Operative tests of a new system for train traffic control

Tomorrow's train traffic systems requires new strategies and solutions for efficient train traffic control and utilization of track capacity, especially in traffic systems with a high degree of deregulated and mixed traffic. There are many different goals associated with the traffic control tasks and the work of the traffic controllers (dispatchers). Examples are safety, efficiency of the traffic with regard to timeliness and energy consumption, good service and information to passengers and customers etc. Today's traffic control systems and user interfaces do not efficiently support such goals. In earlier research we have analyzed important aspects of the traffic controller's tasks, strategies, decision making, use of information and support systems etc. Based on this research we, together with Banverket (Swedish Rail Administration), have designed prototype systems and interfaces that better can meet future goals and contribute to more optimal use of infrastructure capacity

Generating Cross-domain Knowledge about Connecting Work Analysis and Interaction Design

Proceedings of Workshop at INTERACT 2013 – 14th IFIP TC13 Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, Cape Town, South Africa, September 201

'Video-View-Point' - Video analysis to reveal tacit indicators of student nurse competence

For over 30 years, the assessment of the clinical competence of student nurses has been the subject of much theoretical debate, yet the definition of criteria based on observable indicators of competence remains problematic. In practice, however, different assessors will judge and agree, relatively quickly, whether a student is competent or not; whether they have got ‘it’. Articulating what ‘it’ is, is difficult; although ‘it’ appears to be collectively, yet tacitly, understood. These judgements provide the key to the definition of competence. This research solves the dilemma of revealing and investigating these tacit understandings through the video analysis of students in simulated practice. The findings of four initial exploratory studies confirmed that competence is an example of tacitly understood behaviour and identified the limitations of traditional research methods in this context. The practical challenges of analysing video were highlighted, leading to the development of Video-View-Point to solve these problems and to reveal the tacitly understood behaviours. This innovative hybrid research method combines analysis of multiple ‘Think Aloud’ commentaries with the ability to ‘point’ at the subject of interest. The analysis is presented as a time-stamped multimedia dialectic, a visually simple yet sophisticated collage of data which reveals relevant behaviours, including those which are tacitly understood. A bespoke software tool (BigSister) was designed to facilitate the data collection, and was tested against the most similar commercially available technology, an eye tracker. The test of Video-View-Point successfully revealed four tacitly understood indicators of competence: communication, processing clinical information, being in the right place, and being proactive. Video-View-Point offers huge potential for behavioural analysis in other domains

Proceedings from NordiCHI 2008 Workshop Sunday October 19, 2008

This paper raises themes that are seen as some of the challenges facing the emerging practice and research field of Human Work Interaction Design. The paper has its offset in the discussions and writings that have been dominant within the IFIP Working Group on Human Work Interaction Design (name HWID) through the last two and half years since the commencement of this Working Group. The paper thus provides an introduction to the theory and empirical evidence that lie behind the combination of empirical work studies and interaction design. It also recommends key topics for future research in Human Work Interaction Design