shows that WDA provides an effective approach to systematically assess collected human factors data in order to identify the gaps in satisfying the work requirements across interrelated factors. It helps assess the adequacy of domain information provided to workers via training in order to build a fairly accurate and effective mental model, adequacy of domain information presented to workers at the interface, and the adequacy of operation procedures designed for workers to copy with unfamiliar situations. Finally, WDA also helps generate needs for enhancements of existing systems from a work domain perspective.