Applying the prompt questions from the Cognitive Work Analysis Design Toolkit: a demonstration in rail level crossing design

Abstract

ABSTRACTAccidents at rail level crossings (RLXs) represent an important public safety concern. Traditional approaches to RLX safety have focused on the implementation of technology such as warnings and barriers to control road user behaviour. However, as RLXs are complex sociotechnical systems, there is a need to apply systems-based approaches to analysis and design within this domain. This will enable road and rail stakeholders to develop innovative design solutions which are appropriate for the complexity of the domain, including adaptability to future changes in a dynamic transport environment. This paper describes the use of one aspect of a systems thinking-based design toolkit to prompt design insights following the application of the cognitive work analysis framework to RLXs. The process resulted in the identification of design insights for use in a participatory design process and supported the research team to consider the principles of sociotechnical systems theory.