Cognitive function analysis for human-centered automation of safety-critical systems

Abstract

The Cognitive Function Analysis is a methodology supported by a mediating tool for the human-centered automation of safety-critical systems. It is based on a socio-cognitive model linking the artifact being designed, the user's activity, the task to be performed, and the organizational environment. Cognitive functions can be allocated to humans or machines. They are characterized by their role, context definition and associated resources. The methodology is supported by active design documents as mediating representations of the artifact, the interaction description and cognitive function descriptors being designed, redesigned and used as usability criteria to evaluate the distribution of cognitive functions among humans and machines. This methodology enhances user-centered and participatory design, and traceability of design decisions. It was successfully tested on three main applications in the aeronautics domain. One of them is presented.