Decision-Centered Human-Computer Interfaces

Aegis Combat Information Center (CIC) Decision Support System

Multi-screen display system for CIC commanders made up of six complementary decision support modules.

Each module is designed to support a specific tactical decision or critical thinking process.

Theories of naturalistic decision-making were coupled with research on expert decision making, decision biases, and cognitive workload to optimize display modules to an Aegis CIC environment.

Subsequent experiments showed that these designs resulted in significant improvement in situation awareness and reduction in decision-making error.

Tactical Situation Awareness Tool (TACSAT)

Highly graphical displays incorporate geographic situation awareness, tactical status information, temporal / event management, weather conditions, and key plans / intentions and orders.

Interface design based on the unique needs of tactical Marine Corps commanders in a forward-deployed, in-the-field operating environment.

Enhanced Electronic Warfare Displays

An enhanced HCI designed to be back-fit to existing electronic warfare receivers/equipment.

By simply improving the interface to existing Navy systems, operator performance was enhanced and workload decreased.

User review and assessment validated the design concepts, which were adopted in several US Navy electronic warfare development programs.

Large-Screen Displays for Shared Summary and Decision Support

Based on the results of an in-depth cognitive task analysis of command center personnel, a wall-sized, shared display was designed to support at-a-glance situation awareness and support critical decision making.

Ergonomic issues such as touch-screen interface, visibility/readability, and multiple-user control were addressed and the design validated in real-world settings. Derivatives of the original design were then adapted for Navy shipboard use and used in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Multi-Screen, Single-User Workstations

Research and development was conducted into the use of multi-screen workstations to support the acquisition and maintenance of situation awareness, development and dissemination of information products, the management of communication / collaboration, and performance of other operational tasks.

Response Planner and Manager (RPM) Displays

Research has shown that in complex, time-critical, or high-stakes decision making environments, resource and action management often suffers.

PSE's RPM displays are designed to address temporal and influence issues associated with managing numerous resources, actions, and responses by graphically representing various aspects of the task with an intuitive, easy-to-use and easy-to-understand interface.