The Cognitive Function Model

Abstract

This paper describes a recent Phase I effort to identify methods that could be used to help better define, for designers and engineers, the role of the human in complex system design. This methodology is referred to as Cognitive Function Modeling (CFM). The effort was driven largely by the need to “reduce manning” on complex systems being designed for the military such as the Navy's next generation aircraft carrier (CVX) and cruiser (SC-21). The methodology presented here combines two existing tools, the Operator Function Model and Cognitive Task Analysis, and introduces a new technique to aid the designers and engineers in identifying the components of the new systems that have varying degrees of “cognitive complexity.” By combining these techniques, the overall operator functions and tasks can be identified, they can be examined for cognitive complexity, and then, where needed, detailed cognitive task analyses can be applied. The goal of CFM is to provide the engineers and designers with four products: an overview of all of the tasks and functions associated with the operators; a clear indication of which of these tasks/functions are cognitively complex; a detailed cognitive analysis of these cognitively complex tasks/functions; and recommendations and cautions regarding designing for these specific tasks and functions. CFM provides the engineers and designers an overview of the areas where the roles and functions of the humans and computers need to be examined closely. It also highlights and describes the critical decisions, judgments, cues, challenges, and difficulties associated with these cognitively complex areas so the designers can better understand what their designs must address. Areas for future work are also briefly described.