MoDyS-Project:

Transformation of results from simulation experiments

The data gained during system engineering-processes from simulation experiments must be consolidated and evaluated and be integrated continuously into the development process. The main focus of this PhD-project is to find methods which allow the adjustment of technical systems on the abilities and characteristics of human during the engineering-process. Quantitative criteria for components of the technical systems are derived (for example control reliability, authority favourableness) which form the basis for algorithms. These algorithms make it possible to draw conclusions and publish recommendations for the engineering of human-machine-interaction in the context of simulation experiments. This will form a way to improve the design- and engineering-process of human-machine-interaction.

Trend

The advances in information and communication technology have led to an increasing amount of systems that assist humans and/or do work automatically. On the technical side these systems are well engineered. But the point of usability is often forgotten or not well integrated, but becomes more and more important for purchase decisions and workflow.

Today usability-evaluations are done with humans and interpreted on the basis of their subjective expressions (interview, video-confrontation, observing). A problem is that these evaluations often take place in the end of an engineering-process. And if a problem is found it could cost a lot to solve the problem (resources, money, time). Another problem is that because of time-restrictions the design is based on ideas of engineers and that these ideas are not verified by user-centred-usability-evaluations.

This is why there is a trend to develop models and procedures that help to integrate the aspect of user-centred-usability in early stages of engineering-processes and that allow objective conclusions.

Idea

The idea is to develop software that allows evaluating user-centred-usability with a computer in early stages of an engineering-process. That means a simulation of human-machine-interaction with given parameters (use simulations as tool). This opens the possibility to integrate the knowledge of nowadays science of psychology and sociology in the engineering-process and to gain objective information. This could happen as a part of an integrated workbench for user- and system-modelling (e.g. integration of cognitive models, interaction specifications and user interface specifications).

Approach

The basis for this research project is the assumption that a simulation is used as a possibility to "play" with different ideas of design and engineering to find the best way. Although the human in the simulation is reduced on a cognitive being without emotions and reflection because in this project acting is seen as a learned action (as all work processes are in the western world).

Using cognitive architectures and specifications in simulations for usability-evaluations means to gain a lot of information during the simulation. The idea is to filter, to concentrate and to draw conclusions from these information.
The question is which information is important, what do the engineers want to know and what is possible today. To find answers a requirements analysis with engineers and usability experts and an analysis of nowadays cognitive modelling systems will be made. Based on the results of the analysis a software prototype will be programmed and compared with usability-evaluations.

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  Official website of the research training group prometei