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Human performance modeling can provide numerous benefits for system design evaluation. Discrete-event simulation (DES) is frequently used to evaluate process and workflow designs. The use of DES to evaluate human performance is less common. By modeling and evaluating human performance, systems engineers can design systems that balance human cognitive workload, thereby preventing fatigue, boredom, and errors due to under-load or over-load situations. This paper presents DES models created in IMPRINT (Improved Performance Research Integration Tool) that model the cognitive workload of an operator performing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance tasks using remotely-controlled unmanned ground and aerial systems. These tasks include single task threat detection and change detection, as well as dual-task scenarios. The models leverage multiple resource theory to produce an objective measure of workload that involves visual, auditory, cognitive, psychomotor, and speech channels. These objective workload measures are compared to both subjective workload questionnaire responses and physiological measures from human participants performing the same tasks. This paper clearly demonstrates the feasibility and efficacy of using DES to quantify cognitive workload for use in evaluating system design alternatives.
Keywords
Discrete-event simulation, cognitive workload, human performance modeling
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1. Introduction
Over the past decade, there has been a dramatic and unprecedented increase in the complexity of the nature of work.. This is due, in part, to the increased cognitive-complexity of tasks, where the tasks are usually highly dynamic and require individuals or teams to think, decide and act quickly to keep pace with or anticipate rapid environmental changes. In addition, the availability and required use of advanced computing and information technology systems suggest that highly-complex cognitive tasks are no longer limited to select groups of decision-makers. Cognitivelycomplex tasks are now characteristics of many common jobs involving decision-making and problem-solving. Therefore, care must be taken when designing work systems and environments in order to balance human cognitive workload and maximize human performance.
Effective interface design of computing and information technology systems is vital to minimizing the workload experienced by the user. Systems designers and systems engineers face numerous design options for these systems; however, testing and evaluation of system design options can be extremely time-consuming and expensive. Simulation, which is used in many different contexts, can provide a safe, rapid, and affordable means...