A systematic evaluation of technological innovation: a case study of ship navigation

The increasing technological sophistication of ship navigation systems may significantly alter the skills, knowledge, and strategies involved in navigating large ships. Currently, no method has been developed to evaluate the consequences of introducing this technology. Without a systematic method to detect design flaws and training requirements, technology driven designs may degrade, rather than enhance, maritime safety. Many examples in other domains illustrate the dangers of technology driven innovations. To avoid these dangers the authors propose a systematic method, based on the operator function model (OFM) technique. This technique helps catalog differences between traditional systems and those augmented with devices such as electronic charts and collision avoidance systems. Using the OFM technique highlights the need for special training and design improvements. Specifically, this paper examines the cognitive demands of the collision avoidance task with and without advanced technological aids. In addition, the paper illustrates how such an analysis can help identify training and qualification requirements for CAS radars