Application of Cognitive Task Analysis in User Requirements Definition and Prototype Design

Abstract

The Aircraft Maintenance Intuitive Troubleshooting (AMIT) project is a three-year Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) effort headed by the Logistics Readiness Branch, Warfighter Readiness Research Division, Human Effectiveness Directorate (HEAL) through NCI Information Systems, Inc, with the support of the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI). AMIT's goal is to support aircraft maintenance technicians by providing the right information, appropriate to their experience level, so they will more efficiently and effectively complete their task. Multiple data collection strategies were adopted, including an extensive literature review, a series of process interviews, and a progression of CTA interviews. The CTA effort was designed to capture where the process is inadequate or breaks down. Areas of the maintenance process identified as most challenging includes debrief, problem duplication, and troubleshooting. Resulting design recommendations include Graphical System Representations, electronic technical orders, electronic wiring diagrams, access to other information sources, and application of case based reasoning.