ABSTRACT
A methodology is described which is designed to support user-centred design of computer-based systems. The main concern is for a specific consequence of the design of computer-based systems, the procedural, device-specific knowledge required from the operator. The objective is to raise the efficiency of work by adapting the functional design of the device to the task requirements. The basis of our methodology for the modelling and evaluation of computer based man-machine systems is the formal language Skill and Learning Representation (SL/R) for the modelling and simulation of procedural knowledge in well-structured domains. The design of workplaces using computer technology is determined to a large extent by the specification of the computer program. The design objective we consider is to reduce the complexity and learning requirements imposed by the user procedures, especially those which are imposed not by the task, but by the tool, and which make the procedures more complex. Task-related knowledge of applies to the work-object only.
