Cognitive task load in a naval ship control centre: from identification to prediction

Deployment of information and communication technology will lead to further automation of control centre tasks and an increasing amount of information to be processed. A method for establishing adequate levels of cognitive task load for the operators in such complex environments has been developed. It is based on a model distinguishing three load factors: time occupied, task-set switching, and level of information processing. Application of the method resulted in eight scenarios for eight extremes of task load (i.e. low and high values for each load factor). These scenarios were performed by 13 teams in a high-fidelity control centre simulator of the Royal Netherlands Navy. The results show that the method provides good prediction of the task load that will actually appear in the simulator. The model allowed identification of under- and overload situations showing negative effects on operator performance corresponding to controlled experiments in a less realistic task environment. Tools proposed to keep the operator at an optimum task load are (adaptive) task allocation and interface support.

[1]  Boehne,et al.  Deciding Whether to Complete or Terminate an Unfinished Project: A Strong Test of the Project Completion Hypothesis. , 2000, Organizational behavior and human decision processes.

[2]  John M. Carroll,et al.  Making use: scenarios and scenario-based design , 2000, DIS '00.

[3]  Neerincx,et al.  Cognitive task load and support on a ship's bridge : Design and evaluation of a prototype user interface , 2002 .

[4]  Deborah J. Mayhew,et al.  The usability engineering lifecycle , 1999, CHI Extended Abstracts.

[5]  M R Endsley,et al.  Level of automation effects on performance, situation awareness and workload in a dynamic control task. , 1999, Ergonomics.

[6]  John M. Carroll,et al.  Making Use: Scenario-Based Design of Human-Computer Interactions , 2000 .

[7]  Neerincx,et al.  Assessing cognitive load distributions for envisioned task allocations and support functions , 2003 .

[8]  E. A. Fleishman,et al.  Evaluation of an abilities classification system for integrating and generalizing human performance research findings: An application to vigilance tasks. , 1973 .

[9]  J. Jacko,et al.  The human-computer interaction handbook: fundamentals, evolving technologies and emerging applications , 2002 .

[10]  J. Rassmusen,et al.  Information Processing and Human - Machine Interaction: An Approach to Cognitive Engineering , 1986 .

[11]  Mary Beth Rosson,et al.  Usability Engineering: Scenario-based Development of Human-Computer Interaction , 2001 .

[12]  Neerincx,et al.  Cognitive task load: a function of time occupied, level of information processing and task-set switches , 2001 .

[13]  James Alty.  Cognitive Workload and Adaptive Systems , 2003 .

[14]  J. G. Hollands,et al.  Engineering Psychology and Human Performance , 1984 .

[15]  Martin C. Maguire,et al.  Methods to support human-centred design , 2001, Int. J. Hum. Comput. Stud..

[16]  Valerie L. Shalin,et al.  Cognitive task analysis , 2000 .

[17]  Dennis E. Egan,et al.  Handbook of Human Computer Interaction , 1988 .

[18]  R. Parasuraman.  Vigilance, monitoring, and search. , 1986 .

[19]  Neerincx,et al.  Cognitive and functional (COLFUN) framework forenvisioning and assessing high-demand situations , 2003 .

[20]  C. Wickens.  Engineering psychology and human performance, 2nd ed. , 1992 .

[21]  M A Neerincx,et al.  Cognitive task analysis: harmonizing tasks to human capacities. , 1996, Ergonomics.

[22]  Barry Kirwan,et al.  A Guide To Task Analysis: The Task Analysis Working Group , 1992 .

[23]  A.W.K. Gaillard,et al.  Mental workload of the TACtical CO-ordinator of the Lynx-helicopter , 1999 .

[24]  Anthony W. K. Gaillard,et al.  Pilot workload evaluated with subjective and physiological measures , 1993 .

[25]  Constantine Stephanidis,et al.  Human-Computer Interaction : Theory and Practice (part 2), Volume 2 , 2003 .

[26]  Mike Reynolds,et al.  The development of a theoretical framework and design tool for process usability assessment , 2003, Ergonomics.

[27]  J H Kerstholt,et al.  Fault management in supervisory control: the effect of false alarms and support , 2000, Ergonomics.

[28]  Mark S. Young,et al.  Malleable Attentional Resources Theory: A New Explanation for the Effects of Mental Underload on Performance , 2002, Hum. Factors.