Concept of the computer-based task in production and non-production environment

Abstract

In this work we conduct comparative analysis of concept of the computer-based task in production and non-production environment within the framework of the systemic-structural activity theory (SSAT) and cognitive psychology. These two approaches have significantly different understanding of the concept of task and of its basic elements and without the clear understanding of the concept of task it is impossible to accurately conduct task analysis. Today, computer-based technology opens a new wide area of nontraditional ergonomics design that includes recreational and nonproduction design. Computing technology with increasing frequency is now used for nonproduction purposes creating a field for designing human-computer systems for recreation activity, education, games, etc. By analyzing the task that is being performed by a user we can evaluate usability of HCI system in production and non-production environment. Classifications of activity such as play, learning and work and their relationship are considered in this work from perspectives of SSAT. In this work, we demonstrate that “pleasure-based” activity design as it currently exists in ergonomics covers only a very narrow area of recreational design. Such concepts as play and game are not considered in this area at all. Activity is classified into three categories: play, learning and work. The paper demonstrates process of transformation of play into game which is important for understanding the concept of task in recreation conditions.