Constraining Design: Applying the Insights of Cognitive Work Analysis to the Design of Novel In-Car Interfaces to Support Eco-Driving

Craig K. Allison,Neville A. Stanton

doi:10.1007/s42154-020-00090-5

Craig K. Allison, Neville A. Stanton

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s42154-020-00090-5

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Abstract

The design with intent (DwI) toolkit assists designers in creating novel designs and interfaces. DwI, however, is not constrained to any degree, making it impossible to know whether the produced designs adequately account for users’ needs. In contrast, cognitive work analysis (CWA) is a human factors research tool that seeks to map a system and account for users’ needs, yet does not provide clear guidelines for progressing such analysis into workable designs with which users can interact. This paper seeks to present a proof-of-concept investigation to demonstrate that DwI can be suitably constrained and validated by insights gained from CWA. CWA, in turn, benefits by having a suitable toolkit for progressing insights. Two teams of individuals without design backgrounds were able to develop mock-up in-vehicle interfaces aimed at reducing fuel use. The teams were able to use DwI toolkit to articulate the genesis of their ideas, which in turn could be directly linked to system needs identified within CWA.

Highlights

Transport emissions, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxides (NOx) are the leading cause of air pollution in Britain [1]
As the focus of the current work is to examine whether cognitive work analysis (CWA) and DWI could be integrated, two workshops were deemed preferable to a single case study workshop
As previous research suggests that no typical means of using the outputs of CWA within design currently exist [40], the current paper provides a clear avenue regarding progressing this methodology towards interface design

Summary

Introduction

Primarily carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxides (NOx) are the leading cause of air pollution in Britain [1]. In addition to the considerable negative impact vehicle emissions can have on human health, these emissions have significant environmental impact and have been directly linked to anthropogenic climate change and changing global weather patterns [5, 6]. With such significant and universally negative effects, finding ways to reduce the current high levels of vehicle emissions is a defining challenge of the twenty-first century, one which the automotive sector is keen to address [7, 8]. Researcher outlined the current 5 study, presenting participants with an information sheet and consent form

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