The Four-Second Supervisor: Multi-Tasking Supervision and Its Support

Supervision is a broad term that covers a wide range of task environments and cognitive activities. Here, we describe one specific type called multi-tasking supervision. It involves rapidly assessing a set of distinct systems or situations and determining where attention is needed moment by moment. Multi-tasking supervision is a key component of many command and control, and other, tasks. This paper focuses on understanding the cognitive needs of multi-tasking supervision and developing support concepts for it. First, we place multi-tasking supervision within the context of other types of supervision. Next, we consider the types of tasks and work environments that are appropriate for multi-tasking supervision. Finally, we discuss computer display concepts for supporting multi-tasking supervision.

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