Title: Applying cognitive science to digital human modelling for user centred design

Authors: Peter Thorvald; Dan Högberg; Keith Case

Addresses: Virtual Systems Research Centre, University of Skövde, Box 408, 54128, Skövde, Sweden; Mechanical and Manufacturing Technology, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK. ' Virtual Systems Research Centre, University of Skövde, Box 408, 54128, Skövde, Sweden; Mechanical and Manufacturing Technology, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK. ' Virtual Systems Research Centre, University of Skövde, Box 408, 54128, Skövde, Sweden; Mechanical and Manufacturing Technology, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK

Abstract: To build software which, at the press of a button, can tell you what cognition-related hazards there are within an environment or a task, is probably well into the future if it is possible at all. However, incorporating existing tools such as task analysis tools, interface design guidelines and information about general cognitive limitations in humans, could allow for greater evaluative options for cognitive ergonomics. The paper discusses previous approaches to the subject and suggests adding design and evaluative guiding in digital human modelling that will help a user with little or no knowledge of cognitive science to design and evaluate a human-product interaction scenario.

Keywords: digital human modelling; DHM; cognition; context; situatedness; ecological interface design; EID; system ergonomics; hierarchical task analysis; HTA; usability simulation; user-centred design; cognitive science; cognitive ergonomics; human factors; human-product interaction.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHFMS.2012.050078

International Journal of Human Factors Modelling and Simulation, 2012 Vol.3 No.1, pp.90 - 106

Received: 20 Oct 2011
Accepted: 15 Sep 2012

Published online: 29 Aug 2014 *

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