Cognitive work analysis (CWA) is one of most important means in the design of man-machine system, which has already been widely used in the area of aviation, military, transportation, energy and medical. This method contributes to the safety of complex man-machine system, extensibility of system functions, adaptation of human interaction as well as economy of life circle cost. Firstly, the two notions of constraint and ecology in CWA along with the relationship between them were expounded through an extensive literature summary. Then, the key technologies to CWA were analyzed in detail as well as the principle and application method of modeling tools in each CWA’s dimension. Finally, for the development of complex man-machine system design, 223 collected articles were studyed through the method of scoping review. And the research status, application advantages and trends of CWA in the aforementioned six areas were eventually obtained.