Elaborating the frames of data-frame theory

As an explanation of sensemaking, data-frame theory has proven to be popular, influential and useful. Despite its strengths however, we propose some weaknesses in the way that the concept of a ‘frame’ could be interpreted. The weaknesses relate to a need to clearly contrast what we refer to as ‘generic’ vs. ‘situation-specific’ belief structures and the idea that multiple generic belief structures may be utilized in the construction of embedded situation-specific beliefs. Neither weakness is insurmountable, and we propose a model of sensemaking based on the idea of spreading activation through associative networks as a concept that provides a solution to this. We explore the application of this idea using the notion of activation to differentiate generic from situation specific beliefs

Task analysis for error identification: Theory, method and validation

This paper presents the underlying theory of Task Analysis for Error Identification. The aim is to illustrate the development of a method that has been proposed for the evaluation of prototypical designs from the perspective of predicting human error. The paper presents the method applied to representative examples. The methodology is considered in terms of the various validation studies that have been conducted, and is discussed in the light of a specific case study

Utilization survey of prototype structural test article

A survey was conducted of six aerospace companies and two NASA agencies to determine how prototype structural test articles are used in flight operations. The prototype structures are airframes and similar devices which are used for testing and generally are not flown. The survey indicated the following: (1) prototype test articles are not being discarded after development testing is complete, but are used for other purposes, (2) only two cases of prototypes being refurbished and flown were identified, (3) protective devices and inspection techniques are available to prevent or minimize test article damage, (4) substitute programs from design verification are availabel in lieu of using prototype structural articles, and (5) there is a trend away from dedicated test articles. Four options based on these study results were identified to reduce test and hardware costs without compromising reliability of the flight program

A resources model for distributed sensemaking

In the field of Naturalistic Decision Making, the Data-Frame Model (DFM) has proven to be a popular and useful way of thinking about sensemaking. DFM provides a parsimonious account of how ‘sensemakers’ interact with the data in their environment in order to make sense of what is happening. In this paper, however, we argue that it is useful to elaborate DFM in several ways. We begin by arguing for the idea of sensemaking as a quest for coherence, an idea that we see as entirely consistent with the DFM. We then present some examples of sensemaking studies and use these to motivate a Distributed Resources Model of Sensemaking. This model uses the notion of resources for action, as resources that can be flexibly drawn upon in both choosing courses of action and accounting for the actions of oneself and of others (as opposed to prescriptions or mechanisms that determine behaviour in any strict way). It describes resources involved in sensemaking in terms of three domains: Knowledge and Beliefs, Values and Goals, and Action. Knowledge and beliefs are concerned with how things are; Values and Goals are concerned with how things are desired to be; and Action provides the means for redressing the gap. Central to the model is the idea that these resources can be distributed across a cognitive work system across actors and representational media. Hence, it aims to provide a framework for analysing sensemaking as Distributed Cognition

WESTT (Workload, Error, Situational Awareness, Time and Teamwork): An analytical prototyping system for command and control

Modern developments in the use of information technology within command and control allow unprecedented scope for flexibility in the way teams deal with tasks. These developments, together with the increased recognition of the importance of knowledge management within teams present difficulties for the analyst in terms of evaluating the impacts of changes to task composition or team membership. In this paper an approach to this problem is presented that represents team behaviour in terms of three linked networks (representing task, social network structure and knowledge) within the integrative WESTT software tool. In addition, by automating analyses of workload and error based on the same data that generate the networks, WESTT allows the user to engage in the process of rapid and iterative “analytical prototyping”. For purposes of illustration an example of the use of this technique with regard to a simple tactical vignette is presented

Count three for wear able computers

This paper is a postprint of a paper submitted to and accepted for publication in the Proceedings of the IEE Eurowearable 2003 Conference, and is subject to Institution of Engineering and Technology Copyright. The copy of record is available at the IET Digital Library. A revised version of this paper was also published in Electronics Systems and Software, also subject to Institution of Engineering and Technology Copyright. The copy of record is also available at the IET Digital Library.A description of 'ubiquitous computer' is presented. Ubiquitous computers imply portable computers embedded into everyday objects, which would replace personal computers. Ubiquitous computers can be mapped into a three-tier scheme, differentiated by processor performance and flexibility of function. The power consumption of mobile devices is one of the most important design considerations. The size of a wearable system is often a design limitation

Using EuGeneCiD and EuGeneCiM computational tools for synthetic biology

Synthetic biology often relies on the design of genetic circuits, utilizing ‘‘bio parts’’ (modular DNA pieces) to accomplish desired responses to external stimuli. While such designs are usually intuited, detailed here is a computational approach to synthetic biology design and modeling using optimization-based tools named Eukaryotic Genetic Circuit Design and Modeling. These allow for designing and subsequent screening of genetic circuits to increase the chances of in vivo success and contribute to the development of an application development pipeline. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Schroeder, Baber, and Saha (2021)