Decision Support System Requirements Definition for Human Extravehicular Activity Based on Cognitive Work Analysis

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Cognitive Systems Engineering
• Systems Engineering

Background:

• Designing decision support systems (DSS) for complex domains presents significant challenges for cognitive systems engineering (CSE) practitioners, especially during initial project phases.
• Integrating CSE perspectives into traditional systems engineering workflows requires effective methods for deriving design requirements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the application of CSE techniques for deriving design requirements compatible with traditional systems engineering.
• To guide the development of decision support systems through a structured requirements derivation process.

Main Methods:

• The study employed cognitive work analysis (CWA) to derive requirements for a subset of human spaceflight operations: extravehicular activity (EVA).
• A work domain analysis identified key functions and constraints within the EVA domain.
• A control task analysis translated subject matter knowledge states into high-level DSS requirements.

Main Results:

• The work domain analysis yielded a comprehensive understanding of functions and constraints pertinent to extravehicular activity.
• The control task analysis successfully translated cognitive states into actionable DSS requirements.
• An incremental requirements specification process was highlighted as crucial for early-phase CSE integration.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive work analysis provides a viable framework for deriving DSS requirements within complex operational contexts like spaceflight.
• Integrating CSE analyses early in the design process enhances the alignment of DSS with user needs and operational realities.
• This approach facilitates a more robust and user-centered development of decision support systems in demanding fields.