Exploring the Impact of Advanced Alarms, Displays, and Computerized Procedures on Teams

Abstract

New support technologies embody hypotheses about what constitutes effective support, and how technological change is expected to shape cognition and collaboration. Introduction of these technologies into a field of practice provides an opportunity to test and revise our understanding. An illustrative case is presented that examined the impact of introducing advanced human-system interfaces (HSIs), including a computer-based procedure system, an advanced alarm system, and a graphic display system, into a conventional power plant control room. Crews were observed using the HSIs to handle simulated plant disturbances in a full-scope simulator. The HSIs generally provided positive support and reduced workload as intended. However, unanticipated impacts were also identified. Of particular note was the effect on team structure and communication. The computerized systems altered the distribution of information across crew members and communication patterns, affecting the situation awareness of individual crew members and the crew as a whole. While in a traditional control room, the open environment, and explicit communication requirements foster shared situation awareness, maintaining shared situation awareness in the computerized environment required active work on the part of crew members. The results point to requirements for effectivecollaboration and help define future research direction.