Designing sociotechnical systems with cognitive work analysis: putting theory back into practice

Gemma J M Read; Paul M Salmon; M G Lenne; Neville A Stanton

doi:10.1080/00140139.2014.980335

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Designing sociotechnical systems with cognitive work analysis: putting theory back into practice

Gemma J M Read, Paul M Salmon, M G Lenne and Neville A Stanton

Ergonomics, Vol.58(5), pp.822-851

2015

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2014.980335

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Abstract

cognitive work analysis

complex systems

sociotechnical systems theory

system design

Cognitive work analysis (CWA) is a framework of methods for analysing complex sociotechnical systems. However, the translation from the outputs of CWA to design is not straightforward. Sociotechnical systems theory provides values and principles for the design of sociotechnical systems which may offer a theoretically consistent basis for a design approach for use with CWA. This article explores the extent to which CWA and sociotechnical systems theory offer complementary perspectives and presents an abstraction hierarchy (AH), based on a review of literature, that describes an 'optimal' CWA and sociotechnical systems theory design system. The optimal AH is used to assess the extent to which current CWA-based design practices, uncovered through a survey of CWA practitioners, aligns with sociotechnical systems theory. Recommendations for a design approach that would support the integration of CWA and sociotechnical systems theory design values and principles are also derived.

Details

Title: Designing sociotechnical systems with cognitive work analysis: putting theory back into practice
Authors: Gemma J M Read (Author) - Monash University
Paul M Salmon (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts and Business
M G Lenne (Author) - Monash University
Neville A Stanton (Author) - University of Southampton, United Kingdom
Publication details: Ergonomics, Vol.58(5), pp.822-851
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
Date published: 2015
DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2014.980335
ISSN: 0014-0139
Copyright note: Copyright (c) 2015. This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Ergonomics on 2015, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/00140139.2014.980335
Organisation Unit: Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Psychology; School of Law and Society
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99447769602621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Engineering, Industrial; Ergonomics; Psychology; Psychology, Applied