Sharing imagery and analysis tools in a simulated submarine control room

Abstract

We examined the impact of sharing periscope imagery and analysis tools in eighteen five-member teams (Sonar, Periscope, 2xTrack Motion Analysts, Track Manager) who undertook simulated submarine patrol tasks. Compared to a baseline condition, sharing imagery to team members increased perceived individual workload, with no improvement to team performance (tactical picture accuracy). When both imagery and analysis tools were shared, perceived workload increased and tactical picture compilation was more accurate. Despite this improved tactical picture for the imagery and analysis tools condition, there was no advantage to mission completion (rendezvous/close contact detection) or situation awareness. In contrast to the increased subjective workload, individuals in teams provided with shared imagery (with or without tools) had a lower physiological response (heart rate, electrodermal) to task demands compared to the baseline condition. Sharing imagery and analysis tools likely benefited tactical picture compilation by enabling dynamic task redistribution and multiple streams of concurrent data analysis.