Conceptual framework for designing micro-worlds for complex work domains: a case study of the Cabin Air Management System

Abstract

A conceptual framework for the design of micro-worlds is presented in this paper. This is illustrated by a micro-world, called Cabin Air Management System (CAMS), that has been used in a research program to investigate human behavior during work with complex systems. Although CAMS is based on the operational context of spaceflight, its underlying principles correspond to a process control task. The authors propose a theoretical framework for micro-world design, which was used to guide the development of the CAMS micro-world. This may provide a helpful guideline for researchers wishing to develop a micro-world by using a more structured approach. A detailed technical description of CAMS is given to demonstrate the kind of real-world scenarios that may be simulated with this task environment. Finally, general aspects of the utility of micro-world research are discussed.