Leena Salo

Hidden roles of the train driver: A challenge for metro automation

Abstract In the year 2014, the Helsinki Metro is planned to be fully automated. This automation means that the metro trains will be computer-driven and monitored remotely from a stationary control room. To investigate the challenges related to this scenario, we decided to study the ways in which the current train drivers contribute to the metro system. We conducted three separate but interrelated studies, which were based on the Core-Task Analysis method. Our results suggest that there is much more to driving the metro train than meets the eye. The drivers do not only operate the train on track and its doors at stations, but they also contribute to a variety of other important, albeit more hidden, functions in the metro system. For example, the drivers anticipate, observe, interpret, and react to events in the surrounding environment. Furthermore, they are a significant interaction link between different actors of the metro system. Our conclusion is that if the identified critical roles of the drivers are not accounted for, a migration to a fully automated metro system can affect the quality of service and raise safety issues. In addition to automated metros, the results of this research can be applicable to automation implementations also in other domains.

Design of joint systems: a theoretical challenge for cognitive systems engineering

In this paper the “joint systems approach” will be discussed. The approach is considered as a new paradigm in cognitive systems engineering (CSE). Its central idea, that human and technology form a functional unity, is as such not new. Why, then, has this idea become so appealing right now? In the first part of the paper we seek answers to this question by analysing the current situation in product design. The conclusion is that the focus of design is shifting from single products to intelligent environments. This change in focus induces tensions into the design process that urge for solutions. One of them is re-conceptualising the relationship between human and technology, precisely what the joint system approach is about. Three different joint system approaches are considered: the joint cognitive systems approach (JCS), the Risö extended CSE approach, and the joint intelligent systems (JIS) approach proposed by us. Comparisons are made with regard to how these approaches understand the joint system to be organised. While the JCS approach focuses on the human–technology relationship, the other two consider this relationship as embedded in a context of object-oriented activity. As a consequence, environment becomes included in the joint system. In JIS approach we propose the use of the semiotic concept of habit to characterise the ways of functioning of the joint system. “Habit” is a tool for identifying generic patterns in the situation-specific behaviour of the system. Defining habits enables expressing the meaning or purpose of the system’s functioning. In the end of the paper, we propose a design process model for the development of JIS. This approach is aimed at designing systems in usage i.e. to design of practices.

Functional situation models in analyses of operating practices in complex work

Motivation -- In safety critical work it is common to evaluate human activity based on the concrete outcomes it produces. But, in order to understand more thoroughly the possible implications for safety, also profound perspectives concerning the mechanisms producing the outcome are needed. In this paper we introduce a model of control situations that connects human actions with the purposes rising from the domain. This model, labelled functional situation model (FSM) enables analysis of operating activity from the perspective of way of acting i.e. work practice. Analysis of work practices complements the analysis of outcome of activity (e.g. task completeness, errors, time). The aim is to promote adoption of resilient work practices by analysing which ways of acting in a given situation are aiming for the general objective of safety. Research approach -- Research approach is constructive: a formative modelling technique has been created which draws from theoretical roots of functional domain modelling. The exploitation of the models in analyses of operating activity draws from the pragmatist conception of habit. Design -- A FSM denotes a control situation from the point of view of critical functions which are endangered in a situation. The human actions are also depicted in the model, and connected to the critical functions which are aimed to maintain. Implications -- The practical implication of an FSM is that it enables analyses (and evaluation) of operating practices and characterisation of them according to how they take the critical functions and the general objectives of the domain into account. Take away message --Resilience in operating practice assumes that actors are able to make the connection between situational goals of actions and the general objectives of the domain. FSM makes this connection explicit and thus enables analyses of resilience features in practices.

Practises of process control in digital control room: possibilities and threats

This paper introduces an interview study that was carried out in Finland in four conventional power plants. The aim of the work was to gather user experiences on the effects of control room modernisations and digital control room technology on operator work.

Evaluation of systems usability

Motivation -- Development of complex system interfaces can benefit, in addition to the traditional safety focused evaluation, also from a usability approach to evaluation of system performance. But as the users, the information system, and the controlled process constitute a complex system, the usability evaluation method needs to be extended to cover the systemic aspects of the activity under evaluation. Research approach -- The research approach is constructive. By following a control room modernisation case and by conducting evaluations, a method to be used in the evaluation is constructed. Findings -- A new construct: Systems Usability is introduced. Systems usability raises usability evaluation from analysing user tasks to the level of analysing user activity. A method to assess systems usability is outlined. Although the construct has been created in nuclear industry, it has relevance also with regard to other complex systems. Take away message -- In evaluating complex system user interfaces, such as e.g. in nuclear power plant main control rooms, the whole activity in which the new user interface is adopted needs to be considered.

Design of joint intelligent systems: the design field framework

Motivation -- Improvement of the exploitation of human factors in the design of intelligent environments. Research approach -- The study is a conceptual synthesis of empirical research on different complex and safety critical work. It also draws on lessons learned from human-computer interaction studies. Findings -- The results provide a diagnosis of design tensions that constrain present product design. Key concepts are articulated and a new design framework, the Design Field Framework (DFF), is presented. Research implications -- New practical problems must be found and empirical studies accomplished to validate the joint system concept and the DFF design approach. Originality -- The approach draws on the discussion on joint cognitive systems and provides a theory-based contribution to developing joint system design. Take away message -- Constructing adaptive human-technology-environment joint systems requires a dialogical design activity. It comprises of interrelated activities in qualitatively different design fields that are characterised by the identified new modes of design and types of knowledge.

A CORE TASK ANALYSIS BASED WORK SUPPORT AND TRAINING TOOL FOR CONTROL ENGINEERS

Abstract This paper presents a study in which a concept of a work support and training tool for control engineers was developed. The aim of the tool is to provide control engineers means for developing professional skills and to promote collaboration and sharing of knowledge among the community of engineers. First, an interview study was conducted to gain understanding of the characteristics and demands of control engineering work. After identifying user requirements the concept of the tool was defined. Finally, a prototype was implemented using web technologies and emerging standards of computer supported learning.

Developing a Human Factors Engineering Process for Control Room Upgrades

There is a lot of evidence that complex engineering projects do not always proceed as have been planned. One of the reasons is the lack of socio-technical systemic approach to systems design. The aim of this paper is to present a review of basic principles of HFE in the nuclear domain. Our findings and practical experiences suggest that there are several challenges for successful implementation of HFE work, such as the proper timing of HFE activities, the appropriate sharing of knowledge among designers, HFE experts, and management, and the integration of HFE into the systems engineering process. Some recommendations are offered for a more systematic application of HFE practices in the nuclear domain.