Spring 2001

ME/IE 8773-8774

Beyond HCI: Model-Based Design of Human-Interaction with Complex Systems Using the Operator Function Model and OFMspert
by

Christine M. Mitchell
Professor, School of Industrial and Systems Engineering
Director, Center for Human-Machine Systems Research
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA 30332-0205

Wednesday, March 8, 2000
3:35 - 4:25 p.m.
Room 108 ME
Broadcast on UNITE Channel A
Coffee will be available in 152 ME following the seminar

This presentation describes an approach for the specification of human interaction with complex systems. Human-system interaction should be as well understood and well documented as the systemÕs hardware and software. Model-based design is a step towards achieving this goal. As opposed to experience, heuristics, or guidelines, model-based design provides a well-defined specification of operator interaction with the system.

Although model-based design can, in principle, use any operator model possessing the appropriate properties, this presentation will illustrate the approach with the operator function model (OFM) and its computational implementation, OFMspert. In our work at Georgia TechÕs Center for Human-Machine Systems Research, the operator function model (OFM) has evolved over a period of fifteen years. It has matured and provides an increasingly robust design tool. OFM and OFMspert have been used to address a range of important but difficult human-system interaction issues in a variety of domains and for a range of applications. Domains include electronic manufacturing, aerospace, aviation, and medical systems. Applications include specification of Õhuman-centeredÕ operator workstations, intelligent associates, tutors, and, most recently, operations automation. This presentation describes the model-based design methodology and illustrates how the OFM is used as the representations for this type of methodology.

Christine M. Mitchell is a Professor of Georgia TechÕs School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Director of the SchoolÕs Center for Human-Machine Systems Research (CHMSR), and an Adjunct Professor of Computer Science. She is a faculty-affiliate of Georgia TechÕs Cognitive Science program and the Graphics Visualization and Usability (GVU) Center. Her research addresses the development of models of human interaction with complex systems and the use of these models to design Ôhuman-centered,Õ computer-based artifacts. She has published hundreds of papers, including journal articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings. She has received numerous awards including three from the IEEE Society on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics. She is a Senior Member of IEEE and has held a variety of offices in its Society on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics. She is an active member of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Institute for Aviation Psychology, and the Institute of Industrial Engineers.

Faculty Host: Prof. Caroline Hayes