Micro Saint Modeling of Visual Displays and Controls Consoles

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of using a predetermined time system (PTS) with the simulation model Micro SAINT as a method for making design decisions for a navy electronic interactive display and control console. Prototypes for different configurations were created using a Macintosh workstation. Configurations varied across two levels of symbol set, color condition, and screen format for three different target density scenarios. A Micro SAINT simulation model, emulating a single integrated task performed by the operator for all 24 prototype configurations, was constructed. The model was validated by regressing predicted performance scores on actual performance scores obtained from six subjects operating the prototypes. The model also successfully predicted the performance of a second group of six subjects. Although the questions of how to acquire standard deviation data and task time distributions remain, the use of a PTS in network simulation modeling can provide objective data for console designs without incurring the high costs associated with actual prototype construction and testing.