A Display Design and Evaluation Study Using Task Network Models

Two alternative instrumentations for a submarine, one including predictive information, are evaluated in a theoretical study. The analytical tools were a combination of the crossover model and task network models. Model validation is performed by subsequent experiments in a part task simulator. Average experimental results agree qualitatively with those of the theoretical study while excellent quantitative matching can be stated for the best experimental data. The predictor display turns out to be superior in all respects. Task network modeling is shown to be a powerful tool for the evaluation of manned systems in that it yields not only performance data but also estimates about operator work load.