European conference on cognitive ergonomics

Cognitive ergonomics requires a proper framework for its successful implementation. By framework I mean the formation of an analytic structure required for the purpose of identifying the similarities and dissimilarities between the different cognitive processes. What it requires is for all the concepts and ideology of the cognitive ergonomics. Also, the development practices and the support required for it is needed for the framework in cognitive ergonomics.

Cognitive ergonomics focuses all its purpose on cognitive processes which include diagnosis, decision making and planning which one needs as an operator in modern industries. The main purpose except for carrying out different steps for a particular process includes enhancing of their performance. It includes design for human-machine interaction and HCI, making training programs, bring about increase in human reliability and development of systems in support for cognitive processes such as cognitive artifacts

Even the US department of Homeland Security is running its own cognitive ergonomic studies. Recently they investigated if US citizens were even aware of the five levels of threat condition warning system. The five levels are: (low: green; guarded: blue; elevated: yellow; high: orange; severe: red). Once the study was concluded it went one step further to see how the wording, warning statements and color combinations effected the individuals. As you can see this plays a large role when dealing in a emergency situation. The proper use of colors and words could avert major loss of life.

E-learning is a growing part of the education sector but this study goes on to explore the possibilities of high skill training using the E-learning model. A e-learning program was developed that included high skill situations and interactive experimental testing. The study found that unskilled workers were able to learn complex tasks using these methods and retained the information well enough to be a viable worker in the field despite lacking expensive more traditional training methods.

Virtual learning environments of the future will surely feature argument diagramming tools which aid in reasoning and the learning process. Focus groups will be allowed to present their agreements for discussion in a text dominated drawing environment. This will allow for easier shared constructive learning with clear thoughts and rebuttals. Discussions are clearer as each user is able to follow the diagrams of thought in each argument presented. It seems that organizing collaborative information is key to making a group think and learn as one.

Potential users of a cognitive tool and agronomist researchers were paired up in three groups and design ideas of the tool were laid out to see how the two sides would interact. After first prototypes of the tool were released to the users for a 2 week trial they all went back to the drawing board to see how they can make it better. The study was a success in showing how the whole process would morph and grow during such an episode and how the final product was used quite differently than originally planned.