Human System Interface Design and Operators Cognitive Strategies

ABSTRACT

This paper focuses on the influence of Human-System Interface (HSI) design on nuclear power operators’ actual work. During plant normal operation, operators’ work comprises activities like monitoring, the use of procedures, cooperation mechanisms, and cognitive strategies for problem solving and decision-making. The work is characterized by constant changes in the focus of attention and the dynamics of conflicting activities. This paper explores the relationships between the operators’ cognitive strategies and the constraints imposed by the HSI. The method employed for data collection was a field study during the operators’ actual work in the plant control room. Our findings show that the HSI introduces background noise in the plant operation that shapes actions and decisions made by the operators.