Ecological interface design: Military C2 and computer network defense

Approximately 25 years ago the ecological interface design approach to developing decision making and problem solving support was formalized in the context of process control work domains. Here we review its sources of inspiration and its subsequent application to two alternative work domains: military command & control and computer network defense. The discussion is organized according to the analytical tools and principles of design that characterize the approach. A representative evaluation is summarized; these results illustrate the potential of this framework for improving overall human-machine system performance.