Irene Tollinger

Supporting efficient development of cognitive models at multiple skill levels: exploring recent advances in constraint-based modeling

This paper presents X-PRT, a new cognitive modeling tool supporting activities ranging from interface design to basic cognitive research. X-PRT provides a graphical model development environment for the CORE constraint-based cognitive modeling engine [7,13,21]. X-PRT comprises a novel feature set: (a) it supports the automatic generation of predictive models at multiple skill levels from a single task-specification, (b) it supports a comprehensive set of modeling activities, and (c) it supports compositional reuse of existing cognitive/perceptual/motor skills by transforming high-level, hierarchical task descriptions into detailed performance predictions. Task hierarchies play a central role in X-PRT, serving as the organizing construct for task knowledge, the locus for compositionality, and the cognitive structures over which the learning theory is predicated. Empirical evidence supports the role of task hierarchies in routine skill acquisition.

Collaborative knowledge management supporting mars mission scientists

This paper describes the design and deployment of a collaborative software tool, designed for and presently in use on the Mars Exploration Rovers (MER) 2003 mission. Two central questions are addressed. Does collaborative content like that created on easels and whiteboards have persistent value? Can groups of people jointly manage collaboratively created content? Based on substantial quantitative and qualitative data collected during mission operations, it remains difficult to conclusively answer the first question while there is some positive support for the second question. The MER mission provides a uniquely rich data set on the use of collaborative tools.

Generating automated predictions of behavior strategically adapted to specific performance objectives

It has been well established in Cognitive Psychology that humans are able to strategically adapt performance, even highly skilled performance, to meet explicit task goals such as being accurate (rather than fast). This paper describes a new capability for generating multiple human performance predictions from a single task specification as a function of different performance objective functions. As a demonstration of this capability, the Cognitive Constraint Modeling approach was used to develop models for several tasks across two interfaces from the aviation domain. Performance objectives are explicitly declared as part of the model, and the CORE (Constraint-based Optimal Reasoning Engine) architecture itself formally derives the detailed strategies that are maximally adapted to these objectives. The models are analyzed for emergent strategic variation, comparing those optimized for task time with those optimized for working memory load. The approach has potential application in user interface and procedure design.

Leveraging open-source software in the design and development process

This paper presents a case study of the NASA Ames Research Center HCI Groups design and development of a problem reporting system for NASAs next generation vehicle (to replace the shuttle) based on the adaptation of an open source software application. We focus on the criteria used for selecting a specific system (Bugzilla) and discuss the outcomes of our project including eventual extensibility and maintainability. Finally, we address whether our experience may generalize considering where Bugzilla lies in the larger quantitative picture of current open source software projects.

Integrating engineering data systems for NASA spaceflight projects

NASA has a large range of custom-built and commercial data systems to support spaceflight programs. Some of the systems are re-used by many programs and projects over time. Management and systems engineering processes require integration of data across many of these systems, a difficult problem given the widely diverse nature of system interfaces and data models. This paper describes an ongoing project to use a central data model with a web services architecture to support the integration and access of linked data across engineering functions for multiple NASA programs. The work involves the implementation of a web service-based middleware system called Data Aggregator to bring together data from a variety of systems to support space exploration. Data Aggregator includes a central data model registry for storing and managing links between the data in disparate systems. Initially developed for NASAs Constellation Program needs, Data Aggregator is currently being repurposed to support the International Space Station Program and new NASA projects with processes that involve significant aggregating and linking of data. This change in user needs led to development of a more streamlined data model registry for Data Aggregator in order to simplify adding new project application data as well as standardization of the Data Aggregator query syntax to facilitate cross-application querying by client applications. This paper documents the approach from a set of stand-alone engineering systems from which data are manually retrieved and integrated, to a web of engineering data systems from which the latest data are automatically retrieved and more quickly and accurately integrated. This paper includes the lessons learned through these efforts, including the design and development of a service-oriented architecture and the evolution of the data model registry approaches as the effort continues to evolve and adapt to support multiple NASA programs and priorities.