Applying cognitive science to digital human modelling for user centred design

Abstract

To build software which, at the press of a button, can tell you what cognition related hazards there are within an environment or a task, is probably well into the future if it is possible at all. However, incorporating existing tools such as task analysis tools, interface design guidelines and information about general cognitive limitations in humans, could allow for greater evaluative options for cognitive ergonomics. The paper discusses previous approaches to the subject and suggests adding design and evaluative guiding in Digital Human Modelling that will help a user with little or no knowledge of cognitive science to design and evaluate a human-product interaction scenario.

Virtual Modeling of User Populations and Formative Design Parameters

“…In product design, these modeling tools are typically used in the early stages of design to evaluate the ergonomic impact (e.g., musculoskeletal effort, user comfort, product fit) of various design decisions [25,26]. Existing modeling software is primarily focused on physical and biomechanical human behavior [27]. There are few tools available for simulation of cognitive tasks and perception, excluding some elements of vision [8].…”

“…For example, Jack provides the use of "vision cones" that demonstrate the theoretical field of view for a human model [32]. Limited cognitive modeling software exists as well that attempt to simulate human decision-making and mental processing in response to stimuli [27]. For example, the Man-Machine Integration Design and Analysis System (MIDAS) is a dynamic simulation scenario builder developed by NASA Ames Research center that includes cognitive workload models based on the visual, auditory, cognitive, and psychomotor (VACP) workload model [33].…”

Tools for User-Centred Design

“…These are important aspects of design but clearly psychological and behavioural aspects of a user's interaction with products is equally important. The addition of these cognitive aspects within DHM [16] to create Bror is 45 years old and currently drives a Volvo with a manual gearbox. He appreciates basic cars and has the opinion that "new cars just cause trouble."…”

Interruptions in the wild: portraying the handling of interruptions in manufacturing from a distributed cognition lens

“…It should be noted that Grundgeiger and Sanderson (2009) pointed out that future research on interruptions should apply the theoretical lens of DCog, although their work focused on healthcare environments. In line with these arguments, an increasing number of researchers in HF&E are calling for a more holistic view of human cognition (Feyen 2007;Lindblom and Thorvald accepted;Marras and Hancock 2014;Thorvald et al 2012;Wilson 2000Wilson , 2014, and DCog may be a promising step in that direction. Furthermore, by using the notions of representations and representational transformations, DCog stays rather close to the concepts used in the computer metaphor of mind, which Perry (2003, p 194) described as beneficial for ''researchers trained in cognitive science [that] do not have to abandon their theoretical knowledge and conceptual apparatus to understand distributed cognition [DCog]''.…”