Representing task information in expert systems design

A description is given of user-centred systems design techniques relevant to the development of knowledge-based systems. In particular, task elicitation and representation techniques are presented. It is argued that in addition to the specification of system and interface characteristics, task elicitation methods may be of value in acquiring domain knowledge, thus aiding the knowledge acquisition process. The techniques of task elicitation described were applied during the initial specification stage of a fault-diagnosis expert system developed for the electricity supply industry (ESI). Although the approach to systems design was later modified to a more conventional design approach, it is argued that the user-centred design techniques employed are nevertheless of value to the collection and representation of task information and system specification