Taming Complexity: Attempts at Analyzing and Documenting Operator Tasks for Sophisticated Software-Based Systems

Abstract

As more and more work makes use of computers, the need for simple usable methods for analyzing and documenting computer-based operator tasks is increasing. Computer-based tasks can be very complex and difficult to analyze, describe, and train. Traditional methods for describing tasks are often inadequate. The purpose of this paper is to present two cases where methods were borrowed from software requirements definition and design and applied to analysis and documentation of operator tasks for complex software-based systems. The situation associated with each case is described. The methodology borrowed and adapted is then described and comments are made concerning the effectiveness of the approach. Finally, some summary comments are made.