TaskArchitect: taking the work out of task analysis

This paper takes a pragmatic approach to the design of a task analysis support tool. Instead of proposing a new approach to analysis, it looks at the common requirements for providing support to a wide range of task analysis practitioners, each applying their own style of analysis. The paper describes the range of activities undertaken when practicing what is commonly referred to as "task analysis". It is proposed that users will only tolerate a level of syntactical complexity in a tool that is sufficient to meet their task analysis needs. Further complexity becomes a barrier to use. Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA) is selected as the method to be supported because it is a widely used, generic approach that is also the basis of a number of more specialized methods. A commercial tool supporting these requirements is described along with the benefits that may be accrued through its use.

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