Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA)

A structured, objective approach to describing users? performance of tasks, hierarchical task analysis originated in human factors. In its most basic form, a hierarchical task analysis provides an understanding of the tasks users need to perform to achieve certain goals. Originally developed in response to the need for greater understanding of cognitive tasks, HTA involves describing the activity under analysis in terms of hierarchy of goals, sub?goals, operations, and plans. The end result is an exhaustive description of task activity.