ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces time and relations between time and action, as means in the system design process. In dynamic system environments time and temporal restrictions always influence tasks and activities, that is, time to move, sense, think and act. Time or temporal aspects on design of decision support systems have more or less been forgotten during decades of research, development and construction for applications in real world contexts. It is important to realise also that effectiveness, risk and safety must be integrated in the discussion about time and action. Design principles have failed to give relevant support and intentions with extended automation have not always been successful. The design goals in cockpit environments must reach a sufficient level of effectiveness and safety. The impact of time on system design has rarely been applied in real world contexts. Humans' problems in managing time have rarely been considered in system design processes.
