Cognitive engineer’s multifaceted role in participatory design processes

Abstract

The paper discusses the importance of Participatory Design Processes in the design/redesign of work systems. It emphasizes the role of cognitive engineers, as well as the importance of their constructive engagement with domain practitioners, in order to develop effective design solutions. This position is documented by the role accomplished by a cognitive engineer during the design process of a prototypical interface for an electricity distribution management system, which was intended to replace the existing hard-wired artifacts (Mimic Diagram, Control panel, Control Desk) in a traditional control room. The paper presents in detail what tools and techniques were used, and which domain practitioners participated at different phases of the interface design cycle (i.e. ethnographic analysis, cognitive work analysis, prototype design and evaluation) to elicit the intended design knowledge. The paper concludes discussing why is it important to establish the role of cognitive engineers in design teams in industry.