Using cognitive work analysis to explore system flexibility

D P Jenkins; Neville A Stanton; Guy H Walker; Paul M Salmon; M S Young

doi:10.1080/14639220802609879

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Using cognitive work analysis to explore system flexibility

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Using cognitive work analysis to explore system flexibility

D P Jenkins, Neville A Stanton, Guy H Walker, Paul M Salmon and M S Young

Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science, Vol.11(3), pp.136-150

2010

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14639220802609879

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Abstract

cognitive work analysis

adaptability

flexibility

command and control

constraints

systems

The presented work describes a structured approach for identifying flexible working practices in complex socio-technical systems; further, it presents a framework for the elicitation of design changes capable of increasing system adaptability. The proposed approach uses the first three phases of the cognitive work analysis framework: work domain analysis; control task analysis; and strategies analysis. Functions are extracted from an abstraction hierarchy; these are then explored in a number of different situations using a contextual activity template. These functions are then explored in greater detail with the strategies analysis phase. The contextual activity template is used to identify situations where functions are unable to perform; in order to increase the flexibility of the system, new strategies are then proposed and represented in strategies analyses flow diagrams. To communicate the approach, it is introduced using the familiar, domestic domain of an 'Apple iPod'. The paper presents a structured approach based upon cognitive work analysis for exploring system flexibility. The case study presented, an Apple iPod, shows how design changes to the system can be informed by this approach. This paper takes an existing approach and clarifies the link between analysis and design.

Details

Title: Using cognitive work analysis to explore system flexibility
Authors: D P Jenkins (Author) - Brunel University, United Kingdom
Neville A Stanton (Author) - Brunel University, United Kingdom
Guy H Walker (Author) - Brunel University, United Kingdom
Paul M Salmon (Author) - Brunel University, United Kingdom
M S Young (Author) - Brunel University, United Kingdom
Publication details: Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science, Vol.11(3), pp.136-150
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
Date published: 2010
DOI: 10.1080/14639220802609879
ISSN: 1463-922X
Organisation Unit: Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Law and Society
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450224902621
Output Type: Journal article

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