Aslak Wegner Eide

Human-Machine Networks: Towards a Typology and Profiling Framework

In this paper we outline an initial typology and framework for the purpose of profiling human-machine networks, that is, collective structures where humans and machines interact to produce synergistic effects. Profiling a human-machine network along the dimensions of the typology is intended to facilitate access to relevant design knowledge and experience. In this way the profiling of an envisioned or existing human-machine network will both facilitate relevant design discussions and, more importantly, serve to identify the network type. We present experiences and results from two case trials: a crisis management system and a peer-to-peer reselling network. Based on the lessons learnt from the case trials we suggest potential benefits and challenges, and point out needed future work.

Geographic Visualization of Risk as Decision Support in Emergency Situations

We investigate how geographic visualization can be used as a means to facilitate understanding of risk in emergency situations. Specifically, we identify the need of decision makers regarding access to risk information; introduce a visualization solution that aims to satisfy these needs; and evaluate this solution in terms of its ability to generate insight. A description of how the solution can be implemented is included. Our findings indicate that geographic visualization is an effective means for facilitating understanding of risk in emergency situations, but that the effectiveness of the concept depends on the visualization design. A set of guidelines towards risk visualization design is proposed.

A Post-simulation Assessment Tool for Training of Air Traffic Controllers

This paper proposes a post-simulation assessment tool that aims to improve the training of air traffic controllers (ATCOs) by visualizing their performance. The tool helps the controllers to identify bottlenecks in flight traffic and find alternative solutions that might improve traffic throughput. The usefulness of the tool was evaluated in a study involving benchmark tests and interviews with five experienced ATCOs. The results from the study indicate that the tool can help ATCO students to (1) identify irregularities in their work, (2) find possible underlying causes of these irregularities, and (3) find alternative solutions preventing these irregularities. Visual feedback consisting of workflow graphs and radar replays might generate valuable insights that enable self and peer assessment during ATCO training. Our results might be interesting both for the practitioners working with ATCO training and for researcher investigating the effects of visualization in education.

Design and evaluation of an electronic triage system for prehospital monitoring of patients

Prehospital emergency triage involves prioritising patients and deciding who are in the most urgent need of treatment and medical intervention. Currently used triage methods do not support simple sharing of patient-related information, making it challenging for emergency personnel to monitor the number, location and medical status of patients involved in an incident. We present the design and evaluation of an electronic system that facilitates patient tracking and monitoring of vital parameters from the incident scene to place of treatment. The system comprises a patient electronic triage bracelet, which communicates with software applications for patient monitoring. We tested the system in two situations: real-life, daily operations involving real patients over 1 month and in a 1-day, large-scale, mass casualty exercise. Results are presented, along with lessons learned and suggestions for future research.

Usability on a shareable interface in a multiuser setting

This paper reports on an experiment investigating how the number of simultaneous users affects the usability and user experience of a shareable user interface. Participants were instructed to complete individual drawing tasks on a shareable user interface running on a multi-touch surface table. The results show an increase in performance (shorter task completion times) correlated to an increase in the number of simultaneous users. No significant increase in user errors was observed when the number of simultaneous users was increased. However, despite these quantitative improvements in usability, participants reported that the tasks were more challenging when multiple users were working together.