Analysis Techniques For Man-Machine Systems Design

N ATO UNCLASSIFIEDAC/243(Panel 8')TR/7 - 66-Volume 2The human factors and human engineering literature include many references to the development and use of TaskTaxonomies. Although Task Taxonomies were the fifth most frequently used technique reported in a survey of humanengineering techniques in thirty-three acquisition projects, the conclusion of the Research Study Group was that theyare not recommended for generic use. The reason for this conclusion is that no taxonomy which was examined metthe requirements that its categories of tasks were exhaustive and exclusive and at the same time were applicable to awide range of applications. Therefore, no Task Taxonomy has been included in this review.Table 4.1:Applicability of task analysis techniques to different projectsTechnique Simple system (e.g., Medium-complexity High-complexity Complex multi-manrifle, hand-held radio) system (e.g., 1-man system (e.g. ,1-place system (e.g., shipradar consoie) attack aircraft) combat centrel4.1 Time lines low medium medium high4.2 Flow process charts low not relevant not relevant low4.3 Operational Sequence high high high highDiagrams4.4 Information/ high medium medium lowaction tabulations4.5 Critical Task Analysis low low high high4.6 Decision tables not relevant low medium mediumReferences and Bibliography1. DeGreene, K.B. (19SI0). Systems analysis techniques. In: K. DeGreene (Ed.), Systems psvcholoev, (pp. 79-130).New York: McGraw-Hill.2. Diaper, D. (Ed.) (1989). Task analysis for human-computer interaction. Chichester, U.K.:Ellis Horwood Ltd.3. Dillon, A. (1991). Requirements for hypertext applications: the why, what and how approach. AppliedErgonoD 22 (4), 258-262.4. Drury, C.G., Paramore, B., Van Cott, H.P., Grey, S.M.. & Corlett, E.N. (1987). Task analysis. In: G.Salvendy, (Ed.), Handbook of human factors, Chapter 3.4. New York: John Wiley & Sons.5. Duncan, K-D. (1974). Analytical techniques in training design. In: E. Edwards, F.P. Lees (Eds.), The humanpierator in nrocess control. London: Taylor and Francis Ltd.6. Gillies, GJ. (1984). Task analysis and task synthesis. In: S.C. Merriman, F. Muckler, H. Howells, B.R. Olive,& D. Beevis (Eds.), Workshop on apnlications of systems er-onomics to weapon system development. Volume1. technical saners. (pp. B-23 - B-40). NATO DS/A/DR(84)408.7. Grant, A.S., & Mayes, J.T. (1991). Cognitive task analysis? In: G.R.S. Weir, J.L. Ally (Eds.), Humancomputerinteraction and complex systems, (pp. 147-167). New York: Academic Press Ltd.8. Hodgkinson, G.P., & Crawshaw, C.M. (1985). Hierarchical task analysis for ergonomics research. AppliedErgonomicL s (4). 289-299.9. Hollister, W.M. (1986). Improved guidance and control automation at the man-machine interface. Neuilly surSeine, France: AGARD AR-228.NATO UNCLASSIFIED- 66 -