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Abstract

Analytic techniques are needed that will guide the design of system interfaces to evoke effective control strategies. This study compared the strategic patterns of system control exhibited by operators during training with three interface designs. Twenty-eight right handed undergraduate students were trained to control a simulated evaporator over a four day period. Reaction time, number of control actions, the amount of equipment damage and system deviation in operating pressure, separator level, and product composition were collected and analyzed. The results show reliable differences between operator control strategies using the interface designs associated with operating pressure, product composition, and separator level.

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