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Development of design principles for automated systems in transport control
Nora Balfe1, John R Wilson, Sarah Sharples
1Ergonomics Team , Network Rail, London, UK. Nora.Balfe@networkrail.co.uk
Ergonomics
|December 20, 2011
Summary
Rail signallers use advanced automation effectively, despite limited understanding of its actions. They have developed coping strategies to manage the technology, informing future system designs for better human-automation collaboration.
Area of Science:
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Automation Systems Engineering
- Transportation Safety
Background:
- Advanced automation systems are increasingly deployed in critical infrastructure like UK rail signalling.
- Understanding user perceptions and operational impacts is crucial for effective technology integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate UK rail signallers' attitudes and opinions regarding an advanced automation system.
- To identify key issues, user interaction methods, and workload effects associated with automation in rail signalling.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study employing in-depth interviews with 10 rail signalling users.
- Analysis of interview data to explore understanding, predictability, control, and workload impacts of automation.
Main Results:
- Signallers demonstrated a low level of understanding and predictability regarding the automation system's outputs.
- Despite this, signallers developed effective coping mechanisms for successful technology use.
- Key issues identified include the importance of understanding automation and predicting its actions.
Conclusions:
- Signallers can effectively operate advanced automation with developed coping strategies, even with limited system comprehension.
- Findings inform the development of 12 principles for designing future automation systems to enhance human-automation cooperation.
- The study actively involved operational rail staff, ensuring outcomes are relevant for future rail control system design.
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