Cognitive task load in a naval ship control centre : from identification to prediction
article
Deployment of information and communication technology will lead to further automation of control centre tasks and an increasing amount of information to be processed. A method for establishing adequate levels of cognitive task load for the operators in such complex environments has been developed. It is based on a model distinguishing three load factors: time occupied, task-set switching, and level of information processing. Application of the method resulted in eight scenarios for eight extremes of task load (i.e. low and high values for each load factor). These scenarios were performed by 13 teams in a high-fidelity control centre simulator of the Royal Netherlands Navy. The results show that the method provides good prediction of the task load that will actually appear in the simulator. The model allowed identification of under- and overload situations showing negative effects on operator performance corresponding to controlled experiments in a less realistic task environment. Tools proposed to keep the operator at an optimum task load are (adaptive) task allocation and interface support.
Keywords: Mental load; Task analysis; Human-computer interaction;
Cognitive engineering; Task allocation; Ship control centre
Keywords: Mental load; Task analysis; Human-computer interaction;
Cognitive engineering; Task allocation; Ship control centre
Topics
TNO Identifier
16579
Source
Ergonomics, 49(12-13), pp. 1238 - 1264.
Pages
1238 - 1264
Files
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