ABSTRACT
In the development of complex sociotechnical systems, it is the goal of the designer to design and develop a system that is usable, can be learnt in a reasonable amount of time, and can be understood so as to easily diagnose system errors and abnormalities. Cognitive Work Analysis (CWA) starts by focusing on system description that is independent of any actor; conversely, normative approaches, by focusing on existing activity, are more likely to be more individualistic. Work Domain Analysis (WDA) is the most commonly used component within CWA. The WDA is conducted at the functional, rather than behavioural level. Control Task Analysis addresses the constraints on activity imposed by specific situations. Strategies Analysis addresses the constraints influencing the way in which activity can be conducted. The final phase of the CWA framework, Worker Competencies Analysis, involves identifying the competencies required by agents for performing the activity within the system under analysis.
