Graphic Equivalence, Graphic Explanations, and Embedded Process Modeling for Enhanced User-System Interaction

Usersystem interaction research has traveled many paths over the past two decades. Human factors research now stands along side of cognitive modeling and artificial intelligence as promising new ventures into enhanced user-computer performance. Some notions developed in the cognitive modeling and artificial intelligence communities are presented, along with three techniques that we believe hold promise for enhanced user-system interaction. The techniques include 1) graphic equivalence, 2) graphic explanations, and 3) embedded process modeling. Graphic equivalence refers to the use of split or dual screen hardware configurations that permit users to interact with graphic and alphanumeric screens and create equivalence on the other. Graphic explanations are those that permit users to see graphically the analytical components of system-and user-generated problem solutions, while embedded process modeling refers to a technique designed to help users know where they have been in the problem-solving process, where they are going in the process, and what the whole process looks like. The domain for testing the techniques is Army tactical planning at the Corps level.