Designing for Performance: A Cognitive Systems Engineering Approach to Modifying an AWACS Human Computer Interface
Abstract
Cognitive Systems Engineering (CSE) is primarily a blend of technological opportunities, findings from cognitive research, and Cognitive Task Analysis. Using CSE, we were able to produce an efficient and effective redesign of the AWACS weapons Director (WD) station. The revised WD station was tested using 17 WDs. These WDs performed Defensive Counter Air Missions with both the current interface and the revised interface. The training of the participants on the revised interface was quite brief (4.5 hours). As a result, the WDs did not achieve the same degree of familiarity or automation with the revised interface that they have with the current interface. Yet, when WDs were using the revised system, their performance improved. This is indicated by an increase in performance for a number of process and outcome measures. Also, a skilled WD provided blind ratings of WD performance. These global ratings were significantly higher for the revised interface. The effectiveness of the revised interface suggests that it is possible to pinpoint cognitive task requirements and to make these the driving factors in a design effort. The use of CSE ray be a feasible aspect of the design process, enabling system developers to achieve a much stronger effectiveness at relatively low cost.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA275187
Entities
People
- David W. Klinger
- Gary A. Klein
- Laura G. Militello
- Leonard Adelman
- Stephen J. Andriole
Organizations
- Klein Associates